Frequently Asked Questions

If you can’t find the answers to the questions you have in mind here, please call us at (888) 441-1148, or drop us a line at cs@everdear.co. Any inquiry from you would be very much appreciated!

  • Shipping

    Q: What if the diamond gets lost during shipping?
    A: We only use logistics services that are highly reliable. Your memorial diamond will be sent to you via registered mail service. Once we have sent it, we will also provide you with the corresponding tracking number, so that you can check it's whereabouts whenever you want. There has been no reported cases of any loss up to this point. If, however unlikely the case, that it does happen, we will notify you as soon as possible and ask you to send in extra ashes and/or hair at no extra cost; you can also opt for a full refund as the whole process is insured.

    Q: Do you ship internationally?
    A: Yes, we can ship to your country of residence.

    Q: Which shipment service should I use?
    A: This depends on the country that you will be sending your ashes or hair from. Please make sure to choose a reliable carrier, such as USPS and FedEx, and use a registered mail service with a tracking number. Also, please provide us with the tracking number so that we may track your order thoroughly. No matter what your choice is, we highly recommend the ashes or hair be labeled as “carbon sample for lab analysis” to effectively facilitate the shipping process.

    Q: How much does shipping cost?
    A: Within the Continental US there is no shipping cost via courier USPS, however, shipping via FedEx costs $30. Cities or states that fall outside the Continental US are subject to a $50 shipping fee.

  • Quality

    Q: Is it a real diamond?
    A: Yes, it is considered a genuine diamond. Lab grown diamonds have the same chemical, physical, and visual composition as natural diamonds, and it takes a skilled gemologist to decipher the difference between the two. Lab grown diamonds are not simulated diamonds, which refers to cubic zirconia. For more information, visit: https://www.forbes.com/sites/pamdanziger/2018/08/02/what-the-ftc-diamond-ruling-means-for-consumers-and-diamond-marketers/?sh=babf7a320fa9

    Q: Is the diamond GIA-approved?
    A: Yes, the diamond will meet the expected ratings on the GIA scale- you can certify your memorial diamond with accredited third party institutes such as GIA or IGI. Take note, though, that each diamond is different due to the unique nature of the individual’s ashes and therefore there may be some variation with the diamond as it can essentially fall anywhere within the entire GIA/IGI grading range. If you need help deciding which institute to go with, please refer to this thorough review: https://everdear.co/certification-explained

  • Transformation Process

    Q: How is the diamond made?
    A: We extract the carbon from ashes and hair, purify it, and then put it in a High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) environment. Just like natural diamonds that are formed underground over the course of billions of years, our diamonds are created in a similar environment.

    Q: How can I be sure my diamond is made from my loved ones ashes?
    A: Our small team prioritizes logistics above all. Upon initially placing your order, you will be assigned an order ID. This ID number will follow your carbon through all various stages of its transformation, starting even before we receive the ashes at our facility. Additionally, no two orders will ever cross paths. Your carbon will be worked on separately throughout its journey, and all tools, equipment, and surfaces are properly sterilized between orders. Once your diamond has been completed, you will receive our certificate of authenticity, which will include the full chemical analysis of the carbon you provided us as well as an affidavit that the diamond was made using said carbon.

    Q: How long does the memorial diamond process take?
    A: The memorial diamond growing process is unique for each diamond. We cannot give you an exact date as to when the diamond will be ready. Based on our experience, it can take 7-12 months depending on the color, cut, and optional services requested.

    Q: Does the type of hair or color of hair affect the clarity or color of the diamond?
    A: No, it does not. Hair color is defined by melanin, not carbon, and we are extracting only carbon from the hair sample. Clarity depends on the carbon purification process. The coloration of diamonds depends on elements such as Boron or Nitrogen within the ashes or hair, which do affect the color intensity, but not the color itself. The individual components present in hair or ashes may bring about a lighter shade or a darker shade as each body’s composition differs from another. EverDear can control the color range by separating elements deemed undesired based on your diamonds specifications. However, the final color depends on its origins. Therefore every memorial diamond has its own unique color, which is dictated by your loved ones chemical makeup.

