LifeGem

LifeGem is a Chicago based company that makes diamonds from the cremated remains of people or pets. LifeGem harvests carbon from the late person or animal, and grow it in a laboratory, essentially replicating and accelerating the natural process. The company makes either colored or clear diamonds, between the sizes of 0.2 and 1.5 carats.¹

Fast Facts

1. Privately owned²
2. Founded in 2001²
3. All diamonds are authenticated and certified¹
4. Gemologists inspect the diamonds²
5. Range of prices: from $3,000 up to $20,000¹
6. Can grow diamonds from a lock of hair or ashes¹
7. It takes 6 months to grow a yellow diamond¹
8. It takes 9 months to grow a blue diamond¹

Beethoven Diamond

LifeGem is known to have created three blue diamonds from a few strands of Beethoven's hair. One stone was exhibited in museums around the world, and eventually auctioned on eBay for the starting price of $1 million. The company said that the money will be donated to underprivileged children. "The proceeds of this historical diamond will give us the opportunity to help a great number of children," said one of the company's executives. LifeGem plans to make more diamonds from the hair and remains of celebrities.^{1 3}

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