Memorial diamond vs cremation jewellery: what's the difference?
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When you're looking for a way to keep a loved one close, two options come up again and again: cremation jewellery and memorial diamonds. They can look similar in photos, and both can be worn every day. But they're made in completely different ways, and the difference matters when you're deciding what feels right.
The short version: cremation jewellery holds a small amount of ashes inside it. A memorial diamond is grown from the carbon in the ashes, hair or fur, and contains no ashes at all.
What is cremation jewellery?
Cremation jewellery is designed to carry a tiny portion of ashes. The most common styles are:
- Urn pendants and lockets with a small sealed chamber, usually closed with a screw.
- Glass or resin pieces, where ashes are mixed into the material to create swirls or flecks of colour.
- Rings and bracelets with a hidden compartment or an ash-infused inlay.
It's widely available, often made within days or a few weeks, and comes in a huge range of styles and prices. For many families, it's a simple and comforting choice.
What is a memorial diamond?
A memorial diamond is a real diamond grown from carbon taken from cremated ashes, hair or fur. The carbon is extracted, purified into graphite and placed under the same intense heat and pressure that forms diamonds deep in the earth. The rough diamond is then cut, polished and independently graded.
The result is pure carbon in a diamond crystal, with the same hardness and brilliance as a mined diamond. If you're wondering whether that really makes it a diamond, we cover it in are memorial diamonds real diamonds?
Side by side
|
Cremation jewellery |
Memorial diamond |
|---|---|---|
What it is |
Jewellery that holds or contains ashes |
A diamond grown from the carbon in ashes, hair or fur |
Contains ashes? |
Yes, a small amount |
No. It's made from their carbon |
Typical time to make |
Days to a few weeks |
About 3 months with Endura |
Durability |
Depends on the materials and seal |
10 on the Mohs scale, the hardest natural material |
Independent certification |
Not usually |
Yes, an IGI grading report |
Can be reset or redesigned later? |
Usually not |
Yes, a loose diamond can be set and reset by any jeweller |
Cost |
Generally lower |
From $1,490 for 0.1ct with Endura |
Cost
Cremation jewellery is usually the more affordable option, and prices vary widely with the metal and craftsmanship. A memorial diamond is a bigger investment, because growing, cutting and certifying a diamond takes specialist equipment and time.
Our prices are published in full, from $1,490 for a 0.1 carat diamond, including GST and the IGI certificate. You can see every size on our pricing page, or read our guide to how much a memorial diamond costs in Australia.
Durability and everyday wear
Cremation jewellery is only as strong as its materials and seal. Chambers can loosen over time, and glass or resin can chip or scratch, so most makers recommend taking pieces off before swimming, showering or sport.
A diamond is the hardest natural material known. With normal care, a memorial diamond can be worn every day and passed down for generations.
Flexibility over time
Cremation jewellery is usually made as a finished piece, so the design you choose is the design you keep.
We supply memorial diamonds loose, with their certificate. You can have yours set by a jeweller you trust, in a ring, pendant or earrings, and reset it years later if your style or circumstances change. Some families choose a diamond for each child, so everyone can wear it in their own way.
Meaning
Neither option is more meaningful than the other. What matters is what feels right to you.
Some people find comfort in knowing part of their loved one is physically inside the piece they wear. Others are drawn to the idea of transformation: carbon that was once part of someone becoming something lasting and bright. Many families do both, keeping most of the ashes in an urn, a small portion in a locket, and using another small portion for a diamond. For more ideas, see what to do with ashes: 10 meaningful ways to honour someone.
How to choose
- If you'd like something soon, at a lower cost, cremation jewellery is a lovely choice.
- If you'd like an heirloom that will last for generations, a memorial diamond is made for that.
- If you want the piece to contain the ashes themselves, choose cremation jewellery.
- If you'd like the freedom to choose and change the setting, a loose memorial diamond gives you that.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use hair or fur instead of ashes?
Yes. A memorial diamond can be made from cremated ashes, hair or fur, so it's also an option for pets, or when a family doesn't have ashes.
Do I need to send all of the ashes?
No. Only a small amount is needed. Our Welcome Kit includes everything you need to send it safely.
Can a memorial diamond be set in a pendant or locket?
Yes. Because it's a loose diamond, any jeweller can set it in the style you choose.
How long does a memorial diamond take?
About 3 months from when we receive the remains. See how it works.
Whenever you're ready
There's no rush, and no wrong choice. If a memorial diamond feels right, our Welcome Kit is the gentle first step. It's $99, refundable and deducted from your diamond, and includes everything you need to send a small amount of ashes, hair or fur to us safely.