Can hair really be turned into a diamond?
Yes. Hair contains carbon in its keratin structure. That carbon is extracted, purified, converted into graphite and grown around a diamond seed using HPHT technology. The result is a genuine lab-grown diamond.
How much hair is needed?
For human hair, we recommend approximately 10 grams of clean, dry material. For pet fur, we recommend approximately 20 grams where available to provide processing margin. The technical minimum may be lower depending on sample condition and target carat.
What types of hair can be used?
Any hair containing keratin: human head, beard, or body hair, or suitable fur, mane, tail hair, wool or fleece from dogs, cats, horses, sheep, rabbits, and other pets. We treat all hair — human and animal — with equal care and the same One Guest, One Chamber protocol.
How long does the process take?
Diamond production is approximately 60 days from laboratory sample receipt to finished diamond. Silmaril's customer delivery estimate is approximately 100 days from receipt of a suitable sample to delivery of the finished jewellery. Customs or carrier delays may extend this estimate.
How much does hair to diamond cost in New Zealand?
Loose memorial diamonds are NZ$2,999 for 0.5ct and NZ$3,700 for 1.0ct. Necklaces are NZ$3,850 for The Warmth (0.5ct) and NZ$4,950 for The Guardian (1.0ct), each in 18K white or yellow gold. Email us for 1.5ct or 2.0ct loose diamond pricing.
Is the diamond made only from my loved one's hair?
Absolutely. Our One Guest, One Chamber protocol guarantees that your sample is grown in its own dedicated chamber and never mixed with another customer's material. Each sample receives a unique Life-ID when received by Silmaril.
Is the memorial diamond a real diamond?
Yes. It is carbon arranged in a cubic diamond crystal structure, not cubic zirconia or moissanite. It tests as diamond; specialised gemological equipment can identify its laboratory-grown origin.
Can I get GIA or IGI certification?
Yes. Every diamond already includes an ILDA or CCIC traceability certificate at no extra cost, and GIA or IGI grading is available on request. Contact us to discuss certification options and current pricing before or after placing your order.
What colour and clarity will the diamond be?
We target VS clarity or better and E–H colour. VVS can occur, but the final carat, colour and clarity are confirmed only after cutting and 4C grading.
Do you serve customers outside Auckland?
Yes. We serve all of New Zealand. You send your prepared hair sample by post, and we return the finished piece by insured courier. You never need to visit us in person.
What happens to the unused hair after the process?
Any hair remaining after the carbon purification stage is carefully packaged and returned to you alongside your finished memorial diamond.
Why can Silmaril be more accessible than overseas providers?
We are a New Zealand-based service. By managing the order from New Zealand and working directly with specialist lab partners in China, we reduce intermediary complexity and keep pricing transparent. Our pricing is designed to be accessible while keeping the same care, traceability and HPHT process for each loved one's material.
Is my payment secure?
Yes. All orders are processed through Stripe, a globally trusted payment platform. We do not store card details. You may also enquire by email before committing to an order.
Can I choose a different setting or jewellery style?
Currently we offer two signature designs. For bespoke setting enquiries, please contact us at [email protected] — we're happy to discuss what's possible.
Why do you use 18K gold instead of 14K gold?
18K gold contains 75% pure gold, compared with about 58.5% in 14K gold. At the same finished weight, 18K contains about 28.2% more pure gold than 14K, giving the setting a higher precious-metal content and material cost base.
How do I get started?
You can view current pricing online or email us with any questions first. Once your order is confirmed, we provide sample preparation instructions, then manage the specialist China lab logistics after your sample is received.
