Throughout the centuries, diamond rings have been used to show our love for the incredible people in our lives. Diamonds can help us commemorate milestones like engagements, help us show our lasting devotion to our spouses, or even help us celebrate the remarkable lives of our loved ones who have passed on. 

Gifting a diamond is a thoughtful way to communicate the love we have for our remarkable loved ones, as the diamond is one of the most symbolic and precious gems on the planet. When celebrating the diamonds in your life, a custom diamond heirloom can represent the strength and depth of your unique relationship for generations to come.

In this guide, you’ll discover all of the information you need to create the most heartfelt and personalized diamond ring possible for your remarkable loved ones.

The Evolution of Diamond Rings

The natural diamond was first discovered 3000 years ago in India in its rivers and streams, and it quickly became the most sought-after gem by the wealthy classes of the world. However, the diamond ring did not become popular until the 15th century when Mary of Burgundy was given an engagement ring by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria. This event marked the beginning of the tradition of giving a diamond ring to signify asking for one’s hand in marriage.

In addition to engagement, diamond rings were also associated with status and power. In the Medieval Period in Europe, individuals of higher status wore diamond rings made with precious metals whereas people of the lower class wore rings made with cheap metal. 

The diamonds in these rings were actually uncut, so they did not assume the shapes of diamonds that we know today. Though not cut, diamonds during this time were engraved. From this point on, diamond rings were to evolve and increase in popularity.

Since the beginning of the rise of the diamond ring, diamond rings have followed a common theme, and this theme is that diamonds and diamond rings are a symbol of status and power. With the evolution of the diamond industry, however, diamonds and diamond rings have become more accessible and affordable to people everywhere. The beginning of this shift was marked by the diamond rush that occurred when diamonds were discovered in South Africa in the late nineteenth century.

Choosing Your Diamond

Choosing your diamond is the first, and perhaps, the most important step in creating your custom diamond ring. Where you purchase your diamond is dependent on the occasion of your ring. Many people will purchase a diamond to place in an engagement ring, but others will purchase a diamond to create a piece of memorial jewelry to remember a lost loved one. 

You can choose to purchase a diamond that has already been formed, or you can create a personalized, lab-grown diamond that’s uniquely yours.

How Are Lab-Grown Diamonds Created?

If you’re unfamiliar with lab-grown diamonds, you might wonder if they’re as authentic and real as the diamonds grown beneath the Earth’s mantle. 

At Eterneva, we partner with you and with some of the top scientists and jewelry masters to create a one-of-a-kind, authentic diamond made from your loved one’s ashes. Our seven-stage journey is incredibly transparent, and we ensure that your loved one’s ashes will be in safe hands throughout their entire time with Eterneva.

The diamond growing process begins when scientists extract pure carbon, the key ingredient to a diamond, from your loved one’s ashes or hair and create carbon graphite powder. Carbon is found in cremated ashes in small amounts, so we take all the time necessary to extract enough carbon to create a diamond.

Once we have produced the purified carbon graphite powder from your loved one’s ashes, it’s time to start the diamond machine. At our labs, our machines replicate the natural diamond forming process which involves pairing carbon with intense heat and pressure to grow one diamond at a time. 

Because no two ash samples are the same, our scientists create the perfect combination of heat and pressure to make the most radiant diamond possible from your loved one’s ashes. We understand how unique their elemental imprint is, and we want to reflect and cherish that in our diamond growing process.

How Can I Make Sure My Diamond Is Authentic?

No matter which diamond you choose, your stone should be assessed for quality by a professional to confirm its value. The 4Cs of diamond grading — color, cut, carat, and clarity — are used to determine a diamond’s quality, and it’s wise to use a third-party grader to confirm that you are getting the stone you’ve been promised.

At Eterneva, we send each diamond we create to be scanned for quality by IGI-certified graders. We use X-ray technology to scan for any blemishes in your diamond so that we can craft a diamond with the utmost clarity and quality just for you. 

