A Symbol of Love

Diamonds from Ashes or Hair

crafted in Switzerland cherished in Australia

The ALGORDANZA Memorial Diamond is also known as an ash diamond or cremation diamond and is grown from the cremation ashes or hair of a lost loved one.

Algordanza is the only company that makes memorial diamonds with Swiss precision
Algordanza is the only company that makes memorial diamonds with Swiss precision
Memorial diamonds hold memories

A Symbol of Love

Memorial diamonds aren’t just about science—they’re deeply personal and emotional. They serve as a tangible connection to your loved one, something you can hold onto and cherish forever. Many find comfort in knowing that a piece of their loved one is always with them, embodied in something as timeless and resilient as a diamond.

Grief can be isolating, but having a memorial diamond can provide a sense of connection and continuity. It’s a physical reminder that the love and memories shared are still very much alive.

Medium blue rough memorial diamond from ashes

Your Personal Memorial Diamond

The ALGORDANZA Memorial Diamond reflects the uniqueness of a loved one. Memorial diamonds created by Algordanza shine in exceptional blueish shades due to the element boron found in our bodies and subsequently in the cremation ashes. A unique rough diamond is created solely from 100% of the cremation ashes or hair of your loved one.

You can choose your preferred carbon source, size and cut of the memorial diamond. We can also create multiple diamonds from the cremation ashes or hair.

Algordanza HPHT presses made in Germany

Turning Ashes into Diamonds

So, what exactly are memorial diamonds? Simply put, they are diamonds created from the carbon extracted from a loved one’s ashes or hair. The process is similar to how natural diamonds are formed, involving high temperatures and pressure, but it happens much faster in a controlled laboratory environment.

The journey of creating a memorial diamond starts with the collection of ashes or hair from the deceased. The carbon is extracted, then placed in a high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) machine, replicating the natural conditions deep within the Earth where diamonds form.

A symbol of endless love and remembrance.

Next to the traditional burial the demand for cremation is increasing steadily worldwide. The cremated remains are then often stored in a graveyard or, where the law allows it, the ashes are scattered in nature. An ALGORDANZA Pure Memorial Diamond is a unique alternative or addition to the traditional urn interment.

In cases where a traditional burial is desired or culturally required, the ALGORDANZA Hair Memorial Diamond is a unique way to remember a loved one while still having a traditional burial.

We extract carbon from the cremation ashes or hair that is 99.9% pure and using this carbon to turn your loved one into a Memorial Diamond.

Your Personal Memorial Diamond

Carbon is the element of life. Choose the preferred carbon source for your unique ALGORDANZA Memorial Diamond:

ALGORDANZA Pure

The ALGORDANZA Pure Memorial Diamond is created solely from the carbon isolated from the cremated remains. At least 500g of cremated remains are needed for the creation of a diamond. If a memorial diamond company needs less than 500g of ashes, then generic carbon is being used to create the desired size. Algordanza guarantees that your memorial diamond is made of 100% of your loved one’s ashes.

ALGORDANZA Hair

The ALGORDANZA Hair Memorial Diamond is produced from the carbon isolated from the hair. For diamond growth, at least 5 grams of hair is needed. A diamond made from hair is an alternative option if cremation is not desired or culturally unacceptable. Additionally a hair diamond can be created by combining the hair from multiple individuals and is a unique way to remember life’s special moments.

ALGORDANZA Origin

In cases where not enough cremated remains or hair are available, a third carbon source can be added. As a third carbon source personal letters, diaries or pictures, which are in direct connection to the deceased person, can be used.

Memorial Diamond Colour, Cuts & Clarity

The cutting of a diamond is a craft, since only the exact proportions of the diamond are able to unleash the exceptional sparkling. We entrust your personal memorial diamond only to expert gem cutters to cut it by hand. Choose your preferred cut or decide for a rough diamond – as the diamond uniquely formed itself.


Cut


The cutting of a diamond is a craft. We engage expert gem cutters to cut your diamond by hand releasing the sparkle. Choose your preferred cut or leave your diamond rough as it uniquely formed.


Carat


The size of a memorial diamond is determined by its weight in carats. The larger the diamond the longer the duration of the growth process. Diamond size is at your request. Use the accompanying size chart to select your size.

