Questions & Answers

Please read…

About Our Memorials

Our Hearts, Rounds, Starfish, and NEW Paw Print Memorials are crafted from solid glass, each weighing approximately 14–16 ounces. These pieces are designed to fit comfortably in the palm of an adult hand, with the Round being slightly smaller than a tennis ball.

Each memorial has a flat spot on the bottom (or back), where the piece is removed from the rod during creation. This spot is where we stamp your personal ID mark into the glass while it’s still hot. You also have the option to add a short sentiment or symbol, creating an extra-special personal touch.

The delicate white swirl you see in our memorials is created by your loved one’s ashes. Every pet’s (or person’s) ashes react uniquely, spreading differently in the glass, allowing your loved one to have the final say in the appearance of their memorial.

Color Descriptions
The terms “Gold” and “Silver” in our color descriptions refer to the dichroic sparkle effect in each piece, rather than the actual colors. While "Silver" appears true to its name, "Gold" often reflects a multicolored rainbow effect, which may include shades of blue or green. If you select a color combination with "Gold," please expect some variation in these tones.

Pendants
Our pendants are approximately 1 3/8" tall by 1 1/4" wide and are available in solid colors (except Patriot Blue or Red). While we can’t mix colors, any single color is an option. Please note that pendants do not have a distinctive front or back, so etching is not available for these pieces.

Important Shipping Information
By law, cremated remains must be shipped via USPS Express Mail with a signature required. This is how we will return your memorials to you. Please provide a shipping address where someone will be available to sign for the package.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. We are honored to help you create a meaningful remembrance for your loved one. Sending hugs and heartfelt condolences for your loss.

Warm regards,
Erin & Rich

How do I place my order

Request Your FREE Ashes Collection Kit

To request your free ashes collection kit, simply email us at rainbowbridgehearts@gmail.com.

Please include the following details:

  • Your full name and shipping address.

  • Your loved one’s name. Once we’ve started our email conversation, we’d love for you to share a few photos, if possible. Seeing the beautiful faces behind our creations helps us feel connected to your loved ones.

  • Shape and color preferences that best represent your loved one, along with your choice of Silver or Rainbow Gold dichroic glass sparkles.

  • Any optional items you’d like to include, such as stands, lighted bases, or gift certificates.

If you’re still deciding, no problem! Email us with your thoughts or ideas, and we’ll be happy to help you design the perfect memorial to cherish forever.

What’s an Ashes Collection Kit?

The Ashes Collection Kit includes everything you need to safely and securely send us your loved one’s ashes for their custom memorial.

What’s Inside the Kit?

  1. Personalized Order Form

    • Includes your memorial options and an "Authorization to Infuse" pledge. This ensures that all steps have been taken to confirm the ashes are yours and grants us permission to use them in creating your memorial.

  2. Protective Packaging

    • A sturdy box, metal tin, Ziploc pouch, and a pre-measured scoop to provide just the right amount of fine ashes needed for your piece.

  3. Shipping Materials

    • A special padded USPS Express Mail envelope with a "Cremated Remains" sticker for extra care during transit. This envelope is "Signature Required" to ensure safe delivery.

How to Use the Kit

  • Review the Forms: Double-check all information for accuracy and sign where needed.

  • Prepare the Ashes: Place the ashes in the provided Ziploc pouch, then into the metal tin, and return everything to the protective box.

  • Package for Shipping: Place the box inside the Express Mail envelope for added safety during travel.

  • Payment & Etching Request: Include your check or credit card payment details on the order form, along with your complimentary etching request.

Sending Your Kit Back
Take your package to the Post Office and ensure you receive a receipt with a tracking number. This allows you to monitor your loved one’s journey to us.

What Happens Next?
Once we receive your package, we’ll confirm its safe arrival and let you know the date of your loved one’s special creation day.

We are honored to be part of this meaningful process and will handle your loved one with the utmost care.

