Human Hair & Cremated Ashes to Diamonds Cost

The Definitive Guide to the Cost of Creating Diamonds from Human Hair and Cremated Ashes

Choosing a memorial for a loved one is a deeply personal decision. In recent years, a unique and beautiful option has emerged: creating a real diamond from the carbon contained in human hair or cremated ashes. This guide provides a comprehensive exploration of this process, its cost, and the companies that offer this remarkable service. It will help you understand how a tangible, lasting tribute can be created to honor a life.

Part 1: An Introduction to Memorial Diamonds from Hair and Ashes

A memorial diamond is a laboratory-grown diamond with a special origin. It is created from carbon that has been extracted and purified from either cremated remains or locks of hair. The resulting gemstone is physically and chemically identical to a natural diamond mined from the earth. Both have the same hardness, brilliance, and elemental structure. The only distinction lies in their source, with one originating from a personal, meaningful tribute.

The Significance of Hair and Ashes as a Source

The choice between using hair or ashes is personal and often depends on individual circumstances and beliefs.

• Cremated Ashes: For many, using cremated ashes is a way to transform the final physical remains of a loved one into an object of beauty and light. It provides a sense of permanence and closeness that an urn may not. The entire process can be a powerful part of the healing journey, creating a positive focus from the ashes of loss. A diamond from ashes represents the enduring spirit and the indestructible nature of a cherished bond.

• Human Hair: Using hair as the carbon source offers a different but equally profound connection. Hair can be collected before a loved one passes, or even years prior. This makes it a viable option when cremation was not chosen or is against religious beliefs. Diamonds from hair can also be created as a "living tribute" to celebrate a significant life event, like the birth of a child or a milestone anniversary. A lock of a baby's hair can become a diamond for them to cherish as an adult. Hair symbolizes the unique DNA and identity of an individual, making a diamond from hair a very personal emblem of that person's life.

Whether from hair or ashes, the diamond becomes a symbol of remembrance. It is a portable memorial that can be kept close, worn in a piece of jewelry, and passed down through generations. This creates a legacy that keeps the memory and story of a loved one alive. The growing interest in these diamonds reflects a desire for more personalized and intimate ways to honor and celebrate life.

Part 2: The Science Behind Diamond Creation from Hair and Ashes

The transformation of organic materials like hair or ashes into a crystalline diamond is a sophisticated scientific process. It carefully replicates the high-pressure, high-temperature conditions found deep within the Earth where natural diamonds form. The fundamental principle is the same for both hair and ashes: isolate the carbon and then crystallize it.

Step 1: Carbon Source Analysis

The journey begins with the selected source material.

• For Cremated Ashes: A company will typically request about 1 to 2 pounds (or 200 to 500 grams) of ashes. The first step in the laboratory is a chemical analysis of the ashes to determine the precise carbon content. While much of the body's carbon is lost as carbon dioxide during cremation, a sufficient amount remains within the ashes for diamond synthesis.
• For Human Hair: Hair is naturally rich in carbon. Companies usually require about 10 grams of hair (a small lock). Like with ashes, the hair is first analyzed to confirm its carbon composition and to plan the purification process.

Step 2: Carbon Extraction and Purification

This is the most critical step, as the carbon must be exceptionally pure to form a high-quality diamond. The goal is to achieve 99.99% pure carbon. The method of extraction differs slightly based on the source material.

• From Ashes: The ashes are placed in a special chemical environment. A series of chemical and physical processes are applied to separate the carbon from all other elements present in the remains, such as salts and various minerals. This is a complex filtration and reduction process.

• From Hair: The hair undergoes a process called pyrolysis. It is placed in a vacuum chamber and heated to extreme temperatures. This process breaks down the complex organic compounds in the hair, releasing the carbon. Any impurities are vaporized and removed, leaving behind the essential carbon element.

For both sources, the extracted carbon is then subjected to further purification in a controlled, high-heat environment. This process converts the carbon into graphite. Graphite has a hexagonal atomic structure that is ideal for pressurization into the tetragonal structure of a diamond.

