Cremation Diamonds
Cremation diamonds - otherwise known as memorial diamonds - are a modern invention that straddles the borderline between tasteful and disturbing. Public opinion seems to be coming down on the side of the former as these unique gems become increasingly popular. One of the leaders in the field is UK based company LifeGem however there are an increasing number of others entering the market.
What Are Cremation Diamonds?
Cremation diamonds are memorial gems made using the carbon of the deceased, usually taken from cremation ashes or a lock of hair. They provide a way of immortalising a small remainder of a loved one in a gemstone, resulting in a unique stone that literally contains part of the person's earthly essence.Where a diamond is made from hair rather than ashes the donor could still be alive - stones created from a living donor are sometimes known as celebration diamonds.
As with all diamonds the cremation stone needs proper care and handling.
How Are They Made?
So how are cremation diamonds made? What will happen if you opt for cremation into a diamond? The process is relatively straightforward in principle.To form a cremation diamond some ounces of the ashes are taken from the crematorium and filtered to remove extraneous elements such as metal. These ashes are then sent to a specialist company where the carbon is used as the basis for a man-made diamond.
Once the memorial diamond has been created it can then be set and used exactly as any other diamond and incorporated into jewelry. Many people like wearing the stone as a pendant, possibly inside an engraved locket.
Obviously special care needs to be taken with the remains which must be treated with respect during the process. This in part accounts for the cost of having cremation diamonds made.
It's not just humans who can have their remains used to create diamonds. Some companies will also make memorial stones from the ashes of pets.