TABLE OF CONTENT
Losing a loved one or a cherished pet can leave a deep hole in our hearts. Amidst the grief, finding a way to keep their memory alive becomes a source of comfort.
A memorial diamond is a unique gemstone created from the ashes of a deceased loved one. Carbon is an important part of the human body, making up about 18% of its weight. Because of this, we can extract carbon from cremated remains and turn it into a diamond.
Ashes can be turned into diamonds to remember lost family members or pets. These diamonds can be made into rings, necklaces, earrings, or other jewellery. They hold special sentimental value.
How a Memorial Diamond is Made
After the carbon is extracted and purified, it is put under extreme conditions. This simulates the environment where natural diamonds form deep below the Earth's surface.
In this hot and pressurized environment, carbon slowly changes. Each atom finds its spot in the special diamond structure.
This stage requires patience, as it can take several weeks for the carbon atoms to align perfectly, forming the structure of a true diamond.
After crystallisation, the memorial diamond is carefully cut and polished. It is a process that brings out its natural beauty and brilliance. Expert artisans shape each diamond, ensuring that every facet shines with clarity and meaning.
If you want to give your diamond a special colour, the carbon extraction stage can keep or change trace elements. This process helps create unique colours.
Nitrogen makes up about 3% of the human body. This nitrogen can give memorial diamonds a warm, amber colour. For those who want a classic look, removing nitrogen during purification creates a pure white diamond. This diamond shines with clarity and purity.
The journey of creating a memorial diamond is not only technical but also deeply personal. It requires state-of-the-art equipment and a commitment to honouring the memories that each diamond represents.
This dedication transforms ashes into a stunning, tangible keepsake. It represents a lasting connection to those who have passed on, and allows their memory to shine forever.
Extracting Carbon from Ashes
The carbon content in ashes varies by individual, so when ashes are sent to the lab, the first step is to verify if there is sufficient carbon to create a memorial diamond.
Next, the carbon is extracted from the ashes. During this process, and impurities are reduced to a fraction of their original concentration.
For example, LONITE uses Swiss technology to extract carbon with 99.99% purity. This process takes about 5,000 minutes. This step demands surgical-grade precision equipment to ensure high-quality memorial diamonds.
The Production Process
There are two main ways to grow lab-made diamonds. One method is Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD). This method is cheaper but can be affected by small changes in the process. The other method is High-Temperature High-Pressure (HPHT).
With HPHT, purified carbon atoms from ashes or hair crystallise under extreme conditions. This process creates a real diamond over several months. This method closely resembles the natural formation process of diamonds.
Diamond Polishing
Polishing a memorial diamond is a meticulous and skill-intensive process. After cutting, the diamond is initially polished to remove surface roughness. This stage uses specialised polishing machines and fine abrasives.
The final polishing stage employs even finer materials and high-precision tools, refining the diamond's shine and clarity.
Each step must be carefully controlled to ensure the memorial diamond achieves optimal optical effects. High-quality polishing enhances the diamond’s brilliance, highlighting its colour and sparkle. Experienced artisans ensure every memorial diamond shines to perfection.
Memorial Diamonds vs. Natural Diamonds
Memorial diamonds and natural diamonds share the same chemical, physical, and optical properties, making memorial diamonds certified as genuine diamonds.
The only difference is where the carbon atoms come from. Natural diamonds form deep in the Earth's mantle. Memorial diamonds are made from human ashes or hair.
Both ashes to diamonds and natural diamonds can be certified by global authorities like the GIA and IGI. These certifications confirm their authenticity, 4Cs, and origin.
Memorial diamonds are more environmentally friendly than non-mined diamonds and offer a cost-effective option. It is a valuable keepsake.
1. Formation Environment
Diamonds, known for their cubic crystal structure, are the hardest natural material on Earth.
Natural diamonds form deep in the Earth, about 140 to 190 kilometers below the surface. They develop under high heat and pressure. Over millions to billions of years, geological changes push diamonds closer to the Earth's surface. There, they are eventually mined.
In contrast, ashes to diamonds are made using carbon extracted from human ashes or hair in a laboratory environment. To make a beautiful Lonité memorial diamond, you only need 8 ounces of ashes or 0.4 ounces of hair.
The main difference between natural diamonds and Lonité memorial diamonds is where the carbon comes from. Natural diamonds come from underground minerals. In contrast, memorial diamonds are made from human elements.
