This guide looks at the technical stages behind a cremation diamond: preparing carbon from the supplied material, growing a crystal under high pressure and temperature, then cutting and checking the finished stone.
1. Receive and prepare the material
We first register the ashes or hair against the order and check the material before laboratory preparation. For a standard order, the requested amount is 100 g of cremated ashes or 2 g of hair. If you have less, ask us to assess what is possible before sending it.
2. Prepare the carbon source
The laboratory processes the material to prepare a carbon source for diamond growth. Depending on the sample and the process, the growth mixture may also include additional purified carbon. We can explain how this applies to your diamond before you order.
3. Grow the diamond with HPHT equipment
HPHT means high pressure, high temperature. Under controlled conditions, carbon atoms form a diamond crystal. This is not the same as pressing visible ashes into a gemstone: the crystal grows in the laboratory and is then worked into a finished diamond. See the customer journey for the stages before and after growth.
4. Cut, polish and check the stone
Once growth is complete, the crystal is cut and polished according to the option agreed for the order and the usable material produced. The finished diamond goes through quality checks and is supplied with a Heart In Diamond Certificate of Authenticity. An independent gemmological report can be requested as an additional service.
5. Set and deliver, if selected
A loose diamond can be supplied on its own; a ring, pendant or other setting is fitted later if chosen. Diamond creation normally takes around 90 days from receipt of suitable material. Jewellery, inscription and independent reporting may add to the overall time. The New Zealand team will confirm the expected schedule for your order.