Diamonds of the Deceased: Are Cremains Diamonds Real?

Losing a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences we go through in life. It’s natural to want to keep their memory alive in a special way.

For some, this means investing in a memorial diamond that can be cherished for generations to come. But are diamonds made from cremains real or a scam to caplitalize on our grief?

I’ll take a closer look at the cost, process, and science behind creating these diamonds, as well as alternative ways to honor our loved ones. If you’re considering investing in a memorial diamond, read on to make an informed decision.

What is a Cremains Diamond?

A cremains diamond is a lab grown diamond that uses human (or pet) ashes to make a memorial gemstone.

These memorial diamonds are chemically identical to mined diamonds and are made in the same method that standard lab diamonds are made except that the carbon source is from cremains.

How are Cremains Diamonds Made?

Right now there are two main methods that labs use to grow diamonds. HPHT (high pressure, high temperature), and CVD (chemical vapour deposition).

Cremains diamonds are made using HPHT. In this process, a tiny “seed” diamond is placed inside of a chamber filled with carbon which is then subjected to high temperatures and high pressure. This process mimics the natural way that diamonds grow deep beneath the earth’s crust – but it’s much faster. HPHT Lab diamonds can grow within a few months what it would take a billion years for the earth to create.

The only difference between a normal lab diamond and a cremains diamond is that the carbon added is sourced from the remains of your loved one. But are they really?

Is it Really Possible to Make a Diamond from Ashes?

So, is it really possible to make a diamond from your loved one’s ashes? Yes, and no.

"Currently, the cremation diamond industry operates with no government oversight or review, and without any type of formal control regarding the claims being made regarding the actual creation of diamonds using carbon obtained from cremation ashes."

Global Claim Associates Cremation Diamond Fraud Report 2020

Cremation Diamond companies sell the idea that they are preserving the legacy of the deceased by turning them into a diamond. Theoretically, if the carbon added to the diamond growth process is sourced from your family member, then yes, the diamond is made from their carbon.

However, studies have shown that, after a body has been cremated, there isn’t enough carbon left in the ashes to create a diamond. Since diamonds are made of carbon, if there is no carbon, then the ashes aren’t being made into a diamond. They’re merely along for the ride.

"The cremation process destroys all traces of organic, carbon-based matter."

CremationSolutions.com

So what’s going on here?

After doing some research, it seems that to make a diamond from ashes, the body has to be cremated in a very specific way in order to preserve enough carbon for the HPHT process.

"When a person decides in advance to undergo the LifeGem process, a special cremation procedure preserves enough carbon to grow the diamond. In other cases, LifeGem needs to add carbon to complete the gem, as ash from traditional cremation doesn’t retain enough for the diamond growth process."

Grahm, 2003 (From GIA Gems & Gemology quarterly Winter 2010)

Since very few crematoriums are aware or offering this special type of cremation, it’s very doubtful that there is any carbon left in your loved one’s cremains.

LifeGem and other memorial diamond companies openly admit to adding carbon from “outside sources” to the ashes to make sure that there is enough material for a diamond.

If you ask me, it sounds like they’re completely aware there isn’t any carbon in the ashes and they’re taking advantage of people’s grief to charge exorbitant amounts of money for what is just your run of the mill lab grown diamond.

Cost of Cremains Diamonds vs. a Traditional Diamond

Another factor to consider is the cost of a cremains diamond vs. traditional diamonds or other lab diamonds.

Memorial diamond companies position themselves as offering avery specialized service and with that comes additional cost. Compared to a standard lab diamond, you can expect to pay up to ten times more for the same quality and carat weight.

In fact, a cremains diamond will set you back significantly more than even a natural mined diamond!

Since your diamond is made-to-order, you also can’t see the stone before you pay for it. The HPHT process is fairly controlled and results are generally predictable within certain margins but there is still a little bit of a “you get what you get” situation.

And there is absolutely no test to prove that your loved one’s carbon is actually in the stone that you get.

Alternative Memorial Jewelry

I believe strongly that memorial jewelry can help in the grieving process. Having a reminder of your loved one is comforting and allows you to carry a piece of them with you always.

But, does it have to include a literal piece of them?

Would a jewelry design made with them in mind and including thoughtful touches or symbolism serve the same purpose?

Personally, I think so.

If you’ve read this far and agree that cremains diamonds just aren’t worth it, I would be happy to chat with you about options for custom memorial jewelry that perfectly represent your loved one.

Check out my custom jewelry page to read more about my process and to contact me about your special project.