What is a keepsake or sharing urn?

A keepsake urn is a smaller vessel designed to hold a portion of cremains rather than a full set. They're made for families who want to divide ashes between multiple people, keep a small amount at home while interring the rest, or create individual memorials for loved ones who live in different places.

How do you divide cremains between family members?

Cremains can be divided at any time — there's no legal restriction on splitting ashes in the United States. Most families do it at home using a small funnel and individual containers. Your cremation provider may also be able to divide the ashes before returning them if you ask in advance.

How much ash does a keepsake urn hold?

It varies by urn, but keepsake urns are generally designed to hold a symbolic portion — anywhere from a small pinch to a few tablespoons. If you need to hold a larger share of cremains, check the listed cubic inch capacity for each urn before ordering.

Can I have multiple keepsake urns for the same person?

Yes, and it's one of the most common reasons families choose them. Siblings, parents, and partners who live apart often each want something to keep close. There's no limit to how many keepsake urns you can have, and no right or wrong way to divide a loved one's ashes.

Do keepsake urns work for pets too?

Yes. Keepsake urns are a great option for families who want to share a pet's ashes, or for keeping a small portion while scattering the rest. Check the capacity of each urn to make sure it fits the amount you want to keep.

Are Boyce Studio keepsake urns made the same way as the full-size urns?

Yes — every urn in this collection is handcrafted in California from sustainably sourced solid wood, finished and made to the same standard as our larger pieces. They're designed to feel like a meaningful object, not an afterthought.

Cremation urns for dividing up cremains

As cremation becomes more popular, it is very common for family members to divide up cremains amongst family members. For this purpose, the small and medium urns work well. The small size holds 25 cubic inches of cremains, or about 2 cups. The medium holds 60-80 cubic inches. Custom sizes and materials are available, and you can request that your urns be made from the same piece of wood, so that they are “related”. No extra charge for this service, simply email us and let us know!

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Cremation urns for dividing up cremains

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