What are they? Basically they are diamonds created from the ashes of a cremated loved one. That's right, you can turn Granny into a necklace, Uncle Bob into earrings and Cousin Beatrice into a gorgeous one-carat ring.

It can't be for real? Actually, yes it can, and the process isn't that complicated. Someone dies, the body is cremated and carbon is extracted from the ashy remains. Under extreme heat, over time, this carbon is then turned into graphite, put into a diamond pres and cut to the desired shape. More than 100 gems can be made from one person - if their surviving relatives can afford it, that is.

Are they identical to natural diamonds? Yes. However, due to the scientific make-up of human beings, and various chemicals in our carbon remains, the gems are not clear in colour, but various shades of blue and yellow.

Where can i get one? The technology originated in Russia but has been adopted by the US-based company LifeGem (which now has providers in Canada, Hungary, the Netherlands, England and Australia) and by the Swiss firm Algordanza. If you like the sound of it for yourself, monthly instalments to LifeGem can allow you the set your own after-death fate in stone. Prices range from abut $3500 to $15,000 for one to 1 1/2 carats.

How long does it take? About six months, but that's not long if you consider diamonds are forever.

More than just a tribute... As well as offering a unique way to memorialise a loved one, this process means you'll never have to risk the urn of a dearly departed's ashes being knocked off the mantlepiece and used as a cat litter by Mr Jinx, as seen in Meet the Parents.

What about Mr Jinxy himself? Yes, the family cat (or dog for that matter) can also be transformed into a sparkling diamond. Just remember to choose a slightly smaller setting.


(source The Age, Goodweekend, 20/08/05)



[Edited 8/22/05 17:16pm]

Ocean said:

it's too gross

I don't think I would want to do that

charlottegelin said:

Imagine havin your deceased relative sittin in your lil jewelery box

luv4u said:

This could be turned in2 a smurf cartoon ...imagine if people got greedy n tried 2 kill for these diamondz dat would make some strange story plot!!!

The movie could be called...

The Jeweller

lilmissmissy said:

or how upset would you be if a burglar broke in and unwittingly took your nanna!

charlottegelin said:

Not only would it be theft...it would be considered an abductionz!!!

lilmissmissy said:

too creepy, what if the jewelly was HAUNTED!!! poor burglar

charlottegelin said:

OMG!!! A haunted RING!!! HAHA dat would be karma on a whole new different level

lilmissmissy said:

shame the name for this movie is already taken

charlottegelin said:

I know...

HUH I KNOW!!!

I got another idea, since The Ring is already taken...we can make it dat he stealz a necklace instead...we could call da film... The Necklace

lilmissmissy said:

it can choke people to death!

charlottegelin said:

Datz a frikkin fantastabulous idea charlotte

Gives new meaning to they are worth more dead then alive!

DeactivatedMUSE said: