These are the most Frequently asked Questions about Rainbow Bridge Hearts and our process. Please scroll down to get the specific answer your looking for or read them all. I think you'll feel more comfortable if you do.
MUST READ: A quick review of the Memorials themselves.
The Hearts, Rounds and Starfish each weigh about 14oz. and are solid glass. They fit comfortably in the palm of an adult hand and each has a flat spot on the bottom ( or Back ) where they have removed the Memorial from the rod after Creation. The Rounds are slightly smaller than a Tennis Ball. This flat spot is where we stamp your personal ID mark and etch a name if you choose.
The Swirl of White you see in the Memorial pictures are the actual Ashes. Every pet's ( and person’s ) Ashes react and spread differently, giving your Pet the final say in the appearance of their completed Memorial.
The terms "Gold" and "Silver" are used in the color descriptions but they are not actual colors. They are the terms we use for the "Sparkle" effect in each piece. While the "Silver" is quite silver...the "Gold" can also reflect as Blue / Green / Gold . Please understand that if you order a color combination that contains "Gold" that you may get a fair amount of bluish green as well.
The Pendants are approximately 1 3/8" tall x 1 1/4" wide and they are NOW available in solid colors (No Patriot Blue or Red) Sadly we can’t mix colors but any single color is OK. There is no etching available for the Pendants as they do not have a distinctive front or back.
One more IMPORTANT thing to note: You will also be responsible for the actual shipping costs. It is required by law that Cremated Remains must be shipped via the USPS Express Mail with Signature Required. This is how we will ship your Memorials back home to you so please provide us a shipping address that will have someone that can sign.
How to place your Order:
After reading this “FAQ” page, and checking out the “Product Catalog” page, simply head to the “Order a Memorial” page and send us an email with the answer to the 3 simple questions in the “How to place your order” section.
Please Remember: Each Memorial is Hand crafted from 14 oz. of Solid Glass. Just like Snowflakes in Nature, no two Memorials will be exactly alike. The pictures you see on the Catalog Page and Facebook are EXAMPLES of our finished work. Your Memorial will be similar to, but not exactly the same as the pictures.
What's an Ashes Collection Kit ?
The Ashes Collection Kit is what I'll send you when you're ready to begin the process. ( Within the USA only ) The Ashes Collection Kit contains your Personalized Order Form, complete with your total cost as well as an "Authorization to Infuse" form which promises that your pet is yours.
The "Kit" also contains a Protective box, Special Metal Tin, ziploc pouch and measured scoop for obtaining just the right amount of "Fine" Ashes that we'll need to complete your treasure.
Finally, the Kit includes a Special "Signature Required" Padded Express Mail Envelope with a "Cremated Remains" Sticker which promises extra special care by the US Postal Service.
You simply need to review the information on the forms, place your Ashes in the ziploc pouch and then into the Tin and put everything back inside the protective box and Express Mail Envelope. Don't forget to place your Check or Select Credit Card billing on the Order form as directed.
Then, take it to the Post Office and they'll give you a copy of tracking number and receipt. PLEASE keep your copy of the tracking number.
How much Ashes do I need to send ?
We need you to send 1 Tablespoon of the Finest Ashes you can get for Each Memorial you request. So..two Memorials need 2 Tbsp, 3 Memorials need 3 Tbsp ....etc
We'll send you the Ashes Collection Kit. A special pre measured Ashes scoop is included in your Ashes Collection Kit.
We don't use all of the Ashes you send us but we need a little extra so we can sift them to allow them to spread nicely in the Memorial. We return any unused Ashes with your completed Memorial.
SPECIAL NOTE: If you don't have your Ashes back yet from the Cremation Facility or your Vet, or you simply DON'T feel comfortable removing the Ashes or opening the Urn, PLEASE request they separate the 1 Tablespoon of Fine Ashes into a Ziploc pouch for you. They are happy to do this at no charge and doing this yourself at home can be very difficult from an emotional standpoint.
Can I choose ANY colors I want?
You may choose any of the colors you see on the Catalog page AND you may combine up to 3 colors from our selections in your Memorial. If you don't see the color combination you want on the catalog page, just ask me and I'll see what we can do. Remember, you can ONLY use colors that we have on the catalog page. If you don't see the color you want, sadly we don't have it available.
What are the "Optional Pieces" and do I want them ?
The "Optional Pieces" are the pieces that are NOT included in the price of the Memorial. Here is a simple breakdown of the Optional Pieces by the shape of Memorial you choose:
If you choose a HEART , the Options are: A clear Plexi Heart stand that will allow your Heart to stand upright ( $4.45 ) and an L.E.D. Lighted Base ( $15 ) that your Heart and Heart stand can sit on and be illuminated at night.
