Grief Research by Baylor University with Eterneva Customers
Losing a loved one is a deeply personal and devastating experience. While everyone’s grief journey is different, we’ve learned something powerful along the way. The process of honoring a remarkable life can bring incredible brightness and meaning. At Eterneva, we believe in the power of our diamonds to do just that — to celebrate a legacy and provide a radiant tribute you can hold onto forever. It’s a way to keep their story sparkling and close to your heart.
Transforming the ashes of those that have passed before us into a beautiful, unique diamond is one way to keep their extraordinary legacy alive and close to us. We’ve now walked the Eterneva Diamond Journey with thousands of grieving individuals turning their loved ones’ remains into diamonds, and we are continually awed and humbled at the impact it can have on their ability to move forward and transform their grief into a celebration of a life well-lived.
There is truly something special about a loved one returning home as a diamond for the first time. The emotion surrounding a diamond homecoming with one of our customers is so raw and healing. This is true both for our team, who helped grow the diamond, and more importantly, for the bereaved, who are finally welcoming their loved one back home in a radiant new form.
To further support the testimonials by customers who have experienced the healing power of the Eterneva Diamond Journey, we want to offer an objective, science-backed perspective on the impact memorial diamonds can have on the grief process. We partnered with independent researchers at Baylor University to explore memorial diamonds grown from the carbon found in ashes, hair, or other sources of sentimental significance can provide comfort and a continual bond with those who have passed on. You can read the full research paper here.
Keep reading to discover how an Eterneva Diamond is a tangible, permanent memorial that keeps the conversation of our loved ones alive.
Can a Memorial Diamond Really Help You Grieve?
Researchers at Baylor University were interested in whether the external transformation of a loved one’s ashes into another physical state, such as a diamond, might support the internal transformation from a bond of physical closeness to a more symbolic connection based on memory. Through their investigation into the memorial diamond process, they eventually chose to formally gather and research data from Eterneva customers to see how it related to past studies and hypotheses.
Why Continuing Bonds with Loved Ones Matters
Contrary to older models introduced by psychoanalysis that emphasized the importance of “moving on” as the operative goal of the grief journey, more recent research has shown that “ongoing attachment to the deceased was no longer seen as a maladaptive grieving process.”
This has paved the way for new theories and modes of thought on how humans experience and process grief. The Continuing Bonds Theory (Klass, Silverman, and Nickman, 1996) emphasized the importance of emotional attachment through material objects, as well as abstract modes of connection such as conjuring memories or having conversations with the dead.
As studies have continued in subsequent years, researchers have found that objects, keepsakes, and memorials imbued with a special emotional attachment or personal connection to the deceased provide the bereaved with a sense of physical proximity to the deceased, and not just emotional proximity. This closeness can give comfort and a sense of connection that can offers loved ones consolation, solace, and tranquility.
These theories were particularly relevant to Baylor’s study of Eterneva, as memorial diamonds “are not simply a reminder of the departed, but are the departed in a material sense,” giving them a distinctive role as a memorial with real agency and power.
“Recent developments in the study of objects as “anchors” of continuing bonds affirm their therapeutic value during the grieving process, and the unique nature of the cremation diamond as both physical remains and symbolic memorials may allow them to serve multiple psychological functions throughout the course of bereavement.” (Baylor Research)
A Lasting Tribute You Can Wear Every Day
“In the broadest sense, there is a certain advantage to the cremation diamond as a singular object.” (Baylor Research)
If grief, at its most basic definition, is experiencing the absence of something, then having a physical thing on which to focus energy, remembrance, and emotion makes sense from a logistical sense. In her essay on memorialized objects of mourning, Margaret Gibson suggests that “as concrete symbolic material, objects orient in time and space the often disorientating and displacing experiences of grief.”
A diamond is both beautiful and incredibly strong. As a visual representation and physical embodiment of the deceased, its depth, beauty, and shine offer a distinctly appealing sight for remembrance. And its durability and resilience ensure the stone’s ability to carry on as a connective object forever, offering the ability to pass on the legacy of the loved one through generations. It can also be carried, worn, and held, providing permanence that is portable and moveable, unlike traditional gravesites and resting places.