Weight Ø
0.3 carat 4.3 mm
0.4 carat diamond 0.4 carat 4.7 mm
0.5 carat diamond 0.5 carat 5.1 mm
0.6 carat diamond 0.6 carat 5.4 mm
0.7 carat diamond 0.7 carat 5.7 mm
0.8 carat diamond 0.8 carat 5.9 mm
0.9 carat diamond 0.9 carat 6.2 mm
1 carat diamond 1.0 carat 6.4 mm
Algordanza memorial diamonds are also available as family diamonds, meaning that multiple diamonds can be made from the carbon source supplied. This service is only offered for brilliant cut and rough diamonds in the combinations shown below. This allows multiple family members to each receive an everlasting memorial diamond.
Brilliant Cut 1 of 3 x 0.15 carat diamonds for the family 2 of 3 x 0.15 carat diamonds for the family 3 of 3 x 0.15 carat diamonds for the family  3 x 0.15 carat
Brilliant Cut 1 of 4 x 0.15 carat diamonds for the family 2 of 4 x 0.15 carat diamonds for the family 3 of 4 x 0.15 carat diamonds for the family 4 of 4 x 0.15 carat diamonds for the family 4 x 0.15 carat
Brilliant Cut 1 of 3 x 0.20 carat diamonds for the family 2 of 3 x 0.20 carat diamonds for the family 3 of 3 x 0.20 carat diamonds for the family 3 x 0.2 carat
Rough (Uncut) 1 of 3 x 0.20 carat diamonds for the family 2 of 3 x 0.20 carat diamonds for the family 3 of 3 x 0.20 carat diamonds for the family 3 x 0.2 carat
Rough (Uncut) 1 of 3 x 0.20 carat diamonds for the family 2 of 3 x 0.20 carat diamonds for the family 2 x 0.25 carat

Colour


Algordanza is the only memorial diamond company who guarantees that your personal diamond is made of 100% of your loved one’s ashes or hair.

We do not add generic carbon, or artificially colour any memorial diamonds.

The shade of blue is determined by the amount of boron contained in the ashes or hair. The more boron present produces a darker colour, similarly less amounts of boron produce a lighter colour.

The Algordanza Memorial Diamond sparkles in different hues of blue. Each diamond glints in its own unique blueish shade which is a personal unique reflection of your loved one.

Three diamonds from ashes, one colorless, one medium blue, one dark blue

Clarity


In 2003 Algordanza developed a very high quality purification process to extract carbon from cremated ashes. ALGORDANZA continually strives for excellence to maintain their superior standards. Our process creates carbon that is 99.99% pure which grows beautiful colourless to blue diamonds.

More than 80% of all Algordanza diamonds have a clarity value of VS1 or above.

A medium blue cremation diamond from ashes

Cut


Each ALGORDANZA Memorial Diamond made from ashes or hair is inscribed with the ALGORDANZA signet and its unique reference number. Additionally, a personal inscription may be engraved on a rough diamond only at an extra cost (max. 30 characters).

Algordanza logo and reference number laser engraved onto cremation diamond

How a Diamond is made from Ashes or Hair

Diamonds have been created under vast pressure and enormous heat naturally deep within the earth. To create a diamond from human cremains or hair we have to simulate the same conditions. For this we need to isolate the carbon from the cremated remains, transform it into graphite and finally turn it into a memorial diamond.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes, the ALGORDANZA memorial diamond is a real diamond. It has the same chemical, physical and optical properties as natural diamond. In our manufactory in Domat/Ems we simulate the natural development conditions. This is how your ALGORDANZA memorial diamond always grows in an individual and unique way.

According to the ISO International Standard 18323 (2015), the memorial diamond grown at ALGORDANZA corresponds to a “laboratory-grown diamond”.

No – the size of the diamond depends on the duration of the growth process in our HPHT presses. The longer the memorial diamond stays in the growth phase, the larger it becomes.

On average, the cremation of an adult human being generates 2’500 g of ashes. We need at least 500 g of these ashes for the synthesis of a cremation diamond.

During cremation, the majority of carbon escapes as carbon dioxide. Inside the cremation ashes remains a carbon concentration of 1-5%. We are able to extract the carbon from the cremation ashes. This carbon will be the basis for the following diamond synthesis of a cremation diamond.

For the creation of a hair diamond we need at least 5g of hair.

Personal letters, a diary or picture of the deceased person. The personal item along with the amount of ashes or hair available will be the basis for the synthesis of this unique remembrance diamond.

