What you need to know before commissioning a memorial diamond. Written by the independent certification authority, not a seller.
Memorial diamonds are real diamonds created from the carbon extracted from human hair or cremation ashes. They are chemically identical to natural diamonds — both are crystalline carbon. The difference is origin: one comes from the earth, the other from a person you loved.
Because this is an emotionally significant purchase, the industry is unfortunately vulnerable to misrepresentation. ILDA exists to help you distinguish legitimate laboratories from those that cut corners or make false claims.
ILDA's Consumer Protection Report identified the following warning signs in complaints:
Before commissioning a memorial diamond, request the following from any laboratory:
Print or save this checklist before contacting any laboratory:
□ Ask for the ILDA accreditation number and verify it at lifediamondassociation.org/directory.html
□ Request sample spectroscopic reports from previous clients (with identifying information redacted)
□ Confirm the minimum cooling-off period before processing begins (ILDA recommends 48 hours minimum)
□ Ask how they handle the case where insufficient carbon is extracted (reputable labs will refund or offer alternative)
□ Request a written timeline with milestones: material receipt → carbon extraction → synthesis start → completion → grading
□ Confirm whether the quoted price includes independent gemological grading (GIA/IGI) or only laboratory-issued certificates
□ Ask about insurance and shipping: is the diamond insured during transit? Who pays return shipping?
□ Request references from at least two previous clients (with permission)
Carbon Extraction: Hair contains approximately 45% carbon by dry weight. Cremation ashes contain 0.5-2.5% carbon. The extraction process must isolate this carbon with sufficient purity for diamond synthesis.
HPHT Synthesis: The extracted carbon is placed in a high-pressure press (typically 5-6 GPa, 1,300-1,600°C) where it crystallizes around a diamond seed. This process takes 2-6 months depending on desired carat weight.
Spectroscopic Verification: After synthesis, Raman spectroscopy confirms the sp³ carbon lattice structure. FTIR identifies nitrogen and boron content that distinguishes memorial diamonds from natural or industrial synthetic diamonds.
ILDA recognizes that consumers seeking memorial diamonds are often grieving. This emotional state makes you vulnerable to high-pressure sales tactics and false promises. We encourage you to take your time, verify claims independently, and remember: a legitimate laboratory will never rush you. The person you are honoring deserves patience, not pressure.