An urn on the mantel is always a respectful, tasteful option. But cremains can also be used in paintings, packed into fireworks, molded into Frisbees, shot into space, mixed in with comic-book ink and scattered from mountain tops.

Here are other novel options for a loved one's cremains.

Eternal Reefs. Mixes cremains with environmentally safe concrete to make artificial reefs that are deposited in the ocean. Prices range from $1,000 for a Community Reef, in which individual cremains are mixed together, to $5,000 for Atlantis, a 4-by-6-foot individual reef. Pet reefs also are available from $400 to $500. Prices do not include cremation costs. Go to www.eternalreefs.com.

LifeGem. Creates man-made diamonds from the carbon in cremains. Prices range from $2,500 to $14,000. Price of cremation and ring setting not included. Go to www.lifegem.com.

Thumbies and lockets. Three-dimensional thumbprints of the deceased that can be turned into necklaces, charms and key chains. D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes in Fort Wayne, Ind., charges several hundred dollars for this service. Go to www.mccombandsons.com to contact the firm. Also find Thumbies at www.goldthumbprints.com.

Cremains also can be placed in lockets and other forms of jewelry for about the same price. Seattle-area funeral-home directors say apportionment of cremains is common.

Wind chimes, birdbaths and sundials. A small part of cremains are put in these garden objects. Prices vary but usually range between $200 for chimes and $800 for a birdbath. Most local funeral homes now offer this option.

Times staffer J.J. Jensen contributed to this report.