Hourglass and Sand Timer Fillable Kit OR Urn FAQ

What's Included

  • Hourglass frame pieces
  • Empty glass globe
  • Metal sealing cap
  • Epoxy for permanently sealing the globe after filling

Not Included

  • Wood glue (required for some models)
  • Funnel (included with select kits only)
  • Sand or cremains (except select Signature Collection hourglasses and sand ceremony packages)

Are your fillable hourglasses functional or decorative?

All of our fillable hourglasses are fully functional.

Once the globe has been filled, sealed, and assembled, it can be turned over repeatedly without leaking.

For the best performance:

  • Sieve sand or cremains to remove large or irregular particles.
  • Beach sand should always be completely dry and thoroughly sieved before use.
  • Test your material before permanently sealing the globe.

How long will it take to receive my hourglass?

Most fillable hourglasses are handcrafted after your order is placed.

  • Standard production: approximately 2 days – 2 weeks
  • Add 1–2 weeks for engraving, depending on the design.
  • Some models ship within 1 business day and typically arrive within 2–7 business days with our included shipping method.

Estimated shipping times are listed on each individual product page.

Can I use an hourglass as an urn?

Yes.

We offer urn hourglasses designed specifically for cremains. These feature larger center openings to allow ashes to flow more freely.

Please note:

  • The amount of cremains an hourglass can hold varies by size.
  • Depending on the volume of cremains, a single hourglass may not hold all of them.

If you have questions about using another material, please contact us at cs@justhourglasses.com.

How do I fill the hourglass?

Wedding Sand Ceremony

We recommend partially assembling the frame before your ceremony.

  1. Remove one endcap from the frame, exposing the globe
  2. Insert the empty globe with the opening facing upward.
  3. During the ceremony, pour your sand into the globe.
  4. Afterward, seal the globe with the included epoxy and metal cap, allow it to cure for 24 hours, then complete assembly.

Instructions are included with every kit.

Urn Hourglasses

For cremains, we recommend:

  • Sieving the cremains first.
  • Making a small paper funnel that fits the opening.
  • Mixing in a small amount of fine sand if needed to improve flow.

Do you sell sand?

Yes! We offer a variety of colored sands specifically selected for our fillable hourglasses.

Click here to view our available colors

Can I use any sand?

Most fine, dry sand will work well.

We recommend:

  • Testing your sand before sealing the globe.
  • Sieving to remove large or irregular grains.
  • Ensuring the sand is completely dry.

If using beach sand, additional sieving is usually necessary.

Avoid introducing moisture into the globe, as damp sand may not flow properly.

Sands we do not recommend

Based on customer feedback, we do not recommend:

  • Michael's Unity Sand
  • Sandsationalsparkle.com sand

Are the hourglasses accurate timers?

If you purchase a Signature Collection hourglass with our pre-filled tan sand option, the timer is calibrated and accurate.

Empty fillable globes are intentionally made with a larger opening so they will accommodate a variety of materials. Because every sand type flows differently, empty globes are not designed to keep accurate time.

Flow times typically range from 1–10 minutes, depending on the material used and size of the globe.

How much sand will the globe hold?

The amount you add is entirely your choice.

Approximate capacities are:

  • 4 × 6 inch: about ¼ cup
  • 6 × 10 inch: about ½ cup
  • 8 × 12 inch: about 1 cup

For wedding ceremonies, we recommend testing your sand before the event to ensure it flows properly.

Can I personalize my hourglass?

Yes.

We offer both engraved plates and laser engraving/glass etching.

Typical pricing:

  • Engraved plates: $20–$36
  • Laser engraving/glass etching: $35–$65

Pricing depends on the size and complexity of your engraving.

Simply select "Click to Personalize with Engraving" on the product page or email cs@justhourglasses.com with your requested wording for a quote.

What size is the opening?

Most fillable hourglasses have an opening between ¼ inch and ½ inch in diameter.

We do not currently sell funnels separately, although some kits include one.

Many customers find that a homemade paper funnel works best because it can be customized to fit the opening.

Click here for funnel ideas.

How do I assemble my hourglass?

Each hourglass includes detailed instructions, some come fully assembled, some may require some assembly and wood glue (Signature Collection).

Assembly is simple:

  1. Partially assemble the frame (essentially assembled with one end removed)
  2. Insert the glass globe.
  3. Fill the globe.
  4. Seal the globe using the included epoxy and metal cap.
  5. Allow the epoxy to cure for 24 hours.
  6. Attach the remaining end cap.

Do you sell other hourglass kits?

No.

Only the hourglasses found in our "Empty/Fillable" collection are available as kits.

Our other hourglasses are factory assembled with permanently enclosed glass and cannot be opened for filling. Note the product page descriptions will indicate the fillable ones come with empty globes.

Can I fill my hourglass with something other than sand?

Possibly.

Whether a material will work depends on its particle size, weight, and consistency.

Many customers use our urn hourglasses for cremains, which are specifically designed for that purpose.

If you would like to use another material, please contact us before ordering and we'll be happy to advise whether it is suitable.

 

Â