Step 3: Diamond Synthesis in an HPHT Press

The purified graphite is placed in the core of a High-Pressure, High-Temperature (HPHT) machine. This powerful press is the technology that mimics nature's diamond-forming process. The graphite is placed within a growth cell, which also contains a tiny diamond seed crystal and a molten metal catalyst.

• Extreme Pressure: The HPHT press applies immense pressure to the growth cell, often in excess of 800,000 pounds per square inch (psi). This is equivalent to the pressure found hundreds of miles beneath the Earth's surface.

• Intense Heat: Simultaneously, the cell is heated to temperatures between 2,200 and 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit.

Under these extreme conditions, the molten metal catalyst dissolves the carbon from the graphite source. The carbon atoms then migrate through the molten metal towards the cooler diamond seed crystal. Atom by atom, they attach to the seed, arranging themselves in the classic diamond crystal lattice. This process continues for several weeks to several months.

Step 4: Growth, Cutting, and Polishing

The duration of the HPHT process determines the final size of the diamond. A longer growth period results in a larger carat weight. The unique chemical fingerprint of the individual's hair or ashes can also subtly influence the final diamond. For instance, the element boron, naturally present in the body, can lead to a blue coloration in the finished diamond. The amount of boron determines the shade of blue. Similarly, the presence of nitrogen can result in yellow or amber-hued diamonds.

Once the growth phase is complete, the press is slowly cooled, and the growth cell is removed. A rough, uncut diamond is extracted from the cell. This rough diamond does not yet possess the familiar sparkle of a gemstone.

The rough diamond is then passed to a master diamond cutter. The cutter meticulously inspects the stone to plan the optimal cut that will maximize its size, shape, and brilliance. They use specialized equipment to cut precise facets into the diamond. These facets are designed to reflect and refract light, creating the fire and sparkle that makes a diamond so beautiful. Common cuts include the Round Brilliant, Princess, Emerald, and Radiant. This final stage is a delicate art that transforms the raw crystal into a finished gem.

Scientific Verification and Authenticity

Every genuine memorial diamond comes with a certificate of authenticity from the creation company. This document confirms that the diamond was created from the specific hair or ashes provided. It also details the 4Cs of the diamond: Carat, Color, Cut, and Clarity.

Many leading companies also provide independent certification from world-renowned gemological laboratories like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the International Gemological Institute (IGI). These institutions verify that the stone is a real diamond, identify its origin as laboratory-grown, and provide an unbiased grading of its quality. This third-party verification offers consumers complete confidence in the authenticity and value of their memorial diamond.

Part 3: The Cost of a Diamond from Hair vs. Ashes

A primary question for anyone considering a memorial diamond is the cost. It is important to understand that the cost of creating a diamond is determined by its characteristics, not by the source of the carbon. Whether you choose to use hair or ashes, the price for a diamond of the same size, color, and cut will be the same. The laboratory processes for extracting and purifying carbon from either source are equally complex and are factored into a single pricing structure.

The price of a memorial diamond can range from approximately $1,500 for a small stone to over $30,000 for a large, high-quality diamond. The final cost depends on the choices you make for the 4Cs.

Primary Cost Factor: Carat Weight (Size)

Carat is a measure of a diamond's weight, where one carat equals 200 milligrams. This is the most significant factor influencing the price. As the carat size increases, the price increases exponentially. A 1.0-carat diamond costs much more than double the price of a 0.50-carat diamond.

This is because larger diamonds are significantly more difficult and time-consuming to grow. They require a longer period in the HPHT press, more stable conditions, and a larger amount of purified carbon. The risk of imperfections also increases with size, making the creation of large, high-quality diamonds a more demanding scientific achievement.

General Price Ranges by Carat Weight (USD): This table provides an approximate overview of costs. Prices vary between companies.

Companies often price their diamonds within a carat range (e.g., 0.50 - 0.59 ct) because the exact final weight of the diamond can only be determined after the growth and cutting process is complete.

