From dust to… diamonds?

The death of a loved one is never a fun experience, and the burial process can often make things even harder.  However, there is one way to simplify the process.  You and your family can now cremate your loved one’s ashes into beautiful, stunning . . . diamonds?

Extreme heat and pressure are used to condense the ashes of the deceased, which can take anywhere from a week up to three months. Once the ashes crystalize, they are turned into beautifully crafted diamonds and set in jewelry pieces in rings, necklaces, and bracelets. Though this sounds like a wonderful burial option, the reality is that a loved one would be wearing the deceased as a jewelry piece.

The concept of diamond cremation originated with the Swiss company Algordanza in 2004.  Since then, it has grown in popularity across the globe. The company offers a “peaceful and promising alternative from traditional burial” and the choice of three diamond selections—The Memorial, Unique and Beauty. This allows the family members to choose the shape and cut depending on how the diamond best represents the deceased.

So what exactly is the appeal? Having a diamond personally crafted for about $5,000 to $34,000 doesn’t sound too appealing. Though the company emphasizes that diamond cremation offers a great way to remember a loved one, does it truly respect the dead? Jewelry has been a symbol of affection for centuries, yet it enhances our beauty and self-promotion, causing us to look in a mirror and flatter ourselves.

When people see a diamond, they don’t automatically think memories and the deeper meaning behind the make and color. Instead, society sees a gorgeous jewel accenting the wearer and makes them wish they possessed such beauty.

Although diamond cremation turns ashes into beautiful stone, the ashes should go back to the earth. Burials are meant to respect those who have died by gathering the family together and honoring their memory by placing the body or ashes back into the earth. Diamonds, on the other hand, are more of a wearable fashion statement. Unless the cremated diamond was made at the request of the deceased beforehand, then the only purpose is to be set in a glass case or worn by a family member.

Before you decide on the right type of burial, think hard on the reason you want your loved one to be remembered. A jewel will forever keep their essence, but it won’t keep their memory.  Humans themselves do that. Burial is to honor and respect the dead, in hopes their bodies go back to the earth unto which they were given life by the almighty God himself.