5 reasons why man-made diamonds from ashes are better than mined diamonds

If you’re in the market for a diamond, you may be confused—a multitude of price ranges and options may make it difficult to decide which one to buy. There are lots of aspects to consider—cut, carat, clarity, and more. In Plymouth and surrounding UK areas, man-made diamonds are becoming increasingly popular, specifically diamonds made from the ashes of cremated remains.

Many people are reluctant to buy man-made diamonds because they don’t think they are authentic. The truth is that sometimes man-made diamonds are of a higher quality than mined ones, and they actually share the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds. Plus, they are around 20% to 40% cheaper than a natural diamond.

This is equally true for diamonds made from ashes that are created in a lab by man. These particular gems are made from carbon, which is used to create all diamonds. Our bodies are comprised of 18% carbon, and it can be extracted from cremated ashes and used to make a diamond.

If you’re still having trouble deciding between the two, below are 5 reasons why man-made diamonds from ashes are better than mined diamonds:

Man-made diamonds are more affordable. You can buy a natural 1.00ct diamond for a minimum of £3575—but keep in mind that this will probably be a low-quality diamond. On the other hand, you can expect to pay as low as £1400 for a man-made diamond from ashes of good quality. Heart in diamond says that the total price of turning the ashes to diamonds, the jewellery setting, and the cost of cremation combined typically ranges between £1451 to £6529.

Man-made diamonds from ashes are just like mined diamonds, only better. Professor Oliver Williams, a physicist at Cardiff University, says that man-made diamonds “are purer than anything you would see in nature.” According to Professor Williams, the process of creating diamonds in a lab is “man actually beating nature,” and it’s a process that’s still being perfected.

A mined diamond is the hardest substance on Earth. In fact, it has a perfect score of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale. However, mined diamonds have many crystalline structures, and this leaves them very susceptible to cracks and fractures. Man-made diamonds made from ashes boast better purity and crystalline perfection.

Both types of diamonds share many of the same properties, such as electrochemical and electronic, as well as thermal conductivity. But diamonds from ashes have fewer defects, and they’re brighter, whiter, and stronger.

They are a more sustainable option. The Earth’s precious resources are sacrificed for the pursuit of natural diamonds. Man-made diamonds are an eco-friendlier choice because the manufacturing process does not involve tearing up our precious planet. You can’t get any more eco-friendly than diamonds made from ashes because they are created from cremains.

Also, consider this: the world’s supply of diamonds won’t last forever. Bain & Company reported that 135 million carats of gem-quality diamonds were mined in 2015 — 4 million more carats than the previous year. And at this rate, it’s predicted the demand for mined diamonds will outpace supply in the next few years.

They are a more ethical choice. You may have heard of blood diamonds — also known as “conflict diamonds.” These gems are made in areas that are controlled by rebel forces opposed to internationally recognized governments. The money from the sale of these diamonds is used to fund war crimes and fund human rights abuse. These diamonds are usually made through the forced labor of men, women and children.

When it comes to man-made diamonds from ashes, you never have to worry about its origins and unethical practices used to produce them. The fact that these diamonds are never blood diamonds makes them a more ethical and environmentally-friendly diamond.

Man-made diamonds from ashes are more meaningful. While all diamonds have meaning, diamonds made from ashes are extra special because they keep the memory of your loved one alive. When someone close to you dies, it can be devastating. Diamonds made from the ashes of your loved one can used in making jewelry that you can wear every day. This gentle reminder is often helpful for those who are grieving. Can natural diamonds do that? Most likely, the answer is no.

A personal cremation diamond is going to hold more value than a mined diamond because it is made from the very substance of your loved one. It will be completely unique and formed from the cremated ashes of your deceased friend, family member, or pet.

If shopping for a diamond in Plymouth seems confusing, keep in mind that the seller must clearly identify what kind of gems they are selling and the origins of the stones as well. While you probably won’t be able to tell a real diamond from a man-made one, they should be labeled as what type they are. When in doubt, ask to see the stone’s certification.