Update: My son was able to get the lid open. Imagine our horror to discover the remnants of cremains inside. The ashes were stuck to the sides and were on the bottom, inside the urn. The plastic bag had not been used, but there were cremains stuck to it. The plastic bag was inside the urn. We purchased used like new. We do not have time to reorder. I am upset. I am reducing my 4 star rating to one star. It was shy of a five star item because it does not have the weight and substance of the brass urns. I changed the rating to a one star rating because it was previously USED and there were still ashes inside. Perhaps the inspector couldn't get the lid off to inspect the interior. However, with something as emotionally sensitive as a cremation urn, trying harder to get the lid off would have been a good idea.Original review: The urn is beautiful. I want to keep it. But, the lid is stuck tight and I can not open it. I do not want to ruin the urn by trying to open it. I am not sure what to do. Run the lid under hot water? I am afraid a jar opener would damage the rim and it isn't shaped properly to use a jar opener either.It comes with a blue velvet bag. Thankfully, there is no company logo on the bag. I would not buy an urn where the bag came emblazoned with the company logo.The urn arrived today. I will consult others on how best to get the lid open. If I am unable to open it, I will return it.