1 What is a LifeGem® Memorial Diamond?
A LifeGem® Memorial Diamond is a real diamond that is created from the carbon that remains in the ashes after a cremation.
2 Is it a real diamond?
Yes, a LifeGem® Memorial Diamond is a real diamond. In nature, diamonds are created deep in the earth, where the high pressure and temperature ‘crystallises’ carbon. LifeGem® uses diamond presses that accelerate this process using the same forces: high pressure and temperature. The diamonds that are produced in diamond presses are physically identical to the diamonds found in nature: the same hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), brilliance, fire and processing options.
3 What is the creation process of a LifeGem® Memorial Diamond?
In fact there are four main phases:
1> The carbon is extracted from a portion of the ashes (LifeGem® requires a relatively small part of the total quantity of ashes). This carbon is then purified.
2> The carbon (approximately one teaspoon: + 5 grams) is placed in a diamond press, where a rough diamond is created under high pressure and temperatures during a period of 8 to 9 days (depending on the desired carat weight).
3> This rough diamond is then cut into the shape specified by the next of kin. As standard, LifeGem® offers the opportunity to select from a brilliant cut diamond (round), a princess cut diamond (square) or a radinat cut diamond (square with blunt corners). Other shapes are possible on request.
4> When the diamond has been cut and polished, it is certified and assigned a unique identification code. This code is assigned to the ashes before the creation process starts and is the basis for the more advanced tracking and tracing system. This code is engraved into the diamond with a cold laser. A personal text can also be engraved on request.
The LifeGem® Memorial Diamond including the setting and its certificate of authenticity are presented to the next of kin after an average processing period of 18 to 26 weeks.
4 LifeGem® adds natural mined carbon in some cases. Why?
LifeGem® creates real diamonds with the carbon in cremation ashes. It adds natural carbon for practical reasons, but also especially for reasons of safety. The reasons are:
1> The carbon content in the ashes may be insufficient. Not all types of carbon are suitable for the creation of diamonds: the elementary carbon content is the important factor here (source: TNO). The carbon content depends primarily on the completeness of the cremation process. The more complete the cremation (the longer the duration of the cremation, the higher the temperature), the less elementary carbon is present. This can be assessed visually: the lighter the cremation ash is on a scale from white to black, the less carbon will be present. Even though there is always some carbon present, the content can occasionally be so low that even if all the ash were used there would be insufficient elementary carbon available for:
a. The creation of a single LifeGem® Memorial Diamond .
b. The creation of several LifeGem® Memorial Diamonds if more relatives wish to receive a diamond.
c. The availability of extra carbon in the exceptional situation that the process fails (safety).
d. The availability of extra carbon if a LifeGem® Memorial Diamond gets lost and the remaining ashes has been scattered by the next of kin (safety).
2> The total quantity of ashes are insufficient. For example, this may be the case after the cremation of a young child, a baby or a premature birth. Where the cremation of an adult may produce 2 to
5 Why does LifeGem® not use more ashes?
LifeGem® uses a small portion of the total amount of the cremation ashes as standard in order to create one or more diamonds. The carbon purification phase is a destructive process. This means: all materials except carbon are destroyed. LifeGem® does not wish to inadvertently destroy personal material during the carbon purification phase.
Our experiences throughout the world have shown us that not using the complete quantity of ashes for the creation of a diamond is more important than the fact that the diamond consists of 100% source material or 75% or 50%. The term ‘source material’ refers to the carbon that originates in all the elements that have been incinerated. So this includes carbon from the burnt coffin as well... A memorial diamond consisting of 100% personal carbon is therefore impossible. It is not possible to distinguish between elementary carbon that originated in the body and other elements. This has all been the subject of lengthy discussions between
We have seen that relatives attach a great deal of value to a top quality product and a reliable company that guarantees safe processing, a respectful method of work and optimum service. Naturally, it must be shown that personal material is contained in the diamond that the relatives are presented by LifeGem®. This is why sveral thousands of relatives worldwide choose for LifeGem® and the LifeGem® Memorial Diamond.
