Ashes in diamonds

Must read guide before turning ashes into diamonds.

Diamonds from ashes offers a unique way to keep a loved one close. Unlike traditional urns or burial sites, memorial diamonds are wearable, allowing for a tangible and lasting connection. Many choose this option for its symbolism — diamonds represent eternity, strength, and love. Additionally, it provides a personalized and beautiful tribute that can be passed down through generations.

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• Is it a scam?
• What Are Memorial Diamonds?
• How Are Ashes Turned into Diamonds?
• Price examples from different companies
• Top companies offering ashes to diamonds
• Human Ashes vs. Pet Ashes
• Final Thoughts

What Are Memorial Diamonds?

Ashes in diamonds also known as cremation diamonds, memorial diamonds, are lab-created gems synthesized using the carbon extracted from human or pet ashes. The process mimics the natural diamond formation deep within the Earth, but instead of taking millions of years, it happens in a matter of months. These diamonds can be customized in terms of size, cut, color, and setting, making each one truly unique.

Is ashes in diamonds a scam?

Robert James FGA, GG, created a report on cremation diamonds from 2020 that sparked the controversy over lab grown diamonds from ashes. Robert makes several points, but the main one is that the carbon used for making the diamond burns at temperatues lower than found in cremation.

From what we can gather pure carbon burns around 1,000-2,000C, and diamonds already from 850C, while cremations happen between 1,400-1,800C. The temperature the carbon burns at will change depending on the atmosphere in the oven.

Eterneva has a promotional video showing them analyzing ashes for carbon content where they find that ashes contain between 1-4% carbon. According to the scientific study they reference in their own blog post on this topic, up to 64% of the carbon in ashes could come from the atmosphere in the combustion chamber, and thus does not originate from the deceased.

Up to 64% of the carbon in ashes are from the atmosphere. The final diamond only has a little of your loved one in them.

This means that while memorial diamonds may not be composed primarily of your loved one's remains, they can still serve as a meaningful tribute. If the idea of having even a small part of them incorporated into a lasting gem brings comfort, then a memorial diamond may still be worth considering. However, it’s essential to have realistic expectations.

How Are Ashes Turned into Diamonds?

The transformation process involves several steps:

Carbon Extraction

The ashes undergo purification to extract carbon. This is a highly industrial process in a laboratory using specialized machines and chemicals.

Making the lab diamond

Watch this YouTube video with 6M views for how lab grown diamonds in general are made. This is the best we've seen on the topic, because we get to see detailed shots of the inside of the machines too.

Cutting and Polishing

The rough diamond is cut and polished to your chosen specifications. This step is just like regular diamonds. Beware that the cut quality greatly affect the value of diamonds in general. And it's unclear if the providers can guarantee high quality cuts. For conniseurs this might be an issue, so check with your provider before ordering if it's important to you.

How Much Does It Cost to Turn Ashes into Diamonds?

Ashes to diamonds cost varies based on factors such as carat size, color, and provider. Prices generally range from $1,000 to $20,000. Some companies offer financing options, allowing families to pay over time. Here are some examples we've gathered, based on the sizes of 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 carats:

Last updated: March 2025. * prices from StoneAlgo

Top companies offering ashes to diamonds

Here are some companies that offer services to transform ashes into diamonds:

• Eterneva: Eterneva transforms ashes into diamonds, providing a unique way to celebrate and remember the lives of those who have passed.
• LifeGem: [AVOID Unethical business practices See diamondreport.com] Established in 2001, LifeGem creates diamonds from the ashes or hair of loved ones, offering a unique way to memorialize them.
• Heart In Diamond: Operating since 2005, Heart In Diamond offers personalized diamonds made from the ashes or hair of loved ones, serving clients worldwide.
• Saint Diamonds: Saint Diamonds crafts memorial diamonds from ashes or hair, allowing families to create lasting tributes to their loved ones.
• EverDear & Co.: EverDear specializes in creating cremation diamonds from ashes and hair, offering a range of customization options to honor loved ones.
• Lonité: Based in Switzerland, Lonité offers memorial diamonds made from cremation ashes or hair, providing a personalized way to commemorate loved ones.
• Memorial Diamonds: This company specializes in turning ashes into diamonds, offering various customization options to create meaningful keepsakes.

Using Human Ashes vs. Pet Ashes

Memorial diamonds can be made from both human and pet ashes. Using human ashes to diamonds is legal in most countries, but it’s essential to check local regulations! (for example it's not legal in Denmark to use human ashes) Many pet owners choose this option to commemorate a beloved animal companion. The process is identical, and the resulting diamonds are just as high-quality.

Final Thoughts

Turning ashes into diamonds is a deeply personal choice that can provide comfort and a lasting tribute to a loved one. Even if little to nothing of the person makes it to the diamond in the end, it is still a very nice way to remember a loved one. If you’re considering this option, research thoroughly and choose a reputable, and transparent provider to ensure a meaningful and high-quality memorial diamond.