LifeGem FAQs
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Top 3 most asked questions…
Just as a natural diamond, a LifeGem diamond varies in cost depending on the size you choose. Please click here for complete LifeGem pricing.
Ordering a LifeGem
LifeGem diamonds can be between .10 carats and 3.0 carats, with the same quality of the diamonds you would find at any high end jeweler.
Ordering your very own LifeGem® diamond, either from a lock of hair, or the ashes of your loved one, is a simple three step process. Click here for detailed information.
Please call us at 866-543-3436. We will be happy to work with either the funeral home or pet care facility of your choosing, or you can work directly with us.
We have been able to make a diamond out of as little as a tablespoon of cremated remains or a few small wisps of hair. In some cases, if there is not enough carbon, families have chosen to add some of their hair to create more of a unity LifeGem diamond. You can order any option size.
Creating a LifeGem from Ashes
LifeGem’s unique technology replicates the process of what takes millions of years naturally to occur within the earth and speeds it up to create a certified, high-quality diamond in just a matter of months. The entire process of creating this beautiful and unique LifeGem memorial for your family includes carbon purification, creation, and finishing (faceting and certification). For more information, please see our creation process or inquire about a tour of our facility in Chicago, IL.
LifeGem diamond research and development is an ongoing effort. We have spent the last 20 plus years developing and refining the process of creating the highest quality diamonds possible. We have worked with some of the best scientists in the world, to ensure families get the quality and comfort they expect when they receive their LifeGem diamond(s).
Yes, a LifeGem can be created for those choosing burial. With our latest process advancements, we can now capture carbon from a lock of hair to begin the LifeGem diamond creation process.
LifeGem has the most advanced technology and knowledge in the diamond creation industry. Our process is so streamlined, we are able to create over 100 certified, high-quality LifeGem diamonds as memorials for each family if they so choose. From the initial 4 ounces of ashes we request, we can usually make 8 to 10 LifeGem diamonds. Please call to discuss if you would like over 10 LifeGem diamonds.
No. From just 4 ounces (100 grams) of ashes, we can extract enough carbon to make all the diamonds that a family wants. We can store this carbon for the family after their order is completed, in case they should ever want replacement or additional LifeGem diamonds created.
Typically, it takes about 6 months to create a LifeGem diamond. Throughout the process, our automated system notifies you via email when major milestones during the process have been completed. You can also call us or log into our website for a status update at any time.
Creating a LifeGem from a Lock of Hair
Yes, a LifeGem can be created from a lock of hair. We will capture the carbon from the lock of hair you provide. The larger the lock of hair, the more carbon we will be able to collect. For example, the amount of hair collected from a standard men’s haircut, or the amount that you could easily hold in the palm of your hand is more than sufficient to make one to two LifeGem diamonds.
When creating your LifeGems from a lock of hair, the amount that you can hold in the palm of your hand will allow us to create one to two larger diamonds. If you would feel more comfortable, please call us at 866-543-3436 to discuss your exact situation.
Colors
Like the most precious and rare natural diamonds, LifeGem diamonds can currently be created as colorless, blue, or pink / red. Due to the unique nature of our scientific process, every single LifeGem will be a different shade. The elements and unique makeup of your loved one’s carbon directly affect the resulting color of your LifeGem diamond(s) making them a light, medium, or intense shade of the color you choose.
Just as your loved one was a completely unique personality, the LifeGem diamond made from their carbon will be a completely unique shade. While we cannot predict what shade your LifeGem will be in the color you have chosen (blue or pink/red), but we know that it will sparkle with the fire and brilliance that is shared by no other diamond in the world.
Yes, we do create colorless LifeGem diamonds. They are beautiful and available in all sizes.
Quality
Yes, LifeGem diamonds are considered real diamonds. LifeGem created diamonds are identical in every aspect to natural diamonds. They have the same brilliance, fire, and hardness as any high quality diamond you may find at Tiffany & Co. The obvious difference is that our diamonds are made in our state-of-the-art Lab from a specific carbon source.
Our LifeGem created diamonds, like natural diamonds, are authenticated and identified by our world-renown and highly trained gemologists. LifeGem also exceeds all regulated standards in the funeral industry, and by tracking the process with extreme detail from order placement to setting, we can ensure a certified, high-quality LifeGem diamond created from the carbon of your loved one every single time. This is only something that can be done with a US based lab like ours. All other companies have their diamonds created overseas.
Our overall quality target is VVS to VS. Due to the scientific nature of this process, your LifeGem will contain tiny flaws much like natural diamonds. These will not be visible to the naked eye. The LifeGem techniques create some of the most valuable diamonds in the world, both because of the diamond quality and the memorial it represents.
Ensuring that your diamond is made with your loved one’s carbon is our highest priority. As soon as an order is received, we immediately assign a unique 16 digit tracking number. This number follows the diamond throughout the entire process. Multiple system checks occur at each stage of the process to ensure that order integrity is retained.
Our doors are always open to guarantee our clients’ comfort level. We offer in-depth tours of the entire process to anyone placing an order.
LifeGem for Pets
At LifeGem, we understand that people love their pets like children. We take that into account and, of course, offer our services and products to pet owners as well. Click here for additional information.
Yes, we can make a diamond from any cremated remains. It does not matter if your pet was a dog, horse, alligator, or squirrel. Carbon is carbon.
We have been able to make a diamond out of as little as a tablespoon of cremated remains or a small amount of hair. In some cases, if there is not enough carbon, families have chosen to add some of their hair to create more of a unity LifeGem diamond. You can order any option size.
This is very common. Please call us at 866-543-3436. We will be happy to work with the pet care facility of your choosing, or you can work directly with us.
Just as a natural diamond, a LifeGem diamond varies in cost depending on the size you choose. Pet prices are the same as for our human prices. Please click here for complete LifeGem pricing.
Still didn’t find an answer to your question? Click here to drop us a line, or call our customer service at 866-543-3436. That’s 866-LIFEGEM. Thanks.