This content was first published on IGR – Italian Gemological Review no. 17 in 2023. The information provided here is therefore current as of the original publication date.
It’s not new that there are in terms market flourishing companies claiming to synthesize diamonds from cremated ashes by processing and extracting carbon. The Ashes to Diamonds market is predicted to reach USD 150.1 million by 2028, up from USD 77 million in 2022, as per Market Data.
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However it seems that the substantial market growth contrasts with the lack of gemological studies assessing this process. While the emotional attachment to loved ones, be they human or pets, fuels demand, the transformation from corpse ashes to wearable synthetic diamonds has a macabre aspect.
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Adding appeal to the “diamondification” process is the Futbol Club Barcelona’s involvement. The renowned Catalan football team plans to launch a distinctive jewelry line featuring diamonds and an exceptional twist — grass from Camp Nou’s last pre-renovation match. Brilianto, a Spanish firm utilizing according to what is specified on its web site «Sustainable Technology and High Quality through Renewable Energy», will produce lab-grown diamonds for this collection. Named “Eterni Spotify Camp Nou 1957”, the collection commemorates the stadium’s opening year.
While the rebuilding of the new stadium is taking place, this collaboration aims to create limited-edition jewelry pieces like pins, bracelets, cufflinks, rings, necklaces, and shields in yellow and white gold, each adorned with a diamond. The special edition will house 57 one-carat diamonds among 1957 total pieces, estimated at around €15,000 in carat value. Anticipated to attract significant demand, especially from investors in the Arab world and China, this venture is expected to yield about €30 million annually.
Gem News published on IGR – Italian Gemological Review #17, Autumn 2023
