Image courtesy of Rinaldo Willy/Algordanza “Rough Diamonds created from the ashes of human remains”
Across the globe, a remarkable and increasingly popular trend is giving new meaning to the term family heirloom: transforming cremated human remains into diamonds. This unique memorial option offers a deeply personal and lasting tribute to loved ones, turning grief into something tangible, beautiful, and eternal.
Swiss company Algordanza pioneered this concept over a decade ago, founded by visionary entrepreneur Rinaldo Willy. By replicating the intense heat and pressure found deep within the Earth, Algordanza has developed a way to create synthetic diamonds from human ashes—an innovative service now available in 24 countries.
Each year, the company receives the ashes of around 900 individuals, with families returning approximately three months later to receive custom-created memorial diamonds. The result is more than just a gemstone—it’s a meaningful keepsake, a way to hold a loved one close forever.
Most diamonds produced through this process are naturally blue, a coloration caused by boron, a trace element found in bones. However, diamonds can also appear white, yellow, or nearly black, depending on the unique chemical makeup of the ashes. As Willy explains, “Every diamond is slightly different. It’s always a unique diamond.”
Image courtesy of Rinaldo Willy/Algordanza/My Memorial Diamond
“A finished blue diamond, coloured by the element boron, which occurs naturally in bones.”
While the majority of requests come from families after a loved one has passed, there is a growing number of individuals choosing to pre-arrange this memorial option for themselves. The cost ranges from $5,000 to $22,000, depending on the size and specifications of the diamond.
How Ashes Are Transformed into Diamonds:
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Analysis – The cremated remains are chemically analysed.
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Extraction – All non-carbon elements are removed, isolating organic carbon (often with trace boron).
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Conversion – The carbon is converted into graphite.
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Crystallization – The graphite is placed in a high-pressure diamond press with a starter crystal, subjected to 2,700°F and 1,000,000 psi. Over time, it forms a rough diamond.
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Finishing – The rough diamond is cut, shaped, and polished into the final gem.
Image courtesy of Cremation Solutions
“The ashes-to-diamond transformation process”
The process compresses what would take millions of years underground into just a few months. From about one pound of ashes, it’s possible to create up to nine diamonds—many of which are later crafted into rings, pendants, or other cherished jewelry.
At first glance, the idea may seem unusual or even unsettling. But with reflection, it becomes clear: this is a profoundly touching way to honour a life lived. A diamond made from ashes is not just a gem, it’s a story, a connection, a piece of someone you loved, carried with you always.