“The diamonds will be a protected, treasured item and likely kept and passed down by whoever inherits/claims them after our death. The ashes will probably be discarded, so there is a sense of impermanence with the ashes.” (Baylor Research)
Real Stories: What It's Like to Own an Eterneva Diamond
“Cremains do not have a function beyond their presence as the transformed dead, while diamonds are highly recognized, and valued as objects in the realm of the living. Whether viewed as ornamental objects, art pieces, status symbols, or reflections of relationship status, diamonds operate on multiple levels in the world, with a widely recognized function—and often that function bestows value onto the wearer of the diamond. This stands in marked contrast to the function of cremains, which offer no added value status, and in fact, may be met with a mixture of indifference, or even repulsion.” (Baylor Research)
Of the sixty Eterneva customers asked whether they preferred their memorial diamonds over the cremated remains as a form of commemoration and memory, all sixty acknowledged that they did. One customer said the beauty of the diamond allowed them to reflect on, and celebrate the life of the deceased, rather than focus solely on the death of their loved one. They wrote, “I do not feel the same way about the ashes as I do about the diamond. The ashes to me have no life... the diamond has life. I would never talk about the ashes, but I will talk about the diamond and its meaning.” (Baylor Research)
The change in appearance, from grey ashes to a brilliance gemstone, is an important transformational part of the grieving process and the “reintegration of the deceased into the world of the living. Welcoming a loved one home in their new form allows the griever to remember the life of their loved one, and not just center their thoughts on their death.”
In addition, because the diamond growth process only requires a half cup of ashes, many of those surveyed were able to hold separate and variable ceremonies and memorials to disperse, divide, or store some of the ashes elsewhere. One person wrote that while she divided her loved one’s ashes in multiple places, having him made into a diamond allowed her to carry him with her in ways that she was unable to do in the form of ashes. She was able to spread his ashes in a few places to which they both shared a strong connection, but still create a diamond that she could carry on in her future travels.
The Comfort of Holding Them Close Again
“You can only think of a memory [but] you can’t touch it. Now I can touch him.” (Baylor Research)
Growing a diamond from the cremated ashes or hair of a loved one transforms the cremains into an active participant in the life of the living. It touches, it accompanies, it listens, and its presence affects the growth and development of the living as they move through grief.
“We traveled a lot and I wanted him traveling with me. Since I have received my diamonds, I no longer spread him like before. I feel like he is right there experiencing it with me. It just seems unnecessary. I will spread his remaining ashes on July 12, 2020 at sunrise on the beach here in North Carolina. I no longer need to hold onto in that way. He is free, and in a way, so am I.” (Baylor Research)
The placement of the diamond was also cited by participants as an important aspect of their memorial jewelry. Many customers turned their loved ones into diamonds with a particular type of jewelry in mind, such as a ring, necklace, or pendant. Where the diamond lives and is worn influences how and where it is seen, whether it catches the eye throughout the day or remains close to the wearer's heart.
Of the total reported, 82% of Eterneva customers shared that they either do, or plan to, wear their diamonds daily.
A Beautiful Way to Share Their Story
They say that, as humans, we die two deaths: one is physical, and the other occurs the last time someone mentions our name. The diamond transformation process allows the bereaved to openly talk about their loved one and their experiences with loss and grief in ways they may not be able to in their own social circles. Wearing the memorial diamond can be a conduit to sharing the joy of your loved one’s life with others.
For one participant, the diamond has become a centerpiece. “The diamond is not set. But it is on the main floor where it can be seen and appreciated by anyone who visits the home. It comes up in conversation due to its uniqueness and keeps him in memory.” (Baylor Research)
Almost all Eterneva customers interviewed noted different ways that the diamond process, or the diamond itself, created a space for conversation about the dead, or their grief experience. Some customers found that the conversational approach gave them a way to start having genuine and meaningful discussions regarding their loss.
