Say you compliment a dear friend on the amazing ring she’s just started wearing, and she tells you it’s cremation jewelry.
Um, what now?
Yep, that’s right — cremation jewelry is a thing and it’s growing in popularity. The name probably gives it away, but just to be clear: cremation jewelry uses diamonds that are formed from ashes. And those ashes, well, they come from the cremated remains of a loved one.
It may seem odd and slightly morbid to turn your lost relative, friend or pet into an accessory. But then maybe it’s time we rethink our death practices anyway. Personally speaking, I like the idea of transitioning into a permanent and beautiful piece of jewelry after I’m gone. It sounds better than hiding out in a casket underground, or in an urn on the mantle. There’s an economic perk too — the cremation jewelry process can be less expensive than a traditional burial.
Cremation diamonds are also indistinguishable from natural diamonds. Unless you choose to talk about it, no one will know that that diamond is synthetic or made from ashes. In other words, there’s no need to share your grief. You can simply wear your cremation piece like any other piece of beautiful jewelry.
Cremation Jewelry: The Numbers
Here’s the scoop on the price of a cremation diamond. A 0.10 Carat yellow- or orange-toned cremation diamond will cost less than $2,000. The stone can then be set into anything from earrings to bracelets to rings.
Something flashier, say a full carat, brilliant white diamond will run you about $17,295. That’s a big chunk of change for sure, and definitely more expensive than buying regular jewelry from Macy’s or Kay Jewelers. But compared to a traditional funeral, which could run you $10,000 or more, it’s not that unreasonable. And, of course, you end up with a nice, meaningful stone that you can wear forever.
Rising Popularity
Over the last decade, cremation jewelry sales show the trend picking up speed. It could be the economics of it. Or it could be that our Insta-ready society is gravitating towards more visual representations of love and grief.
Or perhaps the rise is due to the growing issues surrounding natural diamonds. When you buy a natural diamond, you often have no idea if it is a conflict stone, used to fund wars and dictatorships. Synthetic diamonds, including cremation stones, don’t have those issues obviously. They deliver the same quality bling without the associated guilt.
What’s your take on cremation jewelry? Let us know in the comments!