How Much Hair Do You Need for a Memorial Diamond?

These are working guidelines. The exact amount may vary slightly depending on the specific characteristics of the hair. If you're unsure whether you have enough, contact us before ordering — we'll let you know based on your specific situation.

And remember: any unused hair is returned to you with the finished diamond. We only use what is needed for carbon extraction, and the remainder is carefully packaged and included with your finished jewellery.

Why Different Amounts for Human Hair and Pet Fur?

The difference is carbon density. Human hair is composed of tightly packed keratin with a high carbon-to-weight ratio — approximately 45–51% carbon by mass. Animal fur, while also keratin-based, tends to be coarser and less compact, giving it a lower effective carbon density per gram of material.

To extract sufficient pure carbon to grow a 0.57ct diamond, we need a reliable amount of starting material. For human hair, approximately 10g consistently yields what we need. For pet fur, we require approximately 20g to achieve the same outcome.

This is why the requirement is different — not because the process changes, but because the raw material does. The diamond that results is identical in quality and process regardless of whether the source is human or pet hair.

What Does 10g of Hair Look Like?

This is the most common practical question. Ten grams of hair is roughly the weight of a small handful — for long hair, approximately 3–4 centimetres in diameter when bundled; for short hair, a larger volume. A few points that will help:

• Hair length does not affect weight significantly — a gram of short hair and a gram of long hair contain similar amounts of keratin.
• If you have short hair to work with, you may need to collect more volume to reach 10g than someone with long hair.
• Hair from multiple sessions (e.g., collected over several haircuts) is perfectly acceptable, as long as it's all from the same person or pet.
• If in doubt, send a little more than you think you need. We return whatever isn't used.

How to Collect Hair

The collection process is simple. When you order from Silmaril, we post a collection kit to your New Zealand address that contains a labelled collection bag and full instructions. But here is the general approach:

• Use clean, dry scissors. There is no need for sterilisation.
• For human hair: collect from the nape of the neck or another less visible area. The location doesn't affect quality.
• For pet fur: the neck, back, or underside are typically easiest. Brush-collected fur is also acceptable.
• Place the hair directly into a clean, dry sealable bag or the provided collection bag. Do not use cotton wool or tissue.
• Keep the bag dry and away from direct sunlight until you send it.
• Seal the bag and label it clearly with the name of the person or pet.
• Do not mix hair from different individuals in the same bag.

What If I Don't Have Enough Hair?

This is a common concern, particularly when a loved one has passed unexpectedly and only a small amount of hair was collected. Here's what to consider:

For human hair

Look in these places if you're uncertain you have 10g:

• Hairbrushes or combs — Hair accumulates in brushes over time. Carefully collect the hair and combine it if needed.
• Lockets or keepsakes — Hair preserved in jewellery or envelopes from previous generations is often still suitable.
• Previous haircut records — Some hairdressers save clippings on request. It's worth asking, particularly if a regular stylist was involved in the person's care.
• Hospital or care facility — If hair was collected during a medical procedure or end-of-life care, it may still be available.

For pet fur

• Groomer records — If your pet was groomed regularly, groomers sometimes save fur clippings on request, particularly for clients who might want it for such purposes.
• Vet records — Veterinary practices occasionally have fur from procedures (e.g., shaving before surgery).
• Bedding or furniture — Pet fur on bedding, a favourite blanket, or furniture can be carefully collected, though it must be clearly from your pet and not mixed with other animals.
• Your own collection — Many pet owners save fur from grooming. A large amount may already be available from a brush.

Does Hair Colour, Texture, or Dye Affect the Diamond?

No. Hair colour, texture, and any chemical treatments (dye, bleach, keratin treatments) do not affect the final diamond. Here's why:

The memorial diamond process extracts elemental carbon from the hair. Melanin (hair colour pigment), dye molecules, silicone coatings, and other compounds are removed during the carbon purification stage. The diamond grows from pure carbon — and pure carbon is pure carbon, regardless of what colour it came from.

The finished diamond will be colourless to near-colourless (D–H colour grade), regardless of whether the hair was black, blonde, grey, or dyed.

How to Store Hair Before Sending

Collected hair stores well if kept dry. A few simple guidelines:

• Store in a clean, sealable plastic bag or the provided collection kit.
• Keep it in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze — this is not necessary and can introduce condensation.
• There is no rush: hair can be stored for months or years before sending without degradation in carbon quality.

How to Send Your Hair Sample

When you order from Silmaril, we post a secure collection kit to your New Zealand address. The kit includes a labelled sample bag and a pre-addressed return envelope. You do not need to source your own packaging.

The return is done by standard NZ Post. There is no need for special courier services for the sample — the sample itself requires only basic packaging, which the kit provides. The finished jewellery is returned to you by insured courier.

If you have already collected hair before ordering, you can order and use the collection kit's bag when it arrives, or contact us about sending in advance.