Secondary Cost Factor: Diamond Color

The color of the diamond has a major impact on the price. The natural color that results from the unadulterated carbon of an individual is typically a shade of yellow or amber, caused by nitrogen. Other colors require more extensive purification or specific growth conditions.

• Amber/Yellow: Often marketed as "Naturally Amber™" or a similar trade name, this is usually the most affordable color option. It requires the least intervention in the natural carbon purification process. The color can range from a pale yellow to a deep, rich orange.

• Blue: Blue diamonds are created when the element boron is present in the carbon and becomes part of the diamond's crystal structure. Companies can control the growth environment to introduce or preserve boron. Blue diamonds are generally more expensive than amber diamonds. The shades can vary from a light sky blue to a deep royal blue.

• Colorless (White): These are traditionally the most sought-after and are typically the most expensive memorial diamonds. To achieve a colorless state (graded D, E, or F on the color scale), the carbon must undergo a very extensive and precise purification process to remove virtually all other elements, especially nitrogen. This additional technical work increases the cost.

• Fancy Colors (Red, Pink, Green): Some companies offer vibrant fancy colors. These are usually created through post-growth treatments, such as irradiation and annealing, which alter the diamond's crystal structure to produce the desired color. These additional processes make red, pink, and green diamonds some of the most expensive options.

Sample Price Comparison (0.50-carat Diamond):

Tertiary Cost Factor: Diamond Cut

The cut of a diamond refers to its shape and the arrangement of its facets. The quality of the cut is what determines a diamond's sparkle and brilliance. While it affects the price, its impact is less than that of carat or color.

• Round Brilliant: This is the most popular and iconic diamond cut. Its 58 facets are mathematically optimized to maximize light return, giving it unparalleled sparkle. It is often the most expensive cut because it requires the most skill and results in the highest percentage of the rough diamond being cut away.

• Princess Cut: A square or rectangular shape with sharp corners, offering a modern look. It is generally less expensive than a round brilliant because it preserves more of the original rough diamond.

• Emerald Cut: A rectangular step-cut that creates a "hall of mirrors" effect. It emphasizes the diamond's clarity over its sparkle.

• Other Fancy Shapes: Ovals, Pears, Hearts, and Radiants are other available shapes. Their cost varies based on their complexity and market demand.

Some companies include the price of a standard cut (like the Round Brilliant) in their base pricing, while others may offer it as an option with an additional charge. Offering the diamond in its original, uncut state is sometimes an option for a lower price.

Company Pricing Structures: A Comparative Look

Here is a look at several real companies that create diamonds from both hair and ashes. Their pricing structures reflect the factors discussed above.

LifeGem:

• A pioneer in the industry, LifeGem offers diamonds from both hair and ashes with no price difference.
• They clearly state that 10 grams of hair or 1 pound of ashes are required.
• Their pricing starts around $2,000 for a small yellow diamond.
• A 0.50-carat colorless or blue diamond typically falls in the $7,000 - $9,000 range. They emphasize their ability to create multiple diamonds for family members.

LONITÉ:

• This Swiss company is known for its technical precision and provides services for both hair and ashes.
• They have one of the most transparent pricing pages, clearly showing costs for different sizes and colors.
• Prices start at $1,400 for a 0.25-carat amber diamond. A 0.50-carat colorless diamond is approximately $5,500.
• LONITÉ also offers detailed scientific reports and GIA/IGI certification.

Algordanza:

• Another Swiss company focused on precision and remembrance. They accept both hair and ashes.
• They require 500g of ashes or 10g of hair.
• Their pricing for a 0.30-carat cut diamond starts around $4,800. A 0.50-carat diamond is approximately $9,000.
• They are notable for producing naturally blueish diamonds due to boron content and for their ISO-certified process. They do not artificially color their diamonds.

