The Cremation Diamond Process

A diamond made with the cremated ashes of a person is identical to a diamond mined from the earth.

A cremation, or memorial, diamond is a modern day memorial for a deceased loved one, friend or even pet. The cremation diamond process takes the cremated ashes or hair from a person or pet and infuses it into a diamond creation process. Depending on the size, color and cut preference, pricing for a cremation diamond ranges from $2,000 to $15,000.

Carbon Source

A cremation diamond is created from the ash or hair of a person or animal. This ash or hair, which is referred to as the carbon source, is sent to a laboratory that specializes in the cremation diamond process. The laboratory attaches an exclusive ID to the carbon source to safely and securely track it throughout the cremation diamond process.

Diamond Creation Process

The carbon from the ash or hair is identified and extracted, and then infused into a real diamond seed. The carbon and diamond seed are then inserted into an incubator. This incubator operates under extremely high temperature and pressure (temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius and pressure exceeding 60,000 atmospheres) to speed up the natural diamond creation process. At this temperature and pressure, all elements will oxidize except for the carbon, which will turn into graphite. Continuous pressure and high temperature of this kind will eventually create a diamond. This process takes approximately two months, compared to the natural process beneath the Earth's surface, which takes hundreds of thousands of years.

Gemstone

The process creates a true and full diamond, which is chemically, physically and optically the same as a naturally made diamond from within the Earth. The resulting uncut diamond is taken to a gem cutter who uses lasers to cut the diamond, and then polishes it. The diamond can also be individually marked with a laser-engraved ID number.

Jewelry

The diamond size, cut and color can be chosen during this process. Different colors include cognac, yellow-green, red, blue and white. The diamond size can range from 1/4 carat to 2 carats or larger. The diamond can also be cut in a variety of ways, including a brilliant cut, a princess cut or a radiant cut. A jeweler can then take the resulting cremation diamond and insert it into a jewelry setting.

References

• Ever Life Memorials: Cremation Diamonds: The Creation Process
• Cremation Solutions: Cremation Diamonds / How They Are Made

Resources

• Funeral Resources: Memorial Diamonds Personalized Cremation Memorial Heirlooms