Did you know it's possible to honour your loved ones and keep their memory alive forever, not just through cherished memories and photos, but through a piece of jewellery made from their cremation ashes? The process of creating a breathtaking diamond through cremation ashes makes it possible for your loved one to be close to you always, the stone a symbol of both their life and your love for them. In this blog post, we're going to take a closer look at this process and how it turns sprinkled ashes into a treasured family heirloom.
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Understanding the Process: How does Cremation Turn into Diamonds?
The process of turning ashes into diamonds involves a series of intricate steps. After the process of carbon extraction, the residual carbon is transformed into graphite. This graphite then undergoes a process that replicates the conditions under which natural diamonds form.
Step 1: Carbon Extraction
This step involves the extraction of carbon from the cremated ashes. The carbon is one of the main elements in the human body and makes up approximately 18% of it.
Step 2: Transformation into Graphite
This carbon is then transformed into graphite. This process requires extremely high temperatures and can take several weeks to complete.
Step 3: Diamond Creation
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Lastly, using high pressure and high temperatures, the graphite is converted into a diamond over a period of several weeks.
Choosing the Right Diamond
From shapes to colours, you can choose a diamond that's perfect for you, or in other words, that best symbolises your loved one.
Benefits of Cremation Diamonds
The benefits of turning cremation ashes into diamonds are many. They allow you to keep your loved ones close in a tangible way and create a lasting memento, and it is an environmentally friendly process.
Cremation Into Diamonds Example:
Imagine having a beautiful diamond pendant or ring that was formed from the ashes of your dearly departed love one. This diamond is not just a piece of jewellery, but it is a constant reminder of your loved one that you can carry with you wherever you go. It serves as a statement of everlasting love and a tangible symbol of their life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cremation diamonds?
Cremation diamonds are unique, gem-grade diamonds created from the carbon extracted from cremated ashes or hair of a deceased person. They are also referred to as “memorial diamonds” or “diamonds from ashes” and serve as a lasting memory of the departed.
How are cremation diamonds made?
The process of creating a cremation diamond involves several stages. First, carbon is extracted from the cremated remains. This carbon is then exposed to high temperature and pressure, mimicking the natural diamond-forming conditions beneath the Earth’s crust, causing the carbon to crystallize into a diamond.
Is a cremation diamond real diamond?
Yes, a cremation diamond is a real diamond in the sense that it possesses the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as a diamond mined from the earth. The main difference is that it has been grown in a lab from the carbon of a loved one.
How long does it take to create a cremation diamond?
The process can take several months to over a year, depending on the size and type of diamond being created. The time frame usually ranges from six to nine months on average.
Can any type of ash be used to create a cremation diamond?
In general, the ashes from any cremated remains can be used to create a cremation diamond. Hair can also be used if ashes are not available. It is essential that the material contains enough carbon to be converted into a diamond.
Are cremation diamonds expensive?
The cost of cremation diamonds varies greatly based on the size, colour, and cut desired. They can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. While they are often more expensive than natural diamonds due to the complexity of the process, they are priceless in emotional value.
Can you tell by looking at a diamond that it has been made from ashes?
No, it is not possible to distinguish a cremation diamond from a natural diamond with the naked eye. Certified gemologists can use specialized equipment to identify subtle differences, but the unique origin of cremation diamonds is not visually detectable.
What colors do cremation diamonds come in?
Cremation diamonds can come in various colors including yellow, blue, white (clear), red, and green. The color can be influenced by the specific process and elements present in the ashes, or it can be modified according to the client's preferences.
How much ashes are needed to create a diamond?
To produce a cremation diamond, a minimum of 200 grams (approximately half a pound) of ashes is typically required. However, more ashes may be needed for larger diamonds or if multiple diamonds are being created.
Are the diamonds certified?
Legitimate companies that produce cremation diamonds usually offer certification from reputable gemological laboratories, verifying the authenticity, cut, color, clarity, and carat weight of the diamond.
Can cremation diamonds be set into jewelry?
Yes, most companies that create cremation diamonds also offer the service of setting these stones into a variety of jewelry pieces, such as rings, pendants, earrings, or bracelets, to make personalized and meaningful keepsakes.
What happens if I have a limited amount of ashes?
If you have a limited amount of ashes, consult with the diamond-producing company. They may still be able to create a smaller diamond, or mix the available ashes with a carbon source to create a gem that is partly from your loved one and partly from another carbon source.
Is the process environmentally friendly?
The process of creating a cremation diamond is generally considered environmentally friendly because it effectively mimics the natural diamond formation process without the need for mining, which is a destructive environmental practice. However, energy consumption and resources used in the lab can vary, impacting the overall environmental footprint.
Are there ethical concerns with cremation diamonds?
The primary ethical concern with cremation diamonds tends to revolve around the guarantee that the diamonds are genuinely from the ashes provided. Reputable companies employ strict protocols and certification to ensure the integrity of their process. Unlike mined diamonds, cremation diamonds do not have conflict or "blood diamond" issues associated with them.
Can multiple diamonds be made from one person's ashes?
Yes, it is possible to create multiple diamonds from the same person's ashes, assuming there is enough carbon content in the provided materials. Families often do this to have multiple keepsakes for different members.
How do I choose the right company to create a cremation diamond?
Research and compare various companies based on their processes, testimonials, transparency, customer service, and product quality. Look for businesses with good reputations, certifications, and clear communication channels to ensure a trustworthy process.
Can cremation diamonds be graded and appraised like traditional diamonds?
Cremation diamonds can be graded and appraised similar to traditional diamonds. They are assessed on the same criteria: carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. A certified gemologist can perform this appraisal.
What guarantees do I have that the diamond I receive is made from my loved one's ashes?
Reputable companies will offer a chain of custody and certification process that documents each step from the receipt of the ashes through the creation of the diamond, ensuring that the ashes provided are the ones being used in the diamond.
Can I have a cremation diamond made from the ashes of more than one person or pet?
Yes, it is possible to create a diamond using a combination of ashes from multiple individuals or pets. This can be a touching way to memorialize a special relationship or bond shared between the beings whose ashes are combined.
Do different types of ashes (like wood or paper ash) affect the quality of the diamond?
The quality of the diamond is dependent on the purity and carbon content of the materials used. Ashes with a higher carbon content are more suitable for producing quality diamonds. Wood or paper ash is unlikely to contain enough carbon and may contain impurities that could affect the crystallization process and the quality of the resulting diamond.
What documentation should I expect with the delivery of a cremation diamond?
Upon delivery, you should expect to receive a certificate of authenticity, documentation of the origin of the carbon (ashes), details of the diamond's specifications (cut, color, clarity, and carat weight), and any appraisals or grading reports if applicable.
Can I personalize the cremation diamond in any way?
Many companies offer personalization options, such as the selection of the cut, color, and setting of the diamond. Engravings on the jewelry setting or custom designs may also be available to further personalize your memorial piece.
Cremation into diamonds is a unique way of transforming grief into a radiant source of comfort. These diamonds not only capture the essence of the departed, but they also provide a luminous tribute, a tangible connection to the one we lost. Curious to learn more about ways to remember c and celebrate your loved ones? Explore other guides on Eulogy Assistant and share the knowledge with others who could benefit from it too.