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Hourglass and Sand Timer Kit OR Urn FAQ

What's Included:

  • Frame pieces for hourglass
  • Glass globe:
    • Empty globe (less accurate with larger center hole to accommodate most types of sand or cremains)  OR
    • Globe with tan sand included  (only available with Signature Collection hourglasses - product numbers that start with TWG)
  • Assembly Instructions
  • Epoxy and metal cap for sealing the glass globe once filled.
What's NOT Included:
  • Wood glue needed for frame (not necessary for all of them)
  • Funnel (included with select kits)
  • Sand and containers (except some Signature Collection and sand ceremony package hourglasses)

Are your fillable hourglasses working hourglasses or for decorative use only?

Yes they are all working hourglasses. Once your hourglass is filled and fully assembled you will be able to turn it over as many times as you like and the sand or cremains will not leak from the globe. Note, both sand and cremains may need to be sieved to remove large or irregular pieces.

How long before I receive my hourglass?
Most of our fillable hourglasses are made when ordered. They generally arrive in about 2-3 weeks, a little longer when engraving is added. A few others ship within 2 business days and arrive in 2-7 business days with the included shipping method.  Add a week to 10 days for engraving. The individual product pages will tell you estimated ship times.

How do I fill the hourglass?
For your wedding ceremony we recommend you partially assemble your hourglass frame and insert the glass globe with the open end up (instructions are included in your package). During the ceremony you will add sand to the globe. See examples here.

For the urn hourglasses we recommend sieving the cremains and then fashioning a funnel out of paper. It allows you to make the opening small enough to fit in the hole and the mouth large enough to add the cremains. You may also need to mix some sand in with the cremains to help them flow as ashes are very light.

What’s the difference between the empty globe and globe with sand?   Both options can be used in a sand ceremony for a wedding.  The empty globe has a larger center hole to accommodate most types of sand (or cremains in the case of urn hourglasses) so it runs fast. This is the option customers choose when they want to add their own sand, i.e. two different colors. The globe with sand (only available with Signature Collection hourglasses) comes with the tan sand you see pictured and no other colors are available unless you special order. It's also the only sand you may use in the globe during your sand ceremony as if you try to mix it with your own sand it will not flow.  Customers who want an accurate hourglass once the sand ceremony is done choose this option.

Do you sell sand?
Yes we have a selection of colors now available for purchase for use in your empty globe.  Click here if you wish to see them

Where can I buy other colors of sand and will any sand work?

There are numerous websites dedicated to selling sand for sand ceremonies.* Also hobby stores such Hobby Lobby usually have colored sand. We have found most sand will flow through our globes unless the grains are large or if the sand has glitter in it. With any sand you use we recommend you test it to make sure it flows properly from one end to the other before you seal your globe and sieve the sand if necessary to remove any large or irregular pieces. A fine sieve or paint straining cloth works well for this purpose. If you using sand from a beach make sure it's completely dry and more/finer sieving will most likely be necessary.

*customers have reported issues with Michael's Unity Sand and sandsationalsparkle.com so we do not recommend using their sand

Are the kits accurate?
If you choose the globe with tan sand option available with our Signature Collection hourglasses, yes they are accurate. The empty globe is designed with a larger center hole to accommodate most sand so it runs fast (usually 1-25 minutes depending on your sand and the hourglass).

How much sand do I need to add to the empty globe?
That’s up to you. The empty globe option is not accurate so how full or empty you want the globe to be is an aesthetic choice. In general the 4x6 size holds about 1/4 cup and the 6x10 size holds about 1/2 cup, 8x12 size about 1 cup. For customers using the kit during their wedding we suggest you test your sand prior to the ceremony to make sure it flows properly.

Can I use the hourglass as an urn?

Hourglasses are becoming a pleasing choice for use as an urn. We have globes made especially for this purpose (larger center holes to allow the ashes to flow more freely) and if you click here you can see your choices.  Please contact us at cs@justhourglasses.com if you have any special requests for material other than sand or ashes and we will try to accommodate you. Please note depending on the amount of cremains you have the hourglass you choose may not be able to hold all of them.

Can I personalize the hourglass and if so what is the cost?
Yes the hourglasses can be engraved and the cost depends on the option you choose (plate or laser engraving) and the length/complexity of the engraving. In general the plate options are $20-$36 and the wood engraving is $35-$50. Please fill out the "click to personalize with engraving" on the product page or send us an email at cs@justhourglasses.com with exactly what you want engraved and we can get back to you with an accurate quote.

What is the size of the opening of the hourglass and do you sell funnels?
The opening is approximately ¼” to 1/2"  in diameter on most of them and no we do not sell funnels (for some hourglasses a funnel is included and is indicated on the product page). Because of the small hole size it can be difficult to find a funnel small enough to fit in the hole but still have a wide mouth. Some of our customers have found it easier to fashion one. Click here for some ideas!

How do I assemble my hourglass?
Your kit will come disassembled - end caps, spindles and glass globe - with instructions on how to put it together. Some are held together with screws, others will require wood glue. You will partially assemble the hourglass, set the globe inside the frame (make sure to support it) and it's ready to fill.  Once the hourglass is filled you will seal the globe with the included metal cap and epoxy, let set for 24 hours and then attach the 2nd endcap. Very easy.

Do you sell any other hourglasses that can be ordered in kit form?
No, all of our other hourglasses outside the ones on our "Empty hourglasses You Fill" page are mass manufactured with enclosed globes so it's not possible to add sand to them.

May I add material other than sand to my kit?
It depends on the consistency of the material.  Weight and size determines what will flow.  Some customers have requested hourglasses for their loved one's remains.  We have hourglasses designed specifically for that purpose and if you search for "urn" in the search box your options will be displayed.