Eterneva:

• This Austin-based company focuses heavily on the customer journey and celebrating the life of the loved one.
• They create diamonds from both hair and ashes and have shared many stories of "living tributes" from hair.
• Their pricing starts around $3,000. A 0.50-carat diamond can range from $7,000 to $10,000.
• They are known for their exceptional communication, providing families with photos and videos throughout the process.

Heart In Diamond:

• This company is known for its wide range of jewelry settings and often promotes more accessible pricing.
• They create diamonds from both hair (10g) and ashes (1 pound).
• Their prices can start as low as $750 for a very small accent diamond.
• A 0.50-carat colorless diamond could be in the $4,500 - $6,500 range.

What to Look For in a Price Quote

When you receive a price quote from a memorial diamond company, ensure you understand the full cost. Ask about:

• Shipping: Is the cost of securely transporting the hair or ashes and the final diamond included?
• Certification: Is an independent GIA or IGI report included, or is it an extra charge?
• Taxes and Duties: Are all taxes included? If the company is international, are import duties covered?
• Jewelry Setting: The price is almost always for the loose diamond only. The cost of a ring or pendant setting is a separate expense.

Part 4: Choosing a Reputable Memorial Diamond Provider

Selecting a company for this service is a significant decision. You are placing your trust in them to handle the remains of a loved one with respect and to create a flawless tribute. Research and due diligence are essential.

In-Depth Company Profiles

Eterneva

• Company Focus: Eterneva's mission is to change the conversation around death and grief into one of celebration and remembrance. They emphasize the emotional journey.
• Hair vs. Ashes: They are very public about creating diamonds from both sources and have highlighted stories of diamonds from hair, including from a child's first haircut, as a living celebration.
• Unique Selling Points: Their primary differentiator is the customer experience. Families receive regular, personalized updates with photos and videos, making them feel part of the creation process.
• Reputation: Highly positive reputation for compassion, communication, and quality. Their "Shark Tank" appearance brought them mainstream recognition.

LifeGem

• Company Focus: As one of the original companies (founded in 2001), LifeGem's focus is on providing a proven, reliable, and timeless memorial option.
• Hair vs. Ashes: They have offered diamonds from both sources since their inception, with clear guidelines (10g of hair, 1 lb of ashes) on their website.
• Unique Selling Points: Their longevity in the market speaks to their experience and stability. They have a well-established process and a network of funeral home partners.
• Reputation: A long-standing, solid reputation as a pioneer in the field.

Algordanza

• Company Focus: This Swiss company's brand is built on precision, quality, and trustworthiness.
• Hair vs. Ashes: They clearly state their ability to use hair (10g) or ashes (500g) and are transparent that the result is chemically identical.
• Unique Selling Points: Algordanza is the only ISO-certified memorial diamond producer, meaning their quality management systems are independently audited. They also offer a laser inscription of a unique reference number on the diamond's girdle.
• Reputation: Highly regarded for their professionalism, scientific rigor, and the quality of their diamonds.

LONITÉ

• Company Focus: LONITÉ, also based in Switzerland, highlights the scientific and technical aspects of diamond creation.
• Hair vs. Ashes: They detail the carbon purification process from both sources on their website and confirm that pricing is the same.
• Unique Selling Points: They provide extensive technical documentation and scientific reports that verify the diamond's origin and composition. Their pricing is very competitive.
• Reputation: Good reputation for technical excellence and quality. Potential customers should communicate directly to clarify any questions, as with any provider.

Checklist for Making Your Choice

• Source Material Handling: Does the company clearly explain its process for handling both hair and ashes?
• Transparency: Is the company open about its pricing, processes, and lab location?
• Tracking & Guarantees: What specific systems do they use to track the carbon source from start to finish? Ask about unique ID numbers and documentation.
• Third-Party Certification: Do they offer GIA or IGI certification? This is the gold standard for unbiased verification.
• Customer Support: Read reviews. How does the company support families through this emotional process? Are they responsive and compassionate?
• Timeline: Does the company provide a clear and realistic timeline for the creation of the diamond?
• Customization: Do their options for size, color, cut, and jewelry align with your vision?

