When a loved one passes, the pain of saying goodbye can feel overwhelming. But in recent years, a unique and beautiful way to honour their memory has emerged — transforming their cremated ashes into diamonds.

This growing trend allows family members to keep a piece of their beloved close to them, offering a personal, enduring reminder of a life well-lived. However, the process and cost of turning ashes into diamonds vary, and for those considering this option, it’s essential to understand the details involved.

How Are Ashes Turned Into Diamonds?

The concept of creating diamonds from cremated remains is both fascinating and deeply symbolic. The process involves extracting carbon from the ashes, which is then subjected to extreme pressure and heat, mimicking the natural conditions that form diamonds deep within the Earth. A loved one’s ashes, with their carbon content, go through this procedure in a controlled lab environment. After a period ranging from several months to over a year, the result is a beautiful, authentic diamond that can be set in jewellery or kept as a standalone tribute.

Types of Diamonds and Colours

One of the exciting aspects of memorial diamonds is the variety of options available. Diamonds formed from ashes come in different colours, such as white, yellow, blue, and even black, with each shade holding special significance. Interestingly, the hue can sometimes naturally differ based on the composition of the ashes, making each diamond truly unique. For those desiring a particular colour, additional steps can be taken during the creation process to ensure the final diamond matches their vision.

How Long Does It Take?

Creating a diamond from ashes is not an overnight affair. On average, the process can take between five to eighteen months, depending on the desired size and colour of the diamond. Yellow and amber diamonds tend to form more quickly, while achieving a clear or colourless gem can extend the timeline. Patience is key, but the end result is undoubtedly worth the wait.

The Cost of Memorial Diamonds

As with any custom process, the cost of turning ashes into diamonds varies. Prices generally range from around £350 for smaller, simpler stones to upwards of £40,000 for larger, more intricate creations. Factors such as the diamond’s carat, clarity, and colour all play a role in determining the final price.

Factors Influencing the Cost

• Carat: As with traditional diamonds, the carat size influences the cost. Larger diamonds require more raw materials and a more complex process, which increases the overall price.
• Clarity: The fewer the inclusions or imperfections, the higher the value of the diamond. This aspect will also impact the cost.
• Colour: While colourless diamonds are often the most expensive due to the intricate steps needed to achieve the shade, coloured diamonds, particularly yellow and amber, are typically more affordable. The colour you choose can significantly affect the price tag.

For those on a budget, some companies also offer smaller diamonds at more affordable rates, ensuring that memorial diamonds remain accessible to a wide range of people.

Additional Costs: Jewellery Settings and Certification

Beyond the price of the diamond itself, there are additional services to consider. Many companies provide the option to set the diamond into jewellery, such as rings, necklaces, or bracelets. Depending on the complexity and materials used in the jewellery setting, this can add to the overall cost. Additionally, some people opt to have their memorial diamond certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), a service that provides reassurance of the gem’s authenticity but may come with extra fees.

Are Memorial Diamonds Valuable?

Memorial diamonds are just as valuable, if not more so, than naturally occurring diamonds. The value, however, is not just monetary. The personal connection and sentimental worth far outweigh any financial consideration. A memorial diamond serves as a lasting, beautiful tribute to a loved one, making it an invaluable keepsake for generations.

A Touching Tribute for Pets

It’s not only human ashes that can be turned into diamonds. For those grieving the loss of a beloved pet, companies also offer the option to create a memorial diamond from their ashes. The process is identical, and the final product provides a lasting, loving tribute to a furry friend.

Is It Beautiful or Strange?

While many see turning ashes into diamonds as a deeply meaningful and personal way to honour a loved one, others find the practice unusual, even strange. Some feel that preserving a loved one’s essence in such a tangible, beautiful form is a poetic way to keep their memory alive. For them, it is a symbol of eternal love and connection. On the other hand, some critics argue that the process feels unnatural or overly commercialised, with concerns about how something so personal is turned into a product. Regardless, this practice continues to gain popularity, offering people a unique way to remember their loved ones.

Turning ashes into diamonds offers a way to keep loved ones close in a tangible, beautiful form. While the cost can vary depending on preferences for carat, clarity, and colour, the personal and emotional value of such a tribute is priceless. With many companies providing a range of options and settings, a memorial diamond can be the perfect, timeless keepsake.