How Much Ashes Do I Need to Send?

We request that you send 1 tablespoon of the finest ashes for each memorial you order. For example, if you’re requesting two memorials, please send 2 tablespoons, for three memorials, 3 tablespoons, and so on.

A pre-measured ashes scoop will be included in your Ashes Collection Kit to help with this.

We don’t use all of the ashes you send us, but we ask for a little extra to ensure we can sift them properly for an even distribution in the memorial. Any unused ashes will be returned to you along with your completed memorial, unless you request that we do not return them.

Special Note:
If you haven’t received your ashes yet from the cremation facility or your vet, or if you’re uncomfortable handling the ashes yourself, please ask them to separate 1 tablespoon of fine ashes into a Ziploc pouch for you. They are typically happy to do this at no extra charge, and it can be emotionally difficult to manage the process at home.

Can We Choose Any Colors We Want, and How Many Colors Can Be Added?

You can combine up to three colors from our selection for your memorial. If you don’t see your desired color combination in the portfolio or catalog, please feel free to ask—we’re happy to work with you to create the perfect color combination.

Please note that some colors may not blend well when combined together. If you have a specific combination in mind, let us know, and we can send you a picture of how that combination might look.

Optional Pieces: What Are They and Do You Need Them?

The "Optional Pieces" are additional items that can be purchased to complement your Memorial. Below is a simple breakdown of the available options based on the shape of the Memorial you select:

Heart, Starfish, or Paw Print Memorials

  • Clear Plexiglass Stand ($4.45): This stand allows your Memorial to stand upright for display.

  • L.E.D. Lighted Base ($15): This base illuminates your Memorial at night, creating a warm and glowing tribute. Note: The Plexiglass stand is required if you wish to use the lighted base.

Round Memorials

  • L.E.D. Lighted Base ($15): Since Round Memorials have a flat bottom and can stand on their own, the lighted base is the only optional piece available for this shape.

About the L.E.D. Lighted Base

The L.E.D. Lighted Base features an ON/OFF switch and can be powered in three ways:

  1. 3 AAA Batteries (not included).

  2. Wall Outlet: Comes with a 4-5 ft power cord.

  3. USB Port: Can be plugged into a computer or laptop.

The base is approximately the size of a hockey puck, with a sleek black exterior and a mirrored top.

Do You Want or Need These Optional Pieces?

The decision is entirely up to you. Here are some considerations:

  • Stands: We recommend the clear Plexiglass stands for Heart, Starfish, and Paw Print Memorials to display them in an upright position.

  • Lighted Bases: These bases enhance the beauty of your Memorial, especially at night, and can provide a comforting presence during moments when you may feel the absence of your loved one most deeply.

Creating Memorials for Your Dearly Departed of the Human variety

Yes, we lovingly create the same beautiful works of art to honor our human friends and family members as we do for pets.

If you would like us to craft a Human Memorial, we would be deeply honored to assist you here at Rainbow Bridge Hearts. All of our Solid Glass Memorials are made with the same careful, caring, and consistent procedures, whether they are for humans or pets.

Combined Memorials

We can also create combined Memorials that include both people and pets, if desired, to celebrate the bond you shared.

Our Commitment to You

Once you work with us at Rainbow Bridge Hearts, you become part of our family. It’s incredibly important to us that you continue to have a trusting and positive experience for all your Memorial needs.

Special Note: Preparing Ashes

If you decide to order a Memorial, we recommend contacting your Cremation Facility or Veterinarian to ask them to lovingly separate 1 tablespoon of fine ashes for each Memorial into a Ziploc pouch. They are generally happy to do this at no charge. This step can be emotionally challenging, and we strongly advise against attempting it yourself at home.

Combining Ashes from Multiple Pets into a Single Memorial

Yes, we would be honored to create a Memorial that brings your beloved pets together forever. This special service is provided at no extra charge, as we understand how important it is for families to cherish the memories of multiple pets they’ve loved over the years.

