How is cremation jewellery made?
Cremation jewellery is made by extracting the carbon from the ashes of a deceased person or pet. The carbon is then paired with a tiny diamond growing crystal and placed within a HPHT machine for 70-120 days, after which a genuine diamond is formed.
Mined and cremation diamonds are made the same way
Although it sounds technical, cremation diamonds are made in the exact same way as mined diamonds. The only difference is that while the Earth applies intense levels of pressure and heat over billions of years to create a diamond, Heart In Diamond can create one within four months with the help of an HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) machine.
This specialist piece of equipment applies the same extreme pressures and temperatures that the Earth does within a controlled laboratory environment. After 10-17 weeks, the ideal conditions have been maintained long enough to form a genuine rough diamond, just like you’d find deep within the Earth’s crust.
After the rough diamond has been created, it’s cut and polished according to your specifications. An engraving is then added, if requested, before the diamond is secured within a jewellery setting and shipped to your door.
Other types of memorial and cremation jewellery
Cremation diamonds aren’t the only type of memorial jewellery. While many people prefer this beautiful keepsake because of its brilliant sparkle and longevity, there are several other options available. Here are some other types of cremation jewelry:
Memorial diamonds
Diamonds can also be made using the hair of a loved one or the fur of a beloved pet. This type of cremation jewellery is made by extracting the pure carbon from the hair of fur before combining it with a diamond growing crystal and storing it inside an HPHT machine for 70-120 days.
As they also contain the essence of the person or pet you want to remember, memorial diamonds are just as precious and intimate as cremation diamonds. They’re also just as customisable and come in a range of carat weights, colours and shapes.
Urn pendants
Urn pendants are one of the most popular types of cremation jewellery because they’re affordable and easy to use. This type of trinket is made by making a small hollow urn designed to hold a tiny amount of ashes.
Although they’re known as “urn pendants” they don’t have to be in the shape of an urn. Many people wear this type of cremation jewellery in the form of a love heart, letter of the alphabet, teardrop, cross or pawprint.
Urn pendants are often metal and can sometimes be personalised with an engraved message or photo to make them even more personal. This type of cremation jewellery is most commonly worn on necklaces. However, the pieces can also be attached to bracelets, rings and keyrings.
Glass cremation beads
As well as turning ashes into diamonds, cremated remains can also be turned into delicate glass cremation beads. There are two primary ways of doing this, each of which creates a distinct look.
The first way is to encase the ashes between two panels of coloured glass which are then forged together. This way you can see the swirl of ashes protected by the glass in the piece of finished jewellery. The second is to combine the ashes with molten glass while creating a bead. Through this method, the ashes are scattered randomly throughout the bead, making them look like stars twinkling in the night sky.
Glass cremation beads are very versatile and can be used for necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and keyrings.
Photo engraved pendants
You don’t have to use ashes to make memorial jewellery. If your loved one was buried or you simply don’t want to use their ashes in jewellery, you can still honour them by having a photo engraved into a pendant.
This type of cremation jewellery is made by first selecting the size and design of pendant you like. Then it’s time to choose the photo that will be engraved and whether you want it in black and white, greyscale, colour, etc. Finally, decide if you’d like a written engraving included on the pendant and send all your requirements off to the engraving company.
Photo engravings on pendants are done with a high level of accuracy, providing you with a life-like reminder of the person you lost.
Thumbprint jewellery
Also known as fingerprint jewellery, thumbprint jewellery is made in a similar way to photo engraved pendants, but features a laser engraving of the thumbprint or fingerprint of the person you want to remember.
This one-of-a-kind type of cremation jewellery can be turned into a pendant, ring, bracelet, cufflink, charm or keyring, making it a suitable keepsake for almost anyone. Most engraving companies provide a selection of metals to choose from and also give you the option to engrave the piece of jewellery with a personal message.