Key Questions to Ask

• Can you explain the difference, if any, in processing hair versus ashes in your lab?
• What is your chain-of-custody protocol for the materials I send you?
• What happens to any unused hair or ashes?
• Is the GIA/IGI certificate for the diamond itself, or is it a report on the carbon source? (It should be for the diamond).
• Can you provide references from past clients who used hair as a source?

Part 5: The Emotional Journey and Aftercare

The decision to create a memorial diamond from hair or ashes is deeply emotional. The process itself often becomes a part of the path toward healing and acceptance.

Why Choose Hair? The Living Tribute

The option to use hair opens up possibilities beyond memorializing someone who has passed away.

• For the Living: A diamond from the hair of a child, a spouse, or even oneself can be a powerful symbol of a bond or a milestone. It is a "living heirloom" that captures a moment in time.
• When No Ashes Exist: If a loved one was buried, or if ashes were scattered long ago, hair collected from a brush or a locket can be the only available physical link.
• A Softer Connection: For some, handling hair feels less emotionally fraught than handling cremated remains. It can feel more like a celebration of life than a reminder of death.

Why Choose Ashes? The Ultimate Transformation

For many, using ashes is the ultimate act of transformation.

• A Symbol of Rebirth: It takes the finality of ashes and creates something of eternal beauty and strength. It aligns with the idea that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed.
• A Complete Tribute: Because the ashes represent the entirety of the physical remains, a diamond from them can feel like a more complete and holistic tribute to the person.

Regardless of the source, the final diamond becomes a focal point for memory. It is a private and personal touchstone that offers comfort and a sense of enduring connection.

Jewelry and Aftercare

Most memorial diamonds are set in jewelry to be worn and cherished. Rings and pendants are the most popular choices. When selecting a setting, consider both style and practicality. A secure setting, like a bezel, is excellent for everyday wear.

Caring for your memorial diamond is the same as caring for any diamond.

• Clean it gently with a soft brush and mild soapy water.
• Have it inspected by a jeweler annually to ensure the setting is secure.
• Store it safely in a fabric-lined box away from other jewelry to prevent scratches.

This diamond is a legacy. It is a story of love and life, captured in a form that will last forever, ready to be passed down and shared with future generations.

FAQs: Human Hair & Cremated Ashes to Diamonds

Is it more expensive to make a diamond from hair than from ashes? No. Reputable companies charge the same price for a diamond regardless of whether the carbon source is hair or ashes. The cost is based on the diamond's size, color, and cut.

How much hair is needed to make a diamond? Most companies require about 10 grams of hair. This is a substantial lock of hair, but it is a small enough amount that it can often be sourced from a previous haircut or a locket.

Can you use dyed or treated hair? Yes. The purification process removes all contaminants and elements other than carbon. Dyes, shampoos, and other hair treatments do not affect the ability to extract the necessary carbon.

What is the minimum amount of ashes required? Typically, about 1-2 pounds (200-500 grams) of ashes are needed. The average human cremation produces 5-10 pounds of ashes, so there is usually more than enough.

How long does the entire process take? The process from receiving the hair or ashes to delivering the finished diamond usually takes between 6 and 12 months. Larger and higher-purity (colorless) diamonds take the longest to grow.

Are diamonds made from hair or ashes real diamonds? Yes. They are 100% real diamonds. They have the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and physical properties as diamonds mined from the earth. The only difference is their origin.

Can I use pet hair or fur to make a diamond? Yes. The process works with any source of carbon. Many companies offer services to create diamonds from the hair, fur, or ashes of beloved pets.

What color will my diamond be? The natural, unpurified color is typically yellow or amber due to nitrogen. A blue color can result from boron. A colorless diamond requires the most extensive purification. Companies can control the process to create a range of specific colors.

Can I combine hair and ashes? Yes. Companies can combine carbon from both sources to create a single diamond. This can be a meaningful way to include different elements of a loved one's life.

Do I get any unused hair or ashes back? Yes, all reputable companies will return any unused source material to you along with the finished diamond.