Are the diamonds real?.........

They are genuine diamonds, which have the exact same properties of natural mined diamonds but are termed 'created diamonds' or laboratory grown diamonds. They are extremely difficult to tell from their natural counterparts.

These are not diamond imitations like CZ (Cubic Zirconium) or Moissanite (Silicon Carbide), they are not 'DNA Diamonds' nor are they like any of the other synthetics available. The grown raw crystals have not been interfered with or irradiated in any way to change their colour.

If required, the diamond can be certified by AnchorCert or by the GIA.

How do you make real diamonds?

Fantastic as it may seem, the process used emulates the formation of natural diamonds by the earth - immense pressure and fantastic heat over millions of years, but in our laboratory the extremely scientific and elaborate process has been shortened to a few months.

All diamonds - natural and ours - are basically carbon. It has been possible to make real diamonds since the 1950's. The special process grows a unique raw diamond crystal made using extracted carbon from cremation ashes (Cremains) or hair or the umbilical cord. The raw diamond crystal is then cut and polished just like mined ones have been centuries.

How do I know you have used my donation?

You really do have to trust us!!! We realize your concern, but we feel compassionate and privileged to be able to provide you with an everlasting and valuable memento.

Orders are uniquely identified throughout the whole process - from the original order form, to collection, processing, manufacturing, cutting & polishing to final delivery.

What colours can be made?

The usual outcome when using human or animal material is canary yellow, but it is possible to make diamonds in shades of blue and even red and green. Pink and White(clear) diamonds still elude us - for the present!!!!.........

Natural diamonds in these colours are called 'fancies' and can costs many thousands of dollars per carat – sometimes even more than white diamonds which we are all more familiar with. The yellow hue does not stop the fire and the scintillation of rainbow colours sparkling through.

Are the the diamond flawless?

The honest answer is “Not totally”. We aim for VS1 or better. Just as in nature, many diamonds have tiny flaws and what are termed inclusions. The material you donate is as unique as the resultant diamond. We do not know the outcome until the raw crystal is complete, but we have many years of experience and we now have consistent results.

The raw diamond can have various shades and flecks of carbon just as they are found in nature, but the very experienced cutter avoids any such inclusions and flaws as much as possible to obtain the size of finished diamond requested. The highly polished 'brilliant cut' diamond will have the best flashes of fire and the rainbow colours.

What sizes and cuts are available?

The size of the resultant diamond depends on the amount of material being used. Ash and Hair diamonds depend on the weight being collected. Umbilical cord diamonds need careful calculations and we can advise on what size is attainable.

We have successfully made a 0.5 carat blue from a premature baby with a delivery weight of just 5lbs.

In our opinion, the round 'Brilliant' cut is the very best sparkler. It has 58 facets with dimensions which have evolved over the years and now with the computer. This cut allows a full return of the light to scintillate all the colours of the rainbow. We offer 'Princess' or 'Radiant' cut if the shape of the raw crystal allows but usually the colour is slightly deeper.

You are probably only going to have this process done once. Please go for the best you can afford, wear the diamond as a ring or in a pendant. Have a few smaller diamonds made along with perhaps a larger one for other members of your family or friends.

Canary yellows can be supplied from 0.25 crt upwards to 2.0 carat (see below). Blues can be made from 0.25 to approx' 0.8 carat and above.

We have made as many as 10 diamonds from one batch of ashes, as well as cutting a mixture of sizes.

How much does it cost?

Our prices are in a viewable section, but please read on - then hover the cursor to view..

Over the years we have tried to be as competitive and as reasonable as possible. We have made all sizes from 0.25 to 2.0 carat in various quantities and various cuts. The processing is extremely complex and very specialist intensive. It costs almost as much to pre-process a fractional diamond as it does a large one - so our costs are calculated more frequently and do need confirming at the time of order.

It is uneconomical to supply a single canary diamond smaller than 0.5 crt, however a group of smaller diamonds are economical when made in three's and pairs.

Blue diamonds may be supplied as single stones as small as 0.25 crt but below that it is likely to be a pointless exercise as a memorial diamond.

We realise this is an important decision not taken lightly, but if your funds are limited, choose a size to match your budget. However with this being such a unique opportunity to celebrate, go for the biggest size you can afford. We recommend - 'brilliant' cut canary at 0.75carats or perhaps four 0.25 carats in a ring.

Memorial Diamonds : FAQ (MD v2.1 031008)