One person who lost their dog wrote, “It was something to look forward to as the diamond grew in the process. I also talked with my husband and closest friends about the diamond growth and we would talk about my dog.” (Baylor Research)
Another customer shared, “Yes, it has helped mostly through the process of talking about the diamond and thus about Michael. One of the most difficult things that I believe happens after a loss is that people are sometimes uncomfortable talking about the person. Sometimes it is difficult for me and sometimes for others. My diamond has opened others and myself to more genuine and caring conversations.” (Baylor Research)
What the Research Says About Grieving with a Keepsake
The science behind grief can be difficult to quantify. Just like our relationships in life, we all deal with death and loss in our own way. But despite our differences, there are some things that are universal to the human experience: love, pain, joy, and grief. These feelings and emotions can be complex and overwhelming, but the only way for us to process them and transform them into meaning, memory, and power, is to keep moving forward on our own journey.
Transforming your loved one’s cremated ashes into a beautiful diamond is one way to heal and grow. And while it’s no surprise to us that memorial diamonds have had such a positive impact on our customers, it’s a joy to see data-based, science-driven support that shows the process benefitting so many individuals in their own grief journeys.
How Does Eterneva Create a Diamond from Ashes?
At Eterneva, we help people celebrate and honor their remarkable loved ones by turning their ashes into a one-of-a-kind memorial diamond.
The ashes to diamond process is a seven-stage journey that includes a welcome kit, carbon purification, diamond growth, diamond quality and assessment, diamond cutting, finishing touches, and lastly, the much anticipated and heartwarming homecoming.
If you feel compelled to learn more about the ashes-to-diamond process, please schedule a consultation. Our team is patiently waiting to learn about your journey and answer any questions you may have about the process of turning your loved one into a radiant and one-of-a-kind diamond.
The Story Behind Eterneva: A Mission to #RememberRemarkably
The idea for Eterneva wasn't born in a boardroom; it came from a place of profound love and loss. Our co-founder, Adelle Archer, experienced the passing of her close friend and business mentor, Tracey. Faced with an urn of ashes, Adelle felt that it didn't capture the vibrant, incredible person Tracey was. She wanted a way to keep her mentor's legacy close and continue their special bond in a more positive and personal way. This search for a more meaningful memorial led to the creation of Eterneva, a company dedicated to helping others celebrate remarkable lives with a beautiful, lasting tribute.
Our mission is to change the conversation around death, grief, and remembrance. We believe that the end of a physical life doesn't have to be the end of a relationship. By transforming ashes into a stunning diamond, we provide a tangible connection that you can hold, wear, and share. It’s a way to carry your loved one's story forward, turning a symbol of loss into a beacon of light and love that shines on forever. This journey is about honoring a life well-lived and ensuring their legacy continues to inspire.
A Founder's Personal Journey
Adelle's experience with Tracey's ashes sparked a powerful realization: our culture needed better ways to honor those we've lost. An urn felt static and somber, a final chapter that didn't reflect the dynamic energy of the person she wanted to remember. She envisioned something that could be part of her daily life—a beautiful object that would invite stories and celebrate a legacy rather than just marking an absence. This personal need for a more profound connection became the driving force behind Eterneva's entire philosophy, shaping our commitment to creating a memorial that is as unique and brilliant as the individual it represents.
From a Personal Mission to a "Shark Tank" Success
Driven by this mission, Adelle and her co-founder Garrett Ozar brought their vision to a national stage on ABC's "Shark Tank" in 2019. They shared their story and the heartfelt purpose behind Eterneva, seeking a partner who understood the depth of their work. Their passion and innovative approach to memorialization resonated, leading to a successful deal with investor Mark Cuban. This partnership not only provided the resources to grow but also gave a significant vote of confidence in their mission to #RememberRemarkably, helping us reach more families searching for a meaningful way to honor their loved ones.