If you choose a ROUND, because it has a flat spot on the bottom and can stand on it's own, the only Option is the L.E.D. Lighted base. ( $15 )
If you choose a STARFISH, please know, the Points of the Starfish hang out over the edge our current lighted base. Although it still beautifully lights up the Starfish, there is a possibility that it could slide off the lighted base if it does not have a STARFISH Stand. ( $4.45 ) Please use at your own risk.
The L.E.D. Lighted base has an ON / OFF switch and can be powered by one of THREE ways. You can use 3AAA batteries, ( NOT INCLUDED ) you can plug it into the wall outlet ( it has a 4-5ft long power cord ) or you can use a USB port on your computer or laptop.
The Base itself is about the size of a Hockey Puck and is black with a mirrored top. You can see them in action in the photos below.
Do you want them or need them ? That is totally up to you but, we do recommend the Stands to display the Hearts and Starfish in a standing position. As for the Lighted Bases, they really make the pieces come alive at night, casting a beautiful light and magical shadows. We recommend them if you are planning to display your Memorial in a location that could use some extra light. They help make the colors really pop.
Do you also Create Memorials from People's Ashes ?
Yes! We create the SAME Amazing works of art for our two legged friends and family members .
If you would like to have me Create BOTH your HUMAN & PET Memorials for you, I'd be honored to do so right here at Rainbow Bridge Hearts. Our Solid Glass memorials for Four Legged family members are exactly the same as for our Two legged friends. We use the same careful, caring and consistent creation procedures for both.
We can also combine both People and Pets into a Memorial for you.
Once you've worked with us here at Rainbow Bridge Hearts you've become part of our Family. We want you to continue to have the same trusting experience for any of your future Memorial needs.
SPECIAL NOTE: If you don't have your Ashes back yet from the Cremation Facility or your Vet, or you simply DON'T feel comfortable removing the Ashes or opening the Urn, PLEASE request they separate the 1 Tablespoon of Fine Ashes into a Ziploc pouch for you. They are happy to do this at no charge and doing this yourself at home can be very difficult from an emotional standpoint.
Can I Combine Ashes from more than one Pet ( or Person ) ?
Yes! We'd be honored to have your babies, be they two or four legged, together, forever. There is no extra charge for this. We still require a Tablespoon of "Combined" Ashes for each memorial you would like us to create. Just remember, if you'll want an inscription, there's not much room for everyone :)
Do we ship to other countries ?
Yes, if your country allows the shipment of Pet Ashes by Mail. Please contact me by email and I'll let you know the current information for your Country. We are not allowed to send Ashes by ANY other means of transportation. ie: NO FEDEX, UPS , DHL etc...we can only ship by the US Postal Service Express Mail with signature required. Clients are responsible for the shipping costs 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 Names or Nicknames on the Memorials ?
Yes ! There is a flat spot on the reverse of each Memorial where the Glass has been separated from the rod after creation. This is 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 for this and it is done with love by hand and in cursive. Below is an example with an added "Paw Print".
What do they Cost & How do I pay ?
The price for either a Heart, Round or Starfish Memorial is $185 plus shipping. The price for a Pendant is $195 plus shipping. There are large discounts for multiple Memorials. Please see the "Order a Memorial" page for the details.
There is a spot on the order form for you to either attach your payment or note that you would like me to email you an Invoice for Credit Card Payment. If you choose to pay by Credit Card, we will send a seperate email where you simply click on the link that says "View and Pay"
I accept and prefer Checks or Postal Money Orders payable to: Rainbow Bridge Hearts which you can return with your collection kit.
I also accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card and American Express. (sadly no Pay Pal)
Our practice is to cash checks or request payment for charge cards a few days before your Memorial has been created. If you'd rather we take the payment right away, please let us know and we’ll email you your online invoice.
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. It may take slightly longer for Pendants, depending on the timing. All Memorials are created on a First Kit Returned basis to be completely fair to everyone. Please remembered that each of the Memorials are lovingly created by hand by our team of compassionate and highly skilled artists. They are limited in the number they can create and the full creation process itself takes 5 days to complete. We are currently creating over 300 Memorials per month and I can't thank you all enough for your patience and understanding during the process.
What if we don't have Ashes...Can you 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 process and costs are the same and complimentary inscriptions are also available.
What makes the "Sparkle" in your Memorials?
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 "Sparkle" 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 I View My Memorial Being Created?
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, 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 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.
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’ve chosen 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.
What is the "Rainbow Bridge" ?
The Rainbow Bridge is a Magical Place where "ALL" animals go to wait for their Humans to collect them and continue on their journey together. It is inspired by an Ancient Norse tale as told below...It's our inspiration each and every day.
Norse Legend of the Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing;
they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...
Thank-you for trusting your loved ones to our team and we promise to treat them with care and compassion.
Hugs for your loss,
Rich , Erin and the entire team at Rainbow Bridge Hearts