6 How do I, as a relative, know that the diamond I receive was actually produced from the ashes that I made available?
Naturally, this question is asked very frequently. A similar question is asked at crematoria: ‘How do I know for certain that the ashes in the urn are that of my deceased loved one?’ As is the case at crematoria, LifeGem® has taken every effort to restrict the risks, which will always be present, to an acceptable minimum. We use completely detailed internal processes based on a meticulous working method, an advanced tracking and tracing system and careful checks before, during and after every process phase. However, the same applies here as to the response to the ‘ashes-urn’ question asked at crematoria: 99% is provable and demonstrable. The final 1% is a question of trust.
Extra facilities offered by
- Relatives can follow the process in a secure environment on the Internet.
- The LifeGem® identification code is engraved onto the diamond after it has been cut.
- Relatives who would like to visit one of the LifeGem production sites are always more than welcome.
7 LifeGem® Memorial Diamonds have a light (visually white) or more intense bluish or yellowish colour. Why is that?
The bluish colour of a LifeGem® Memorial Diamond is caused by an element called Boron. Boron is a natural element and is responsible for the reflection of blue light. The yellowish colour is caused by the element Nitrogen. Nitrogen can be added (if this is desired by the next of kin) during the pressing process. A major benefit of the addition of nitrogen is that it not only creates a beautiful yellow colour (like the shining sun or a shimmering star), it also enhances even more the stability of the production process.
A yellowish memorial diamond created with the addition of Nitrogen is not a ‘treated’ diamond. In the natural diamond trade, diamonds are still sometimes ‘treated’ in order to positively influence the colour. However, there is also a danger that these diamonds will lose their colour when heated which is not the case with our Memorial Diamonds. Nitrogen is responsible ‘fancy yellow’ in natural diamonds. Moreover, Boron is responsible for natural ‘fancy blue’ diamonds.
In general, the colour hues in both variants range from visually white to light-coloured (hazy blue or yellow). However, the definitive colour tone cannot be guaranteed in advance. This is all directly dependent on the quantity of Boron/Nitrogen and the position of the concentration of these elements in the cut diamond. In the final analysis, the creation of diamonds is a copy of a natural process that cannot be controlled completely. On the other hand, this does mean that every LifeGem® Memorial Diamond is totally unique. Just like the person who's carbon we use to create your LifeGem® Memorial diamond...
Furthermore, did you know that the most rare, unique, famous and therefore valuable natural diamonds all have a colour (frequently intense blue or yellow)?
8 What is the price of a LifeGem® Memorial Diamond?
The price of a LifeGem® depends on the weight (carats) and type of setting. LifeGem® Memorial Diamonds are available from 0.25 carat to over 1.00 carat (1 carat =
9 In what shapes can a LifeGem® Memorial Diamond be cut?
In principle a LifeGem® Memorial Diamond can be cut into any desired shape. However, as standard, LifeGem® has opted to offer a number of cut shapes that are well known for their high degree of light reflection. These shapes are brilliant (round), princess (square with sharp pointed corners) and radiant (square with blunt corners).
10 Can I pre-insure a LifeGem® Memorial Diamond?
Yes, pre-insuring a LifeGem® Memorial Diamond at life (pre-need) is possible.
11 Can I have a diamond produced from ashes that have been in my possession for a long period of time?
Yes, that is also possible. If you have had the cremation ashes of your deceased loved one in your possession for some time or if it has been stored in an urn or columbarium, it is also possible to create a LifeGem® Memorial Diamond with the carbon coming from these ashes.
12 Can I have a diamond created from the ashes of my deceased pet?
Yes you can. Also in these ashes there is a certain quantity of elementary carbon present. The production process is identical.
13 What else should I know?
Our brochure and this list of questions and answers provide you with complete information on all the main points. Our LifeGem Advisors can always provide you with extra information or show you an example in order to give you an impression of what a LifeGem® Memorial Diamond looks like. Please visit our Picture Gallery and take a look at the different varieties of our memorial diamonds. There are also pictures of jewellery owned by our clients that contains one or more LifeGem® Memorial Diamonds.