The Eterneva Diamond Journey Explained
The process of creating a memorial diamond is a deeply personal and scientific journey that we share with you every step of the way. We've designed the Eterneva Diamond Journey to be as transparent and comforting as possible, ensuring you feel connected and informed from the moment you begin. It starts with sending a small portion of your loved one's ashes or hair to our lab in Austin, Texas. From there, our scientists isolate the carbon and begin the meticulous process of growing a one-of-a-kind diamond—a process that takes several months to complete, mirroring the time and care it takes to create a diamond in nature.
Throughout this journey, we provide personalized updates, including photos and videos, so you can witness your loved one's transformation. We believe this experience is a vital part of the healing process, offering something to look forward to and a way to actively participate in creating a beautiful tribute. It’s more than just a transaction; it’s a collaborative process of celebration. The final result is not just a diamond, but a homecoming—a radiant and tangible piece of your loved one, returned to you to carry their story forward for generations.
The Welcome Kit: Starting the Process
Your journey begins when you receive our Welcome Kit. This thoughtfully prepared package is designed to introduce you to our team and guide you through the initial steps with clarity and care. Inside, you'll find everything you need to securely send us about a half-cup of your loved one's ashes or a small amount of hair. The kit includes detailed instructions, a secure container for the ashes, and information about what to expect next. It’s the first tangible step in transforming grief into a celebration, and we’ve made sure it feels supportive and reassuring from the very start.
A Transparent Creation Process
We believe that trust is built on transparency, which is why we open our doors to you. Eterneva is the only company in the United States that invites you to visit and tour our memorial diamond lab in Austin. You can see exactly where and how your loved one's diamond is created, either in person or through a live video tour. This open-door policy is central to our promise of accountability. We want you to feel completely confident and connected to the process, knowing that your loved one's remains are being handled with the utmost respect and care at every stage of their transformation.
Personalization and Color Options
Every person is unique, and their memorial diamond should be too. We offer a range of personalization options to ensure your diamond perfectly reflects your loved one's spirit. You can choose from various cuts and sizes (carats) to create a stone that fits your vision. We also offer a spectrum of beautiful diamond colors, including stunning colorless, blue, yellow, red, green, and black options. Each color is achieved by carefully controlling the environment during the growth process, resulting in a vibrant tribute that captures the essence of the person or pet you're honoring.
Honoring Beloved Pets
The love we share with our pets is profound, and their loss can be just as heartbreaking as losing a human family member. At Eterneva, we understand that this bond deserves to be honored with the same dignity and love. That's why we offer the same meticulous and heartfelt journey for creating pet diamonds from their ashes or fur. Whether it was a loyal dog, a cherished cat, or another beloved companion, we help you create a beautiful, lasting tribute that celebrates the joy and unconditional love they brought into your life, keeping their bright spirit with you always.
Understanding the Cost of a Memorial Diamond
When considering a memorial diamond, it's natural to have questions about the investment. The cost is a reflection of a highly personalized, scientifically advanced, and deeply meaningful process. Unlike mass-produced diamonds, each Eterneva diamond is created one at a time, using the unique carbon from an individual's ashes or hair. This requires a dedicated, multi-month process in a highly controlled laboratory environment to ensure purity and quality. The price is influenced by the two main factors you choose: the size (carat) and the color of the diamond, as different colors and larger sizes require more time and resources to grow.
We are committed to making this meaningful tribute accessible, which is why we provide clear pricing and flexible options. Our goal is to help you find the perfect way to honor your loved one without adding financial stress during a difficult time. The investment you make is not just for a gemstone, but for a priceless heirloom that carries a profound legacy—a tangible connection to a remarkable life that will be treasured for generations to come. It’s a celebration of a bond that never fades.
Eterneva Diamond Pricing
The cost for an Eterneva memorial diamond typically starts at $2,999 and can go upwards of $50,000. This range depends entirely on the specifications you select for your diamond. The primary factors that determine the final price are the carat weight and the color. For example, larger diamonds require a longer growth cycle, and certain colors, like colorless or blue, involve a more complex scientific process to achieve. We provide a detailed price list to help you explore all the options and make an informed decision that feels right for you and your budget.
