As Seen on The Valley: Reza Farahan’s Journey of Turning Memory into Light
Grief is a landscape we all eventually walk. It doesn’t matter who we are, where we live, or what language we speak. The feeling of missing someone is universal. It is a quiet, heavy weight that we carry, and we are often looking for a way to make it lighter.
Recently, viewers of The Valley: Persian Style witnessed a very public, yet deeply personal moment of this journey.
Reza Farahan, known to the world for his vibrant personality and sharp eye for luxury, slowed down to navigate the tender process of grieving his father. He came to EverDear with a simple but profound wish: he wanted his father with him, not just in memory, but in a tangible form. He wanted a piece of his father’s essence that he could wear every day, close to his heart.
To honor that bond, Reza chose to turn his father’s ashes into a stunning diamond.
Seeing Reza hold that finished pendant, overcome with a mix of disbelief and joy, we know that it wasn't just about the jewelry. Today, we want to share the story of that diamond—how it was envisioned, how it was grown, and why this technology is becoming a source of comfort for families around the world.
A Tribute in Gold and Light
When a family decides to create a memorial diamond, the first question is often: How do I want to see them? For Reza, the answer was rooted in eternity, warmth, and presence.
He didn’t want a subtle keepsake; he wanted a legacy piece. He chose a 1-carat colorless diamond, a substantial size that catches the light from every angle. A diamond of this magnitude demands attention. It transforms the memorial from a hidden treasure into a brilliant centerpiece.
To hold this stone, he selected a setting of 18k yellow gold. This choice was intentional. Unlike lower-karat metals, 18k gold has a richness and a depth of color that feels almost like sunlight. It is warm against the skin. By pairing the icy clarity of a colorless diamond with the buttery warmth of high-karat gold, Reza created a cremation pendant that feels timeless. It looked as appropriate on the day he unboxed it as it will fifty years from now.
But getting to that moment of unboxing requires a journey of science. To understand the true value of Reza’s diamond, we have to look at the incredible transformation that happened before it was ever set in gold.
The 1-carat colorless memorial diamond created for Reza Farahan.
The Science of Transformation
Many people ask us, "Is it a real diamond?" The answer is yes. Chemically, physically, and optically, a memorial diamond is identical to a diamond mined from the earth. The only difference is the origin. Instead of the carbon coming from the ground, the carbon comes from the person you loved.
Here is what that process looks like, step by step.
1. Ashes Are Carefully Prepared
Cremation ashes contain many minerals and compounds, but only a small amount of that material is usable carbon. The first step is careful preparation, identification, and handling. We treat the ashes with immense respect and handle them securely from start to finish.
EverDear’s Welcome Kit.
2. Carbon Is Extracted and Purified
We isolate the carbon from the ashes and refine it to the specific purity needed for diamond growth. For a colorless diamond like Reza’s, this step is critical, as we must meticulously refine the carbon to eliminate trace elements like nitrogen that can cause yellowing.
The carbon purification process ensures ultra-high purity for colorless diamonds.
3. The Diamond Is Grown Using HPHT
Using HPHT (High Pressure, High Temperature) technology, we recreate the crushing conditions of the earth’s crust.
Under these intense conditions, a beautiful change occurs. The carbon atoms from the loved one begin to move. They re-bond, atom by atom, crystallizing onto the seed. Slowly, quietly, a new gem begins to form.
It is a poetic process. Just as grief applies pressure to our lives and changes us, the pressure in the machine transforms simple ashes into something unbreakable and brilliant.
A raw diamond crystal born from pressure and heat, holding a new form of life.
4. The Rough Diamond Is Cut and Polished
At EverDear, we offer 12 cuts, ranging from modern Princess cuts to romantic Heart shapes.
Reza selected the Round Brilliant Cut, the most iconic and timeless shape in diamond history. With 58 precisely angled facets, this cut is mathematically designed to maximize light reflection.
A loose 1-carat Round Brilliant cut diamond.
5. The Diamond Is Set Into Jewelry
Finally, the diamond is set into the chosen jewelry piece. In Reza’s case, that meant crafting a classic pendant design in 18k gold, built for durability and everyday comfort.
The Unboxing: When the Process Becomes Real
A few days after the episode aired, Reza shared an unboxing video of his finished pendant. For many families, that moment carries a unique kind of weight.
It’s not just opening a box. It’s seeing months of intention become something you can hold in your hand. It’s the first time the memorial becomes part of your physical world, something you can wear, touch, and keep close, a quiet anchor that remains steady on days that feel unsteady.
Pricing: What Memorial Diamonds Cost
When the episode aired, we received a lot of questions about the cost, specifically the $28,000 figure mentioned during the consultation, so we want to offer full transparency.
That figure represents a significant investment in our larger masterpieces, such as a 3-carat diamond.
Memorial diamonds range from 0.1ct keepsakes to 6ct statement pieces.
While our memorial diamond prices start at $995 for smaller carat weights, Reza’s chose a 1-carat colorless diamond because it offers a "legacy" presence. It’s substantial, visible from across the room, and a focal point that truly honors his father's memory.
Here are the factors that influence the cost:
1. Carat Weight (Size)
This is typically the biggest driver. Creating a 1-carat stone is exponentially more difficult than creating a 0.1-carat stone. It requires much more time, greater precision, and more resources. As carat weight increases, the process becomes more demanding.
2. Customization Options
Beyond size, the final price is influenced by the specific characteristics you choose, including the color, cut, and the intricacy of your jewelry setting (whether standard or custom). Each choice adds a layer of personalization to the memory you are preserving.
Reza’s Choice: Held Close to the Heart
During his consultation, our team presented Reza with various jewelry options. However, he kept coming back to one specific idea: keeping his father close to his heart.
This is why cremation pendants are such a beloved choice. A ring is for you to look at; a pendant or a locket is for you to feel. It rests against the chest, a position of intimacy and protection.
Reza opted for a classic solitaire design. While trends come and go, a simple gold setting holding a brilliant diamond never ages.
Versatility: A classic design can be worn with a suit, a t-shirt, or on a red carpet. It becomes a part of the wearer, rather than just an accessory.
Focus: By choosing a minimal setting, the focus remains entirely on the diamond itself, and the father it represents.
A Modern Legacy
Society’s relationship with loss is shifting. For generations, our only options were a cemetery plot or an urn on a mantelpiece. While those traditions remain important, many people, like Reza, are looking for a form of "active remembrance."
They want to bring their loved ones into the sunlight. They want a memorial that is portable, durable, and beautiful. A diamond moves with you. When you move houses, travel, or celebrate a milestone, your loved one is always there, catching the light.
Watching Reza Farahan open that box was a moment of pure emotion. It wasn't about the carat weight or the gold setting. It was about the relief of having his father back home.
We are honored to have been part of his journey. We treat every order with the knowledge that we are handling a parent, a child, a partner, or a beloved pet. If you are considering a memorial diamond, please know that there is no rush. Take your time. And when you are ready, we are here to help you turn your own cherished memories into light.