Bronze Urn FAQ's

Can I order and pay for an urn online?

Each urn design page gives you a form with which to place an order. After you place your request, a review page comes up so you can check your information. The button at the bottom of that page sends your information, your choices, and your comments to me. I will follow up shortly with any final questions and your shipping charges. When your choices are made, you will recieve an email from PayPal with arrangements to pay with your credit card. Nothing is final, until you make this payment. If you prefer to place your order by phone or by email you can do so. Checks through the mail are accepted, but will cause a delay of a week or more.

How big is the urn? Will the urn hold all the ashes? Are other sizes available?

The dimensions and cubic inches of each standard-size design are indicated on the respective information page. There are two standard sizes for each design. Measure the volume of ashes or consult with your funeral home about size. It is absolutely fine to use an urn that is larger than strictly necessary. To measure the volume of ashes: measure (in inches) the height of the ashes in a square container, multiply the height by the inner width, and multiply again by the inner depth (front to back dimension) - this will give you the volume in cubic inches (height x width x depth = volume)

If neither standard size is suitable, other sizes can be custom ordered. For custom sized urns contact David Orth.

The funeral home has its own urns. Can I use yours instead?

You do not have to buy the funeral home's urn. Funeral homes are legally obligated to use whatever urn you provide for them. In fact, please tell your funeral home about these urns. Perhaps, in the future, your funeral home will offer them as alternatives.

How is the urn opened for use?

The openings are hidden on the bottom of the urns. Turn the urn upside down. If necessary have someone help hold the urn for you. Remove the solid brass screws that hold the base plate in place. If you do not wish to transfer the ashes yourself, ask a friend or ask your funeral home to do this. See how it works here.

Return Policy?
All standard urns may be returned for any reason for a refund or exchange within the first 10 days. They must be in their original, new condition. In all cases, you are responsible to obtain return authorization by calling 815-943-4099. Shipping & handling costs cannot be refunded. Custom urns (including urns with inscriptions, custom sizes, and custom finishes) are not returnable.

Can you personalize the urn with an inscription?

A name and dates, or other short phrase can be inscribed directly into the bronze. Find more inscription details here.

Can I use the urn outdoors?

The urns can be placed outdoors, but be aware of the following issues. The protective lacquer over the patina could deteriorate after a year or two. If you intend to place the urn outdoors, let me know and I'll use a hard wax, instead of the lacquer, so that the color can evolve naturally in the elements. Patinas will change over time when exposed to the weather. The taller Watch Tower urn may be susceptible to high winds and is not recommended for outdoors.

In what ways can the urn be personalized or customized?

There are 4 custom options. Further information can be found on the links.
1. Custom Urn Size (contact David for size options)
2. Custom patina/finish (additional $250)
3. Inscription? ($2.00 per letter)
4. Hard wax finish for outdoor use (no extra charge)

How do I care for the urn?:

The urns are protected with a high quality lacquer, They do not require any special care. Urns that are intended for outdoor use and have been waxed, instead of lacquered, can be rewaxed from time to time, but it is not necessary to do so. Written instructions on care and use of urns, will be included with your order.

Can I trust this Internet purchase?

All the urns are personally handled by the artist. David Orth has been designing and crafting both furniture and ceremonial objects for over 30 years for a very demanding audience. Take a look at the references and other background information. Don't hesitate to place a personal call or to e-mail David with your concerns or questions.

What inspired you to make urns?

In 2001, a couple came to my studio needing two urns within one week - one for a mother, the other for a longtime friend. I will remember them for their interesting attitude of both grief for life passed and joyful celebration for life lived. They suggested that we do something 'seriously beautiful' to celebrate these two dear lives. They probably knew I was a sucker for anything they would put that way.

As I perused the internet to see what was out there, I was completely floored by what the public was asked to accept as memorials for their loved ones - boxy boxes, sentimental trinkets, stuffy funeral industry stuff, and, of course, plenty of dolphins, wolves, & golf clubs.

I really didn't know whether to laugh or cry. So I did what it is that I do. I reached for a pencil and paper. I wanted to make urns that were fresh - and timeless - both things. Something that spoke quietly of our love, sorrow, hope, and our need to carry on. Something intrinsically beautiful & noble. Something people would be pleased to have around even if there were no need for it.

When the two urns were completed, the couple returned to my studio - with the ashes. Right there on the time battered workbench, we lit a candle, briefly recalled each life, and transferred the ashes to their new homes. The simple role of contributing this one element for their personal process was deeply meaningful to me. For an artist, it doesn't get any better than that.