    Q: Why does it take so long to grow a diamond?
    A: The majority of the diamond transformation process is spent actually growing the diamond. During this time frame, crystal lattice is formed and the diamond itself comes to be. Additionally, we need to consider the processes beforehand, such as carbon analysis and refinement. Once your diamond leaves the HPHT machine, it will spend time being cut, polished, mounted into jewelry, or sent for certifications- all of which require additional time.

    Q: Can I be updated at each step of the process?
    A: We will keep in touch during all major milestones of the order process. You are more than welcome to check in with us periodically to request a status update and we will coordinate with our laboratory for up to date information regarding timeline.

  • Payment and Tax

    Q: What is the payment process?
    A: The total payment is equally divided into 2 parts which are also referred to as first payment and second payment. You will need to settle the first payment after we have received your ashes/hair and before we arrange the production of your diamond. The second payment is due when we have completed your diamond and before it is sent back to you.

    You can pay by debit card, credit card, or check (the U.S. only). For details, please refer to our Payment Guide or our payment method page.

    Q: Are monthly installments acceptable if I'm unable to settle the bill within two payments?
    A: We are happy to offer financed payments through Affirm.

    Q: Is the price shown on the website the final price I will have to pay upon placing an order?
    A: The price shown in the price list is for loose diamonds. We offer optional services at an additional cost, such as jewelry mounting and third party gemologists certifications. Depending on where you are located, your purchase could be subject to tax as well. Details on additional fees for optional services will be provided through the order process.

    Q: Since the diamond will be shipped from the US, are there going to be import fees?
    A: We cannot guarantee how customs will treat the diamond exactly. If any tax/fee is required to receive your package, a refund will be issued for that amount. We have had very few problems shipping abroad to various locations including the UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, and Singapore.

  • Order Process

    Q: How do I place an order?
    A: To place an order, please fill out an order form HERE. We will then reach out and provide additional details regarding payment and shipping. Once we have received the ashes, the first half of the payment should be made within the next seven (7) days.

    Q: What if the diamond turns out to weigh less than what I ordered?
    A: Every order is processed individually and the components of ashes are unique for every person. We use our expertise and experience to create the diamond, but we cannot predict nor control the exact final carat weight within the ranges provided during the order process. If the diamond falls below the specified size range, we will refund you the carat loss proportionally.

  • Hair/Ash Submission

    Q: How do I send you ashes?
    A: We suggest our customers consider ordering our Welcome Kit, which we have found to be an incredibly useful tool in the carbon submission process. Alternatively, if you have placed an order, we will send you an ashes submission guide for directions. Please make sure to fully seal the carbon sample before sending it to our office.

    Q: How much hair or ashes is required? Can I combine hair and ashes to make a memorial diamond?
    A: Yes, you can combine hair with ashes. The amount needed is dependent on the total size of the diamond(s) that you would like to order. Generally speaking, if the carat weight or number of diamonds in your order is less than 0.50ct, 60 grams of ashes is good enough. The bigger the carat weight, or more diamonds you order, the larger the required amount of ashes would be. Regardless, we will guide you through the required amounts of hair, ashes, or combination of both that is necessary to your specific order.

    Q:Why is less hair needed than ashes?
    A: Hair is comprised of about 50% carbon, and ashes contain about 1% carbon. While hair is more carbon rich than ashes, it is more difficult to predict how much hair will be needed to create a diamond. The reason for this is simply that everyone has different texture and density of hair. Whereas with ashes we can correlate the necessary weight amount of grams to tablespoons, hair will strictly need to be measured by weight of grams in order to ensure the proper amount is submitted.

    Q: Do I need to wash or clean the hair prior to shipping?
    A: There is no need to wash or clean the hair before sending it to us- it will be cleaned and sterilized in our laboratory.

