The choice of cremation is fast becoming the preferred and modern method of disposition, but It hasn't always been that way though. For thousands of years, ancient civilizations banned cremation due to religious conflicts. Although history has now modified itself, the disposition choice is still shunned in many circles despite mounting concerns that ground burials are not only harmful to the environment, but are becoming too expensive with burial costs easily approaching $10,000.

So today, cremation is rising in popularity.In fact, recent data indicates that more than 35% of Americans who are making funeral plans are now choosing cremation, and that number is on the rise. And as it gains in popularity, the memorials to keep the ashes of loved ones are being created on an artistic level never seen before.

For example, there's stunning handmade cremation jewelry that's carefully crafted using white or yellow gold, sterling silver, bronze, pewter and hand blown glass to create bracelets, necklaces, pendants and contemporary art pieces that could easily find a home in an expensive high street boutique or art gallery. Best of all, when the ashes are incorporated into these keepsake memorials, they transform into a sparkling white color and the results are simply spectacular.

Of course, cremation urns made from wood are another option and the designs are not the ones most of us remember from yesteryear. Thanks to the return of the rare and masterly craft of woodcarving, wooden urns have come alive in sophisticated and unique designs.Made typically from single blocks of solid Oak, Cherry, Walnut and Maple wood, the woodcarver must work with the grain of the wood which means no two urns are exactly alike. The results are really breathtaking and range from religious themes to traditional ones to amazing personalized contemporary sculptures to urns that capture our loved ones interests and hobbies in three dimensions with scenes like walks on the beach; sailing; nature strolls; Sunday drives; and sports like surfing, basketball, football and fishing to name only a few.

With cremation now a viable choice when making funeral arrangements, it seems only fitting that the choices to honor and pay tribute to loved ones is keeping pace with limitless options of jewelry and urns. Yes, cremation is certainly hot but more important than the trend is simply that it offers another way for us to eternally say goodbye.