A cremation diamond or memorial jewelry piece is a powerful form of remembrance. Having your loved one’s ashes transformed into a stunning work of wearable art allows you to carry them with you for years to come.
However, like all jewelry, these memorial options come at a cost. If you’re on a budget, you might not think a cremation diamond or jewelry piece is right for you.
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The good news is that one-of-a-kind cremation jewelry is actually more affordable than mined gems. There are a number of affordable choices, and there are also tips that can help you keep the costs low to suit your needs.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best ways to save money on your cremation or memorial diamond. Your loved one’s legacy will be meaningful regardless of how much you pay. Everyone deserves to be honored on their own terms in a way that’s important to their loved ones.
How Much Is the Cheapest Cremation Diamond?
There’s a lot of variation in the cost of cremation diamonds. In most cases, you’ll actually need to pay for two separate things: the cremation diamond and the setting. The cost breakdown is as follows:
- Diamond: The diamond is the most expensive part of the process. The cheapest memorial diamond costs around $750, and they can cost as much as $4,000, depending on the size and color.
- Setting: You’ll also need to choose a setting for your diamond. This is where you have the most flexibility in price. The cost depends on the material, the type of jewelry, and the size. The cost of a setting starts at $500 and can cost as much as $3,000.
In general, the cheapest cremation diamond will cost around $2,000 for both the setting and the diamond itself, plus the stone installation service. This would be for the smallest diamond and a simple setting. That being said, there are many ways to keep the cost low to fit your budget.
Tips for Saving Money on Cremation Diamonds
Whether you’re turning pet ashes into diamonds or using this as an urn alternative for a human loved one, the tips below will help you save money on your cremation diamond. The more flexible you are about your expectations and needs, the more space you’ll have to lower the cost.
1. Choose a less expensive color
Different colored diamonds come at different price points. If you’re open to different colors outside of the most popular picks, you can save a pretty penny.
The price of the color comes down to supply and demand. Some colors are harder to make, and they’re also more in-demand. For example, you can expect to pay less for yellow, orange, and white (colorless) diamonds. On the other hand, green, black, blue, and red tend to be more costly.
2. Opt for a smaller size
Diamonds are always assessed according to the 4 Cs: cut, clarity, color, and carat. The carat refers to the size, and it goes without saying that larger diamonds are more expensive. Therefore, a smaller-cut diamond at 0.1 to 0.19 carats will be the most affordable.
There are still so many ways to make a small diamond pop. A beautiful, thoughtful setting that features other gems or design elements can still be a remarkable statement piece. It’s the thought that really counts, not the size.
3. Choose your own setting
The best way to save money is the jewelry setting. This is where you’ll have the most options to customize your selection. You can choose from cremation earrings, pendants, rings, and more.
Choosing a less expensive metal or simple setting will keep your cost down. Again, a simple setting can be just as stunning as a more intricate one. Many providers don’t require you to purchase a setting at all, and you might wish to have it set into an existing piece of jewelry.
4. Work with a consultant
Most providers that specialize in cremation jewelry have consultants trained to help. When you’re experiencing grief, it’s not always easy to make a decision on your own.
A consultant can guide you towards the best options that fit your budget and style needs. There’s a lot to know about memorial jewelry, and these pros truly save you time and money.
5. Choose a resin-based design
Sometimes cremation diamonds aren’t in your budget, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still turn your loved one’s ashes into something gorgeous and wearable. A similar option that costs significantly less is to use a resin-based design.
Many artists and providers turn a loved one’s ashes into a gorgeous, unique design using resin, ashes, and other elements. These resemble gemstones without the high cost or laboratory process. You can find a number of these sellers on Etsy.
6. Opt for another type of cremation jewelry or solidified ash
While memorial diamonds are undoubtedly beautiful, they aren’t the only type of cremation jewelry. You might discover that a memorial diamond isn’t the best fit for you after considering other options.
Aside from resin-based designs, you might also look for something that holds your loved one’s ashes within a pendant, locket, or another symbol. These are typically made of metal and function like a mini urn you can wear. Though they’re less eye-catching than diamonds, they’re just as meaningful.
You can also personalize these types of memorial jewelry with engravings, colors, and gems. There are so many memorial and cremation jewelry options online that there’s something for everyone. From personalized vial necklaces for ashes to keychains, you’ll find something you love.
Another affordable option for solidifying a loved one's ashes is transforming them into cremation stones with Parting Stone.
How Does the Cost of Cremation Diamonds Compare?
Compared to the cost of other types of memorials, how do cremation diamonds compare? Though they might sound high-ticket and expensive at first, they can still be one of the most affordable options. Here’s a simple breakdown to see how the price points match amongst other popular choices:
- Burial: A burial costs around $2,000 minimum, and that's just for the casket and burial plot. When combined with funeral home fees and more, a burial is easily the most expensive choice for laying someone to rest.
- Traditional urn: If you choose a more traditional urn, you can spend anywhere from $50 to $200 or more for a ready-made design.
- Custom urn: Custom urns are also a common choice, whether they’re 3D-printed or made by local artists. They can cost upwards of $500 or more.
- Scatter ashes: The cheapest choice is to scatter the ashes somewhere special. However, this can be tricky depending on your local laws.
- Biodegradable urn: Last but not least, biodegradable urns are designed to be buried or released into the water. These are inexpensive, costing from $10 to $200 depending on the style and type.
Cremation diamonds are more costly than traditional urns and keepsakes, but they can still cost less than a traditional burial. They’re also the only option that creates a real gemstone from someone’s remains. These diamonds are family heirlooms, perfect for passing down for years to come.
Creating a Legacy You Can Afford
How we memorialize our loved ones is a highly personal choice. There’s no right or wrong option, as long as you find something you love that’s meaningful to you. From cremation diamonds to memorial jewelry, there have never been more options.
It’s important to consider your budget when you start your search for an urn alternative. Whether you want to turn someone’s ashes into an heirloom to carry close or a unique work of art, you’ll also want it to be in your price range. Luckily, that’s more possible now than ever before.