    Q: May I send less ashes if there are not enough available?
    A: Yes, you may provide less ashes. However, we will need an additional form of carbon source to supplement, for example, hair. In such cases, we suggest that you provide your own hair, or that of a family member in addition to the available ashes since the required amount of carbon to create your diamond cannot be changed.

    Q: What happens if I send you more ashes than you need to grow the diamond? What do you do with the leftover ashes?
    A: We always send any remaining ashes or hair back to you upon completion of your order, free of charge.

    Q: Do ashes or hair expire? Can you make a diamond with the remains of someone who passed a while ago?
    A: The carbon within hair and ashes does not expire. As long as we have the appropriate amount of ashes/hair, we will be able to create a memorial diamond.

    Q: Can you only use hair from a deceased loved one?
    A: No! We’d be more than happy to create a diamond to honor the bond of you and your partner, pet, family, or all of the above. We have had many clients submit hair in order to create a meaningful diamond to be used for wedding ceremonies and anniversaries.

    Q: Aside from ashes, what else can I provide as the carbon source? Can you make diamonds from hair and teeth?
    A: Any materials containing carbon can be used to make diamonds, such as hair and bones. You can combine different carbon sources (e.g., ashes and hair,) as well as multiple people/pets within one source category (e.g., hair from an entire family, including your pet). However, do note there will be a surcharge for submitting various types of carbon sources, as this entails additional steps with our laboratory process.

    Q: Can both human ashes and pet ashes be used to make one diamond? A: Yes, this is possible. Please refer to the Order Instruction page. This page provides you with the information needed for you to send the correct amount needed to make your diamond.

    Q: Can a small piece of bone be used to make a diamond?
    A: If you do submit a small piece of bone in addition to ashes, it is likely to be successfully made into a diamond. However, it is not recommended to submit solely bones without the supplementary amount of ashes as directed within our ashes submission guidelines. The reasoning being that the amount of carbon that can be extracted from a piece of bone is unpredictable, and we are unable to give you a precise amount of bones that we would need in order to complete your order.

    Q: How many grams of ashes and/or hair would I need for a 1 carat diamond?
    A: For a one (1) carat diamond, we will need 120 grams of ashes or 2 grams of hair. If you do not have enough of one of the two components, you can always combine your loved one’s ashes and hair together to create a diamond. If you decide to combine it, we will need 60 grams of ashes and 2 grams of hair. However, do note the surcharge for submitting both ashes and hair as the carbon source.

  • Diamond

    Q: What cut is the best for a diamond? What cuts do you have?
    A: We find that the cut is based on your personal preference, or even in reference to the likeness of whom your diamond will be made in honor of. We have a variety of options to choose from that range from timeless to unique. Our specialty Brilliant cut is the most popular, as it is a simple and classic cut which allows the diamonds beauty and light reflect to be maximized. However, we also offer Radiant, Princess, Emerald, Asscher, Heart, Pear, Marquise, Cushion, Oval, and even Raw, uncut diamonds.

    Q: What sizes (in carats) do you provide?
    A: Sizes range from 0.10 – 3.00 ct.

    Q: What is the most popular color choice for a diamond?
    A: In our experience, most people opt for a yellow or colorless diamond. Yellow is the most natural color that a cremation diamond can present, and it also has a lower price point than the other colors. On the other hand, we also have a good number of customers who choose the colorless option, as it is the most traditional.

    Q: How do the colors form?
    A: Using the most standard procedure, you can expect the natural color of a memorial diamond to be dark yellow, as there is no special treatment for yellow diamonds. However, if we remove the nitrogen, but keep the boron in the carbon, the diamond then becomes blue. To make a purely colorless diamond, we need to achieve the highest carbon purity by extracting the carbon of these minerals altogether.

    Q: Can I order only the diamond and not a piece of jewelry?
    A: Yes, you can. The diamond is the main focus of this journey; all other services are optional.

