Forget scattering ashes in the ocean or keeping them on the mantle. Since 2004, a Swiss company called Algordanza has been turning dead people into actual diamonds. Not metaphorically. Not diamond-like crystals. Real, certified, laboratory-grown diamonds that you can wear on your finger.

The name "Algordanza" comes from Rhaeto-Romanic and means "remembrance." Based in the town of Domat/Ems in Switzerland's Graubünden province, they've turned approximately 850 people per year into precious gems. That's a lot of eternal bling.

How Do You Turn Grandma Into a Gemstone?

The process is surprisingly scientific. Algordanza uses HPHT technology—High Pressure High Temperature—to simulate the natural conditions that create diamonds deep in the Earth. Except instead of waiting millions of years, they speed things up considerably.

Here's what they need from you:

At least 500 grams of cremation ashes (to extract sufficient carbon)
Or just 5 grams of hair if you prefer
Anywhere from $5,000 to $22,000, depending on diamond size and specifications

The carbon extracted from the remains is placed in specialized presses that recreate the extreme conditions found 100+ miles below Earth's surface. The result? A genuine diamond that's 100% made from your loved one—no generic carbon added, no artificial coloring.

The Guy Who Started It All

Rinaldo Willy founded Algordanza when he was just 23 years old. He's still the CEO today, running a company with 50 employees across more than 30 countries. And yes, his own father—who died in 1994—was one of the first people transformed into a memorial diamond by the company.

Talk about keeping family close.

Is It Actually a Real Diamond?

According to ISO International Standard 18323, Algordanza's memorial diamonds qualify as legitimate "laboratory-grown diamonds." They have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. The only difference is the carbon source: volcanic pipes versus Uncle Jerry.

Each diamond is certified and guaranteed to contain only the carbon from the person (or pet—yes, they do pets too) you've submitted. Algordanza is the only memorial diamond company that makes this 100% purity guarantee.

Who's Buying Memorial Diamonds?

Interestingly, 25% of Algordanza's clients come from Japan, where the concept has gained significant cultural traction. The rest are spread across Europe, North America, and Australia, where the company has established regional offices.

Some people choose memorial diamonds instead of traditional burial or cremation. Others do both—keeping a small portion of ashes for diamond creation and handling the rest conventionally. Either way, it's a striking example of how technology is changing our relationship with death and remembrance.

Your loved one wanted to be the center of attention? Now they literally can be. Just make sure you don't lose that ring.

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