There is a lot of content on the internet about the science of creating memorial diamonds, however, most of it isn’t clear and doesn’t provide the whole picture. My goal in writing this is to provide you with our scientific process in a very clear and transparent way. What we do at Eterneva is beautiful and meaningful, but it also requires extreme precision as well as a best in class chain of custody process to ensure legitimacy. We are fearful that there are companies in the space that do not follow proper guidelines, so that they can provide lower prices. As a company that’s mission is to create brightness and meaning to loss, this puts knots in our stomach.
All we can do is try our best to educate people on the science and the care that goes into our process. We know that we can’t just describe the process and say “trust our science”, so we engaged with a PhD in Bio-chemistry, Dr Peter Rapp, to scientifically validate our process from beginning to end. On top of Dr. Rapp’s deep research into the deep science behind Eterneva’s memorial diamond process, we have also received awards from groups like the Better Business Bureau for Transparency and Ethics, and have had deep supply chain and scientific audits from private and publicly traded companies. Eterneva is the only company in the memorial diamond space trusted by enterprise businesses to handle their customers. So, let’s break down our process, and why Eterneva is the trusted partner with growing diamonds from ashes or hair.
Understanding the Source: Carbon in Cremation Ashes
Contrary to some misconceptions, cremation ashes do contain residual carbon. Skeptics often reference incomplete studies suggesting ashes lack carbon due to high cremation temperatures. However, extensive scientific research confirms the presence of residual carbon, even after intense cremation processes.
For instance, recent peer-reviewed research has consistently demonstrated detectable carbon levels in cremated remains. A study published in the journal PLoS One showed measurable carbon present after cremation at temperatures above 800°C. Additionally, research in Radiocarbon further verified residual carbon remains after modern cremation processes. These rigorous studies underscore that sufficient carbon exists for genuine memorial diamond creation.
Precision Extraction: The Scientific Journey
Eterneva’s first major step in the process is carbon extraction. What we are accomplishing is isolating pure carbon from other elements in the cremation ashes.
- Isolation and PurificationEterneva uses a specialized high-temperature, oxygen-controlled environment to carefully separate carbon atoms. This pyrolysis process ensures the extracted carbon remains uncontaminated, preserving the integrity of the original source.
- Advanced Analytical VerificationAfter isolation, the carbon undergoes advanced analytical methods like combustion analyzers and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, confirming its purity and validating that it indeed originates from the provided cremation remains. Trace elements such as calcium and phosphorus are detected consistently, affirming the genuine and personal nature of the carbon.
- Third Party VerificationEterneva’s carbon content is 3rd party validated and customers can request reports from a 3rd party lab that showcases the % carbon in their loved one’s ashes or hair.
Diamond Growth: Individual and Meticulous
Unlike mass-produced lab-grown diamonds, each memorial diamond at Eterneva is cultivated individually through High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) methods:
- HPHT Diamond Growth: Under precisely controlled conditions that simulate natural diamond formation deep within the Earth, the purified carbon crystallizes into a diamond. Each growth process is uniquely calibrated to honor the specific carbon sample provided.
- Hand-Cutting by Master Diamond Cutters: Once the diamond is grown, it is entrusted to skilled artisans in renowned diamond-cutting centers in the US, Toronto and Antwerp. This manual process ensures exceptional craftsmanship, enhancing the diamond’s brilliance and eliminating any risk of substitution or mishandling.
Unmatched Transparency and Chain-of-Custody
Every Eterneva diamond undergoes rigorous tracking and documentation from initial carbon extraction to final delivery. We provide complete transparency with auditable documentation, photographic updates, and video insights, affirming each step of the process.
Moreover, our facility in Kerrville, Texas, is open for visits, allowing customers to personally witness the precision and care involved in creating each unique memorial diamond.
Ethical Practices and Quality Assurance
It's crucial to differentiate genuine memorial diamond providers from those offering suspiciously low-priced alternatives. At Eterneva, ethical standards and uncompromising quality are foundational:
- Regulated and Audited: We advocate for regulation within the memorial diamond industry, ensuring customer protection against unethical practices.
- Third-Party Validation: Our processes have undergone rigorous third-party validation from credible organizations, including publicly traded entities and respected scientific experts.
Why Memorial Diamonds Remain Premium
Memorial diamonds are inherently distinct from standard lab-grown diamonds, both scientifically and symbolically. They require highly specialized processes, meticulous individual growth cycles, and unmatched craftsmanship.
In contrast, mass-produced lab-grown diamonds utilize bulk production techniques and cost-saving cutting methods, significantly reducing their market value. The personal, singular nature of memorial diamonds preserves their premium status.
The Science Behind the Sentiment
Peter Rapp, Ph.D., a scientist specializing in chemical engineering and organic synthesis, conducted a thorough, independent investigation of Eterneva. His research confirmed the scientific authenticity of our carbon extraction methods, concluding unequivocally that cremated remains provide sufficient carbon for authentic memorial diamonds.
As Dr. Rapp eloquently notes, grief is transformed into enduring joy and meaningful memory through the science of memorial diamonds, providing a profound, tangible connection to those we cherish.
Conclusion
Look, Eterneva’s science is both rigorous and transparent, aligning seamlessly with our mission to create brightness and meaning to loss. By combining advanced scientific techniques with aerospace grade chain of custody and most importantly, human care, we ensure each diamond is authentically your loved one.
Choosing Eterneva means choosing clarity, authenticity, and above all, trust. This commitment defines not only the quality of our diamonds but also the integrity of our entire process, turning cherished memories into timeless treasures.
