I'm sure you have seen the advertisements stating that you can turn the ashes of your deceased loved one into a beautiful diamond that can be used for a ring, necklace, bracelet or even mounted into pottery... which sounds like such an incredible idea!  I loved the concept so much that I looked into ordering one.  Here's the disturbing details I learned: 

Here's a couple examples of "ashes to diamonds" advertisements that are currently online:

Personally, I thought this was such a beautiful way to remember your loved one... that is, until today when I read that top jewelers across the USA are calling shenanigans, and here's why:

A real diamond is a natural gemstone that is found in the earth. It is not possible to "make" a genuine diamond, however there is an industry for "lab created gemstones".  A lab create gemstone, including a "diamond" is not a gemstone, nor a diamond, but is made to look like one.  Yep, it's basically a knockoff gem, which is fine, if that is what you're looking for. 

The companies who produce the "diamonds" claim that they are able to use the cabon in the ashes to "grow" the diamonds. (Yes, you read that correctly, it does say "grow the diamonds"):

Moving forward, Grant Mobley, who is the U.S. Trade Lead at the Diamond Producers Association, said, ""While these companies may be manufacturing synthetic diamonds that look like natural diamonds, they are not using ashes from your loved ones to do so...in fact, the carbon that is left over from cremation is not near enough to produce a synthetic diamond and not in the correct form."

Additionally, Jewelry Adjuster, a company that represents themselves as a watchdog for the fine jewelry industry, has spent substantial time investigating the "memorial diamond" industry.  Jewelry Adjuster stated, ""These companies are fraught with deception and fraud. Fake pictures, fake claims of owning diamond-making presses, and perhaps most of all their marketing strategy that preys on people at the most heart-wrenching time of their lives....the loss of a loved one." 

Additionally, Robert James from the School of Gemology also performed an investigation that has spanned over 15 YEARS and has found the Cremation Diamond industry to be a, "hoax". Some of his finding include:

• The majority of Memorial Diamond websites all use the same "stock photography"
• It appears that none of these companies actually "make" the memorial diamonds.  Instead they ship the materials to Russia and the "diamond" is made and shipped back. 
• Most importantly, THE PATENTS filed with the US Government show that it is NOT POSSIBLE to make a gemstone from the ashes because there is NOT ENOUGH CARBON. 

HOW TO ACTUALLY GET LEGIT MEMORIAL JEWELRY

If you want to purchase the memorial diamond you can, but you should know upfront that you are likely paying for a fashion stone that was outsourced to Russia. Essentially, you are paying for a knockoff. If you're not okay with that, here's some far better options:

First, if you want the ashes to be with you, there's a fantastic assortment of "Urn Jewelry" that is super affordable and truly gorgeous.  Here's a couple pieces I love:

TIP: I have found that the pendants are outstanding but the necklaces are not sturdy.  I would strongly suggest purchasing a better quality, sterling silver chain.  Quality sterling chains are pretty cheap and will last forever. Additionally, if you purchase a genuine ".925 Sterling Silver" chain, it will not discolor your skin.  Just make sure it is ".925 Sterling".  A really nice quality chain will only cost $20 - $50, depending on what type you get. Here's a basic chart (most of the free necklaces that come with the memorial charm are 1m or less! They break easily!):

Another wonderful option is to order a customized piece of jewelry with your loved ones name, birthdate, favorite quote, birthstone or other info. I am crazy about Personalized Memorial Jewelry (Memorial Necklaces, Memorial Bracelets, Custom Wording Bracelets, personalized Wording Rings) and Amazon has a phenomenal assortment.  I have personally ordered several pieces for myself and as gifts.  As mentioned above, the "free" chain the necklaces come on is junk.  You want to immediately better quality, sterling silver chain because if your chain breaks you will lose your memorial charm!