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Cremation Education

With cremations on the rise, not only in the US, but worldwide, it is quite easy to understand how many new people develop questions.  

Cremations as a percentage of deaths is forecasted to top 36% by the year 2010.  In this section of our site, we hope to provide you with answers to basic questions, as well as interesting  and helpful links.

Unbiased report on today's funeral expenses

 

	Other Helpful Links...
	Cremation Explained (pdf)
	Cremation Explained (html)
	Cremation Is Not the End...
	Funeral and Memorial Practices in a New Era
	History of Cremation
	What You Should Know About Cremation
	Cremation Info from NFDA

At the time of cremation, the deceased is placed in a cremation container (if required by state law), and then into the cremation chamber. This process usually takes 2 to 3 hours, and is overseen by licensed and trained staff.

Once the cremation process is complete, the cremated remains are removed from the chamber.  Any foreign material, such as metal from bridgework or prosthetic devises, are removed and typically discarded or returned to the family at their request.

The cremated remains are then processed to a consistent size and shape and placed into the cremation urn selected by the family. If an urn is not selected, then the cremated remains are usually returned in a cardboard or plastic temporary container until an urn is selected.

The cremated remains are then returned to the family or delivered by a trained staff member to a cemetery or other final destination.

The procedure necessary to create a LifeGem diamond is exactly the same as above; however, eight (8) ounces is put aside to be sent to our facility to begin the LifeGem diamond creation process.

As the body returns to its essential elements during the cremation process, it passes through a "carbon phase".  This carbon has always been present, but until now thought of as unnecessary.  In fact, in the past, most cremation operators have taken extra care to remove as much of the carbon as possible from the resulting remains.  The underlying thought was to return the remains to the family as "white" as possible.  Remember, at the time this thought process was prevalent, no one ever dreamed that the carbon would play such an important role in memorialization of a families loved one.

If you have lost someone in the past, the most important thing to know is that we CAN create a LifeGem from previously existing remains from many, many years ago.  Carbon that exists in your loved ones remains will be accessible for a very long time.  If you have just lost a loved one, your loved one can be cremated at one of our certified facilities across the nation, or at facility of your choice.  Please contact us and we will direct the location of your choice on how to properly proceed. We can train the funeral home and cremation operators quickly, so your family will not experience any additional stress or concern.  You do NOT need to send the deceased to our location in Chicago.

As always, your loved one's remains are handled with only the utmost care and respect.

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