LifeGems are diamonds made from the carbon contained in human ashes. With 8 ounces of "cremains", enough carbon can be extracted to make a synthetic diamond. The process takes several months. LifeGems can be made in sizes from .25 carats (about $2500) to a full carat ($14,000) and come in round, radiant, or princess cuts. Pet LifeGems are available as well.
"I think more people are looking for more-personal ways to remember somebody," says Dean VandenBiesen, LifeGem's vice president of operations. "Rather than having ongoing mourning for someone's loss, people are wanting to celebrate a life. The LifeGem is just another way to do that, versus having a weeping, somber occasion."
From USA Today.