Funeral arrangements that involve cremation are more popular than ever today. Cremation conserves costs and it allows individuals more flexibility when it comes to dictating how their remains will be handled after death. Traditionally, people have had three choices regarding the dispersal of their cremated remains. They could be scattered in whole or in part in a special place, kept by loved ones, or buried.
Today there is a third, very unique post-cremation option available. You can opt to have your remains crafted into a beautiful synthetic diamond. The diamond can be cut and shaped into a gorgeous piece of memorial jewelry your loved ones can wear. LifeGem is the US based company offering this unique service, and it is becoming a popular alternative to more traditional ways of handling deceased loved ones’ remains.
Specially Crafted Synthetic Diamonds
The diamonds created by LifeGem from cremated remains are synthetic diamonds. A small amount of an individual’s remains are all that is needed to create a beautiful blue, red, yellow, green or colorless diamond. LifeGem can handle an individual’s cremation on site, or remains can be shipped to their facilities. The cremated remains of loved ones you may already have can be used to create memorial diamonds, as well.
How does LifeGem create a brilliant synthetic diamond from ashes? They use a special process whereby carbon is extracted from cremated remains, then heated until a block of graphite is produced. Under high pressure and heat, the graphite can then be transformed into a diamond crystal.
The length of heating time determines the size of the diamond crystal, and different processes produce special colored gems. Diamond sizes range from .2 to 1.50 or larger carats. Diamonds can be delivered loose and crafted into jewelry by your favorite jeweler. You can also choose to have your diamond set in the ring or pendant of your choice available through LifeGem.
LifeGem offers a unique alternative to families who wish to share the cremated remains of a loved one. Dozens of diamonds can be crafted from the remains of one individual, or a single diamond can be created by combining multiple individuals’ remains. This is a cost-effective option for families, and it also appeals to couples and even entire families.
The cremated remains of beloved pets can also be crafted into LifeGem diamonds, provided at least 8 ounces of ashes are available for processing.
Celebrity LifeGem Diamonds
LifeGem’s unique service isn’t limited to grieving family members, or even the deceased. The company recently created a diamond from carbon extracted from a donated sample of Ludwig van Beethoven’s hair. The company auctioned the diamond on eBay where it sold for $202,700. Proceeds were donated to charity.
According to LifeGem, celebrities began contacting the company after hearing about the Beethoven gem, hoping to donate “locks” to help raise money for their favorite charities. LifeGem says they plan to participate in such charity events in the future.
Even if you’re not a celebrity, you can use LifeGem’s service to create a special diamond jewelry item of your own. Couples may use diamonds created from their hair in wedding ceremonies, and special mother’s rings featuring diamonds created from children’s locks are a very unique gift idea.
Authentication and Pricing
All LifeGem diamonds come with authentication certificates. The weight, shape, dimension, clarity and color are declared, as well as other features typically certified in natural diamond purchases. Each diamond is also laser etched with a unique identifier, and they are all guaranteed free of defects for life. One of the nicest features of LifeGem diamonds is their uniqueness. Much like natural diamonds, each LifeGem diamond has its own distinct features and characteristics.
How much does it cost to have your cremated remains or hair crafted into a memorial diamond or jewelry item? LifeGem services are several thousand dollars, and prices vary according to the color and size of diamond you order.
One option to consider for cremated remains processing is pre-planning. By pre-arranging your LifeGem diamond, you lock in the price of your diamond and safeguard against rising future costs. Although only a handful of funeral homes today offer LifeGem services as an option to their clients, you can arrange the service yourself with the company online. Your funeral home may be able to work with you to arrange LifeGem services upon request.
The idea of crafting a diamond from cremated remains may not appeal to you, but some see it as an ideal way to memorialize loved ones and keep them close. Individuals have opted to have cremated remains included in special jewelry items for decades. Grieving is an incredibly difficult process, and anything that might bring comfort to someone suffering the loss of a loved one is an option well worth consideration.
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