2. Diamond Properties
Both ashes to diamonds and natural diamonds are made of carbon atoms. These atoms are arranged in a tetrahedral structure. This structure creates a strong crystalline framework. This is why diamonds are some of the hardest materials on Earth.
Both types of diamonds have a Mohs hardness of 10. They also have great thermal conductivity. This is an important feature that helps tell diamonds apart from imitations.
Optically, memorial diamonds and natural diamonds share similar refractive indices, dispersion, and brilliance, creating nearly identical sparkle and fire effects.
Because of these characteristics, memorial diamonds cannot be distinguished from natural diamonds by the naked eye. Only advanced lab equipment, such as spectroscopy or inclusion analysis, can determine their different origins.
3. Price Difference
A diamond made from ashes is a lab-grown diamond. It is a more eco-friendly choice.
This option needs no mining. It also has a much lower impact on the environment than traditional diamond extraction. These diamonds are a sustainable option. They also have sentimental value, making them a great alternative to expensive, mined diamonds.
LONITE ashes to diamonds start at AUD 3,200. The final price depends on the carat weight, cut, and colour of the diamond.
In contrast, natural diamonds can be considerably more expensive. A one-carat natural diamond can cost between AUD 5,000 and AUD 20,000 or more. The price depends on its quality, origin, and certification.
The price can increase significantly for larger carat weights, rare cuts, and premium colour grades. This makes memorial diamonds an attractive option, a beautiful, personalised tribute that is both affordable and eco-conscious.
4. GIA/IGI Certification
Like natural diamonds, lab-grown memorial diamonds are certified by GIA and IGI. These respected diamond authorities confirm their 4Cs, origin, and authenticity.
This confirms that a memorial diamond is a real diamond. It has the same quality and value as natural diamonds.
Why Choose a Memorial Diamond?
Highly Customisable
Memorial diamonds can be tailored to the preferences of the customer or the memory of the loved one. LONITE offers sizes from 0.25 carats to 3 carats, and 10 cutting shapes. These include round brilliant, emerald, radiant, cushion, princess, heart, oval, pear, asscher, and rough.
The colour of the diamond can also reflect the personality and emotions of the wearer.
For example:
Colourless Diamond (White): Represents purity and simplicity, ideal for those who value classic style.
Blue Diamond: Symbolises mystery and depth, perfect for insightful and artistic individuals.
Pink Diamond: Conveys romance and tenderness, ideal for those with a passionate heart.
Yellow Diamond: Reflects happiness and creativity, for those who exude positivity.
Green Diamond: Represents harmony and nature, for those who value balance and the environment.
Red Diamond: Symbolises passion and strength, for those who pursue life with energy.
Black Diamond: Embodies luxury and creativity, suited for those who seek uniqueness.
Emotional Significance
For those dealing with the deep sadness of losing a loved one or a beloved pet, a memorial diamond is more than just jewellery.
It’s a tangible connection to those who are no longer physically present. These diamonds offer a unique source of comfort, turning loss into a lasting symbol of love and remembrance.
Made with care, memorial diamonds can be turned into rings, necklaces, or bracelets. This lets those who grieve keep a piece of their loved one close every day.
The gentle weight of a diamond on a finger or near the heart reminds us of precious memories. It brings a feeling of closeness and continuity.
This emotional meaning makes each memorial diamond a personal keepsake. It holds the stories, laughter, and warmth of a life once lived.
It’s a lovely way to honor the bond you shared. It keeps the memory of a loved one alive. This form lasts through the years and offers comfort during times of longing.
Family Heirloom
A memorial diamond honors a lost loved one. It is a special keepsake that can be passed down through generations. It holds a deep connection to the past, becoming a cherished artefact that carries the essence of those who came before.
A memorial diamond passed from parent to child tells a story that connects the family. It creates a real link between generations.
At family gatherings and special occasions, the memorial diamond reminds us of our shared memories. It also represents the lasting love that connects each family member. It becomes a symbol of continuity. It holds the warmth of past hugs, the sounds of joyful laughter, and the love that still shines, even when we are apart.
This lasting keepsake strengthens family bonds. It offers comfort and a sense of belonging. It helps keep the memory of a loved one alive in the family's heart.
Wrap up
Due to their identical chemical structure, physical, and optical properties, memorial diamonds are truly genuine diamonds. Certified by leading gemological institutions like GIA and IGI, memorial diamonds offer the same high standards as natural diamonds.
Memorial diamonds are better for the environment than mined diamonds. They also have a special sentimental value, making them a valuable choice. If you are interested in ordering a memorial diamond, reach out to LONITE's team for more information.
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