What You Need to Know

  • We require 1 tablespoon of combined ashes for each Memorial you would like us to create.

  • If you’d like an inscription, please note that space is limited. Short sentiments, initials, or other concise text may be necessary to accommodate everyone.

We’re here to help you create a lasting tribute to the bond you shared with your furry family members.

Do you ship to other countries

Yes, as long as your country allows the shipment of cremated remains in and out. Please contact us by email to obtain the current information for your Country. US Federal law requires all shipments of cremated remains to be shipped via US Postal Service Express Mail with signature required. Clients are responsible for the shipping costs and duties for both directions on all International orders. PLEASE include a copy of the Death Certificate or Cremation Certificate with all International orders, for customs.

Do you engrave the memorials and what does that cost

Yes! There is a flat spot on the back/bottom of each Memorial where the Glass has been separated from the rod after creation. This is also where we place your individual identification mark. There is enough room for our inscription artist to engrave ONE, TWO or sometimes THREE short words. There is NO charge and is lovingly hand engraved in cursive.

What are the costs

The price for either a Heart, Round, Starfish or Paw Print Memorial is $185 plus shipping. Each Memorial added after the first one will be only $155. The price for a Pendant is $195 plus shipping.

Special offer ~ $30 off the price of a larger memorial when purchasing a pendant on the same order.

How long does the process take

Currently we are looking at about 4-6 weeks from the day we receive the Collection kit back from you with a slightly longer wait for Pendants,

If we don’t have ashes, can we use hair or name tags etc…

Sadly, no. We realize that many clients have chosen burial for their loved ones and have kept some of the Hair as a keepsake. This Hair will simply vaporize when we touch it to the 2300 degree molten glass used in our Creation Process. Our creation process does not allow us to include any foreign objects other than Ashes in our Memorials. 

We can and do create Memorials without using Ashes. The loving process and costs are the same and complimentary inscriptions are also available.

What makes the sparkle

The "Sparkle" effect is created by the addition of two shades of Dichroic Glass. We add the Dichroic by default to each Memorial unless you request us not to. The two shades we've chosen are "Gold" which reflects in a Gold, Blue, Green color depending on the lighting, and Silver which reflects primarily with a Silver or "rainbow" effect. We've chosen which Dichroic looks best with our color options but we also understand that you may want the "other" color or NO Dichroic at all and we'll do our very best to create your Memorial just the way you'd like it.

Can we watch the process in person or on the web

We'd love to have you share in the viewing of your creation being made by our team!  Our Studios are located on Whidbey Island and all of our viewings are informal. 

Due to time restrictions and so that we can allow you the time you need to video your creation, we only do viewing creations every other Friday between 10 AM and noon and by appointment only.  Viewings fill up quickly and are extremely limited in number. so please plan ahead.  

Feel free to bring your camera or cell phone and be sure your battery is charged :) We are not available to take pictures or shoot video for you. Everyone is busy and each plays a vital role in the process. Thank-you for understanding.

The actual viewing process itself takes about 15 minutes but you should plan on being at the studio for about an hour or so as we do’nt rush any of the viewings.

Please know that you are welcome to bring your Ashes with you on creation day and I will separate and sift them for you just prior to creation. I will need to know the Colors, Shape and number of Memorials you'd like prior to the date; along with any etching request.

Finally, you will NOT be able to take your Memorials home with you on creation day. It takes about a week before they have completed our quality control process.

If you'd like to set up a viewing appointment, please email me  ( RainbowBridgeHearts@gmail.com ) and we'll get things set up

What if we chose aquamation instead of cremation

The process of Aquamation will not make a difference in the final results of your Memorial. Both Aquamation and Cremation work well using our process.

Did we miss anything?

please email us with any questions we missed. we’re happy to help make this the easiest process ever. rainbowbridgehearts@gmail.com