Making a Diamond Out of Me - Create Diamonds from Your Hair and Nail Clippings

On a recent Law and Order episode, a widow had a diamond ring created from her first husband's remains. A quick search online revealed that making diamonds from ashes was a real process that could be undertaken, with more than one company offering such services. However, that search also revealed that diamonds can be made from more than a loved one's ashes.

Not Just from the Deceased

What I discovered at the site of one such company is that they also make diamonds from the hair and nail clippings of the living. Anyone concerned about conflict diamonds, if they can afford the price tag, can easily have diamonds created out of their own hair and nail clippings.

The amount needed by the company Ashes to Gems is about 25 to 30 grams of hair and/or nail clippings. This equals about one compressed cupful of clippings. Clippings can be collected over time, but must be clean.

Its important to note that if the purchaser is using the services of a provider located in another country, special paperwork may be required for shipment and processing.

Prices and options vary by company, so it is important for the purchaser to check information with multiple companies in order to get the best deal and the desired result. Diamonds created from ashes, hair or nail clippings are all expensive (several thousand dollars for the smallest carat creation), regardless of substance or company used. The results, however, are said to be as high quality as any other created diamonds.

Why Make Diamonds?

I've never had much interest in fancy jewelry or gemstones, but the thought of beautiful jewelry being created from me . . .my hair and nail clippings . . .appeals to my quirky side. Perhaps at least partly due to how often I have been referred to as a diamond in the rough. Personally, I think I'd look nice as a brilliant pink diamond.

There are certainly other reasons why a person would want to create a memorial diamond (as diamonds created from remains are sometimes called) or from their own hair and nail clippings. The memory factor, uniqueness and avoidance of conflict diamonds are only a few of them.

Hair Donors can Make Diamonds, Too

Speaking as a regular donor to Locks of Love, I know that hair donors could easily also collect hair for diamonds. This is because there are usually regular trimmings done while hair is grown out for donation, plus once the donation cut is made, more hair is trimmed in order to create an actual stylish haircut. Thus, hair donors can make their donations and have their diamonds, too.

Those donors who have hair that grows quickly could not only make multiple hair donations in a short period of time, but could also create a tennis bracelet or tiara quickly from their excess clippings.

What Do You Think?

What do you think about diamonds made from ashes and making diamonds from hair and nail clippings? Would you have a loved one (person or pet) made into diamonds? Would you arrange for yourself to be made into diamond mementos for family? Would you make diamonds from your hair and nails? Do you currently have a 'memorial diamond'? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

References:

Law and Order #455. Season 20 Episode 22. "Love Eternal". Originally aired May 17, 2010. http://www.nbc.com/Law_and_Order/

Conflict Diamonds. Amnesty International USA. http://www.amnestyusa.org/business-and-human-rights/conflict-diamonds/page.do?id=1051176

Ashes to Gems - Gems from the Living. http://www.ashes2gems.com/gemsfromliving.htm