  • Price, Fees & Discounts

    Q: How much does it cost to create a memorial diamond?
    A: Our pricing info is available on our website and it starts at 895 USD, which is the most affordable memorial diamond in this market.

    Q: Are there any discounts available?
    A: Yes! The discounts are as follows: 5% off for two (2) diamonds, 8% off for three (3) diamonds, and 10% off for four (4) or more diamonds. Please take note that the diamonds should be of the same color, size, and carbon source.

    Q: What's included in this price?
    A: Our base price includes your memorial diamond(s), our company certification, packaging, and U.S domestic shipping. There will be a surcharge imposed on your order for following:

    ① Submitting both memorial ashes and hair as the carbon source, the surcharge is 95 USD;
    ② Using FedEx other than the standard USPS, the surcharge is 30 USD;
    ③ Shipping out of the US continent, no surcharge if choosing USPS, 150 USD surcharge if choosing FedEx;

    Additional optional services that require extra fees include: laser inscription, GIA/IGI certification, and jewelry settings.

    Q: How different is your price to the price of a natural diamond?
    A: According to the Federal Trade Commission, memorial diamonds and natural diamonds are both genuine diamonds, however they are two vastly different products and their values are incomparable. Similarly to a natural diamond, memorial diamonds can be used as adornments, however, what we find more important is that it holds the essence of your beloved.

    Q: Does the price include jewelry ?
    A: The purchase of a diamond itself does not come within a piece of jewelry. However, you can place an order for a jewelry setting and we can mount the diamond in place for you. We have numerous jewelry settings to choose from including rings, earrings, bracelets, and pendants. We are also able to collaborate on custom jewelry if you have something specific in mind, or are interested in replicating an existing piece of jewelry.

    Q: Why are colorless diamonds more expensive?
    A: The memorial diamond process transforms ashes or hair into diamonds. These ashes or hair contain trace elements that give the diamonds different colors. Naturally, the diamonds are yellow (due to Nitrogen). However, once the Nitrogen is removed, memorial diamonds tend to be blue (due to Boron). It is only when the ashes have been purified of all trace elements that the diamond turns colorless. As a result, colorless diamonds are more expensive as they require more processing and refinement.

  • Optional Services

    Q: Do you offer laser inscription for personal messages?
    A: Yes, we offer both laser inscription and jewelry engraving. Laser inscription refers to lettering on the girdle of the diamond itself, whereas jewelry engraving is, for example, lettering within the band of a ring. Laser inscription can accommodate up to 20 letters and incurs a fee of $100, however that fee is waived if you certify your diamond with IGI or GIA. It’s also important to note that laser inscriptions can only be seen under a microscope.

    Q: What is the cost to get a GIA certificate of authenticity?
    A: Certification with GIA is a standard fee of $350.

  • Jewelry

    Q: What kind of metals do you offer for the jewelry settings?
    A: Our selection includes solid 18k Rose, White, and Yellow Gold, as well as Platinum.

    Q: Can I order a pendant without the chain?
    A: All of our pendants come with an 18” chain, of which we have a variety to choose from. If you do not wish to order a chain, we are able to deduct $150 from the price of the pendant.

    Q: Are remains also used in the metal of your jewelry?
    A: No. The remains are only used to create the diamond itself.

    Q: If I send you my personal jewelry, can you mount the diamond into it for me?
    A: Unfortunately, this arrangement is not possible as there are too many variables and we prefer to ensure the finished product is outstanding. Thus, we only mount diamonds within the jewelry selection available on our website, or within a custom jewelry that we collaborate with you to design and is then crafted by our skilled jewelers. However, there is always the option to purchase diamonds and then take them to be set on an existing piece of jewelry by a jeweler local to you, or a different third party company.

    Q: Why does the price increase if I have a larger ring size?
    A: There is a price increase for sizes US 9.5 and higher as this requires more gold to create.

    Q: Can I buy just one earring instead of a pair?
    A: Yes, you are welcome to purchase a single diamond to be mounted into a single earring. The price will be 70% of the listed price.