With our certificate, we guarantee the authenticity, weight, cut and colour of the diamond as well as the origin of the diamond from the carbon source given to us.

Yes, we are able to create more than one diamond from the requested carbon source. We can specify the number of possible diamonds after detailed analyses of the source in our laboratory.

The synthesis takes approximately 5-8 months from the receipt of the carbon source and deposit of the prepayment. The synthesis of a diamond is a highly complex process and in some cases it can take more time.

Yes! If you would like to collect your diamond from Algordanza’s laboratory in Switzerland, you are most welcome to do so. Additionally, if you are travelling to Europe any time in the future and would like to visit the laboratory, we would welcome the opportunity to arrange a tour.
The colour is determined by the element boron, which like carbon, is in all cremated ashes. The amount of boron varies from individual to individual. Higher amounts of boron result in a stronger shade of blue. Similarly, lower amounts of boron result in a lighter shade of blue. We do not affect the colouring of the diamond. The bluish hue emphasises the uniqueness of your personal memorial diamond. Note: the colouring of a memorial diamond other than a shade of blue is not possible without additives. An Algordanza diamond is purely created from the supplied source whether that be ashes or hair.
All Algordanza diamonds are Swiss made and grown in our laboratory in Domat/Ems Switzerland. The supplied ashes or hair and the resultant diamond are carefully transported between Australia and Switzerland. This is part of our personal service to you.
Yes, Algordanza works closely with Michael Wilson Diamond Jewellers. Their specialist jewellers can work with you to design a beautiful bespoke piece.

Yes – the age of the ashes or hair is not relevant for the synthesis.

About ALGORDANZA

‘The Memorial Diamond is a very unique way to say farewell to a beloved person. With the utmost caution, respect and discretion we allow you a new, charming way of remembrance.’

Frank Ripka, CTO & Rinaldo Willy, Founder/CEO

Founder Rinaldo Willy and CEO Frank Ripka

ALGORDANZA is Rhaeto-Romanic and means in the historic Swiss language ‘remembrance’. Since 2004 we have been creating the Diamonds made from ashes and hair in our own laboratory in Domat/Ems, Switzerland.

We are dedicated to helping individuals remember the precious moments spent with a lost loved one. The highly complex creation process of a Memorial diamond is the outcome of our efforts to create something everlasting and deeply personal.

The idea to isolate carbon from human cremation ashes and create from this carbon a Memorial Diamond arose in 2003. The following year was filled with many trials, hard work and perseverance. Since 2004, Algordanza has operated as a solid and steadily growing company. We are represented in over 33 countries today.

Our Memorial Diamonds

The ALGORDANZA Memorial Diamond is solely made from the carbon isolated from the carbon source handed over to us. After growing the diamond according to your wishes each gemstone is controlled and the ALGORDANZA authenticity certificate is issued. The Memorial Diamond is a real diamond grown in our laboratory.

Our Values

We understand that you are entrusting us with something incredibly valuable. The reverence of a loved one is at the center of our attention. We work with the utmost respect and care, in order to satisfy the trust placed in us by family members all over the world.

Our Caution

Upon reception of your order a unique reference number is generated, which allows us to supervise the entire process from ashes reception, to the isolation of the carbon, to the finished memorial diamond. Additionally it helps us to guarantee discretion throughout the process. The ALGORDANZA ashes to diamonds process is ISO-certified and attested by a Swiss notary public.

Our company is member of the Swiss Association of Funeral Services and commits voluntarily to the standards and ethics of the Swiss, German and Austrian funeral associations. Additionally, we are a member of the European Federation of Funeral Services (EFFS) and the World Organization of Funeral Operatives (FIAT-IFTA).

For all information, appointments and pricing, contact us!

Call us

Algordanza Australia: +61 (03) 5426 1333

All Email Enquiries – enquiries@algordanza.com.au

Galleries

Galleries open Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm
For an Algordanza consultant to be available please arrange an appointment on +61 (03) 5426 1333, use our contact form or write to enquiries@algordanza.com.au

Algordanza @ Wooling Hill Memorial Estate
372 Barringo Road,
New Gisborne VIC 3438
woolinghillmemorialestate.com.au

Algordanza @ Michael Wilson Diamond Jewellers
725 Main Road, Eltham VIC 3095
michaelwilson.com.au

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