Custom Diamond Ring Design

Once you’re ready to begin the diamond journey, there are several ways to incorporate special design elements that you can choose to make your diamond uniquely yours. You will have the opportunity to choose the cut, color and size that reflects the remarkable connection you share with your loved one.

First, you will choose your diamond’s cut, (or shape). The relationship diamonds share with light is at the core of why they’re so adored. Round (or Brilliant) cut diamonds are so popular because they sparkle the most - with 58 facets (or flat surfaces) designed to maximize light reflection. The influence the cut has on the overall appearance is so critical that Eterneva only allows Master Cutters to work on our diamonds. Your diamond will be one of a kind, so it should reflect what’s in your heart.

As for your diamond’s color, Eterneva offers 8 total color options. People often choose a color that reminds them of their loved one’s eyes, hair, or favorite color. You can choose a color with a sentiment only the two of you share.

Finally, the size (communicated in carats) can range from 0.1 to 5.0 carats. Picturing how you might wear the diamond may also be helpful in selecting a size. If you’re planning to set your diamond in an existing piece, or based on inspirational photos you’ve found, you may opt for a similar size diamond. The cut you select will also impact the perceived size of the diamond.

Eterneva offers you the ability to choose a diamond engraving that won’t be visible to the naked eye, but can be seen under a jeweler’s loop forever. You can choose an engraving of up to 15 total characters, and we can even include some symbols, like a heart ♡ or infinity symbol ∞. You may choose to engrave a date, name, or a meaningful phrase. It’s just one more way to make your diamond uniquely yours.

Deciding on a Jewelry Setting

Once your diamond journey has begun, you have some time to finalize how you’d like your diamond to be set. Some customers have their own personal jeweler they prefer to use, and that’s completely fine! But for those who would like to explore available options and have the guidance of one of our amazing jewelry design consultants, Eterneva has you covered! Whether you want to wear your diamond in a ring or in a necklace, we’re dedicated to creating the perfect piece of jewelry specific to your preferences - and one that captures just how special and unique the life and story of your loved one are.

Designing the Perfect Jewelry Setting

When working with an Eterneva jewelry design consultant, you’ll have the opportunity to personalize your setting as much as you desire. Some customers choose very classic pieces, with elegant lines & a lasting impression. If you aren’t sure, your designer will be able to help you make the best choice based on your personal style, the type of jewelry you normally wear, and any budget considerations.

You will get to choose options, like the metal color that best compliments your diamond. There are endless options for adding additional design elements & even accent stones if you desire.

We will help counsel you on which settings will best hold your diamond based on its cut. For example, a pear-cut diamond is best set with a V-shaped prong. This type of prong will accentuate the shape of the diamond as well as prevent the diamond from falling out of the ring. Your designer will streamline the decision making process while ensuring you get exactly what you want.

Band Choice and Setting

Once your diamond has completed the growth journey, has been cut & polished, and inspected and graded by our GIA certified diamond grader, we’re ready to take final measurements & begin the process of setting your diamond in it’s chosen jewelry piece!

Pricing

Eterneva Memorial Diamonds are one a kind pieces, each diamond grown in complete isolation in its own diamond growth machine, and held to our high quality & clarity standards. Our prices range from $3,499 to $75,000 - based on your chosen size. Our 4 & 5 carat diamonds are options only available through Eterneva. 

Every Eterneva diamond comes with lifetime additional carbon storage and safekeeping making it possible to grow additional diamonds if ever desired, as well as a personalized engraving, GIA certification, and a concierge Care Team updating you every step of the way. Our transparent process ensures you know where your loved one is at all times during the diamond journey. As an added bonus, all diamonds 0.5 carats and above also come with a free classic setting of your choice or a $300 settings credit to use towards a custom designed piece. 

Crafting Your Legacy with Expertise and Care

The diamond is not just about crafting a diamond or jewelry piece. It’s about bringing brightness and meaning to loss. And we’ll be with you every step of the way.