Why Memorial Diamonds Have a Higher Cost
Memorial diamonds are fundamentally different from standard lab-grown diamonds, and their cost reflects that unique creation process. Each diamond is a bespoke project, grown individually from the specific carbon of your loved one. This requires incredibly strict protocols and dedicated equipment to ensure no cross-contamination occurs. Unlike industrial labs that produce diamonds in large batches, our process is entirely focused on one special diamond at a time. This meticulous, resource-intensive approach is why memorial diamonds are more expensive, ensuring the final gem is a pure and authentic tribute.
Flexible Payment Options
We understand that this is a significant investment, especially during an emotional time. To make the process more manageable, we offer flexible payment plans. You don't have to pay the full amount upfront. Our plans allow you to spread the cost over time, with monthly payments starting as low as $181. Our team is here to walk you through the options and find a plan that works for your financial situation, ensuring you can move forward with creating this beautiful tribute without worry. Our focus is on supporting you through your journey of remembrance.
Our Commitment to Transparency and Trust
In a journey as personal and emotional as creating a memorial diamond, trust is everything. At Eterneva, we've built our entire process around earning and honoring that trust through radical transparency and unwavering standards. We know you are entrusting us with something irreplaceable, and we take that responsibility with the utmost seriousness. From our open-door lab policy to our third-party validated science, every step is designed to give you peace of mind and complete confidence. We don't just tell you we're trustworthy; we show you through our actions, our certifications, and our commitment to treating your loved one with the dignity they deserve.
Our dedication to ethical practices and scientific integrity is at the core of who we are. We believe you have the right to know exactly what is happening with your loved one's ashes at all times. That's why we provide constant updates and have our processes validated by external experts. This commitment to our standards and transparency ensures that the diamond you receive is not only beautiful but also an authentic and pure tribute, created with integrity from start to finish. It’s our promise to you and the loved one you're honoring.
Our Award-Winning Lab in Texas
Our commitment to ethical business practices has been recognized externally, reinforcing the trust our customers place in us. Eterneva is a proud recipient of an Ethics Award from the Better Business Bureau (BBB). This award isn't just a plaque on the wall; it's a testament to our deeply ingrained values of honesty, integrity, and transparency in every interaction. It validates our promise to provide a supportive, respectful, and trustworthy experience for every family we serve. Our Austin, Texas lab operates on these award-winning principles every single day.
Third-Party Validated Science
To ensure the utmost scientific integrity, we've gone a step further than anyone else in our field. Eterneva is the only memorial diamond company in the U.S. with a third-party awarded and validated lab. This means that independent experts have reviewed and confirmed the legitimacy and precision of our processes. This validation gives you objective assurance that the diamond you receive is genuinely grown from the carbon of your loved one, meeting the highest scientific and ethical standards. It’s a critical part of our promise to deliver an authentic and meaningful heirloom.
Choosing a Memorial Diamond Company Wisely
When you decide to create a memorial diamond, you are making a deeply personal and significant choice. It's crucial to select a company that is transparent, reputable, and worthy of your trust. The right provider will understand the emotional weight of this journey and will be open about their entire process, from the science they use to the location of their lab. They should be willing to answer all of your questions and provide you with the assurance you need to feel comfortable and secure. This isn't just a purchase; it's a partnership in honoring a legacy.
A trustworthy company will welcome scrutiny and make you feel like a part of the process. They will have a physical presence and a team you can speak with, not just a faceless website. Taking the time to research your options and look for clear signs of legitimacy will protect you from potential scams and ensure your loved one's final tribute is created with the respect and authenticity it deserves. Your peace of mind is paramount, and the right company will prioritize it above all else.
What to Look for in a Provider
When evaluating a memorial diamond company, insist on transparency. A reputable provider should have a physical lab address listed on their website and should welcome you to visit, either in person or through a live video tour. Ask about their tracking and quality control processes to understand how they ensure the ashes are handled correctly. Look for customer reviews on third-party sites and check their standing with organizations like the Better Business Bureau. A company that is proud of its work will be open, communicative, and ready to provide proof of its legitimacy.
Red Flags to Avoid
Be cautious of companies that offer prices that seem too good to be true. The meticulous, individual process of creating a genuine memorial diamond is resource-intensive, and an unusually low price can be a major red flag. If a company is vague about their lab's location or their scientific process, or if they are unwilling to offer a tour, you should be skeptical. Avoid any provider that cannot offer a clear chain-of-custody and tracking system for the ashes. Your loved one's remains are precious, and any lack of transparency is a sign to look elsewhere.
Planning Ahead with the Eterneva Blueprint
Grief is often unexpected, but planning for how you want to be remembered doesn't have to be. Eterneva offers a way for individuals to plan ahead for their own memorial diamond through our Blueprint program. This allows you to make arrangements in advance, ensuring your legacy will be celebrated in a way that feels right to you. By planning ahead, you can lock in today's pricing and specify your wishes for the diamond's color, cut, and setting. It's a thoughtful way to ease the burden on your family during a difficult time, leaving them with a clear path to creating a beautiful, lasting tribute.
The Eterneva Blueprint is more than just a pre-payment plan; it's a way to actively design your own legacy. You can share your story, your values, and your hopes for how you'll be remembered, all of which will be shared with your family when the time comes. This proactive approach transforms an end-of-life decision into a life-affirming act of love and foresight. It ensures that your story will continue to shine brightly, providing comfort and connection for the generations that follow. It’s a final gift of peace of mind for both you and your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a diamond actually help with grief, according to the research? The Baylor University study highlights that a memorial diamond provides a tangible, positive connection to a loved one. Unlike ashes, which can feel somber and final, a beautiful diamond transforms the remains into an active part of your life. It creates a physical anchor for memories, allowing you to feel a sense of closeness and continue your bond in a new, more symbolic way. It also opens up positive conversations, helping you share stories about their life rather than focusing only on their passing.
How can I be sure the diamond is really made from my loved one? This is the most important question, and we’ve built our entire process around earning your trust. We use a meticulous tracking system from start to finish. More importantly, we are the only memorial diamond company in the U.S. with a third-party validated lab and an open-door policy. You can visit our Austin lab in person or take a live virtual tour to see exactly where and how your loved one’s diamond is being created, giving you complete peace of mind.
Do I need to use all of my loved one's ashes? No, you don't. The process only requires about a half-cup of ashes or a small amount of hair. This gives many families the flexibility to honor their loved one in multiple ways. You can create a diamond to keep with you always while also scattering some ashes in a meaningful place or sharing them among family members. It allows you to create a permanent, portable tribute without having to make an all-or-nothing decision.
What makes a memorial diamond different from a standard lab-grown diamond? While both are created in a lab, a memorial diamond is a fundamentally different and more personal creation. A standard lab diamond is typically made from a generic carbon source and produced in large batches. An Eterneva diamond is grown one at a time from the unique carbon of your loved one or pet. The entire multi-month process is dedicated solely to your loved one, making it a truly one-of-a-kind tribute that is scientifically and emotionally connected to them.
Can I plan for my own memorial diamond ahead of time? Yes, you can. Our Blueprint program allows you to make arrangements for your own memorial diamond. This gives you the opportunity to design your own legacy, choosing the color and cut you’d like, and locking in today's pricing. It’s a thoughtful way to ensure you’re remembered just as you wish, and it removes the guesswork and financial burden from your family later on, leaving them with a clear path to celebrating your life.
Key Takeaways
- Physical keepsakes support the healing process: Research confirms that having a tangible object, like a memorial diamond, helps you maintain a healthy and continuous bond with your loved one. This approach to grief focuses on connection rather than closure.
- Celebrate a life instead of focusing on a loss: Transforming ashes into a brilliant diamond helps reframe your perspective. It creates a beautiful, positive symbol of your loved one that invites conversation and allows you to share their story, keeping their memory sparkling for years to come.
- Choose a partner you can trust completely: This is a deeply personal journey, so it's vital to work with a transparent company. Look for providers with a physical lab you can visit, clear tracking processes, and third-party validation to ensure your loved one's tribute is created with authenticity and respect.
