Can you turn pet hair into a diamond in New Zealand?
Yes. Silmaril transforms pet fur, hair or wool — dogs, cats, horses, sheep, rabbits, and other animals — into lab-grown memorial diamonds using HPHT technology. 18K necklace prices start from NZ$3,850. Silmaril manages the order from New Zealand, while HPHT growth is completed by specialist lab partners in China.
What types of pets can have their fur turned into a diamond?
Any animal with suitable fur, hair, mane, tail hair, wool or fleece containing keratin can be used. Dogs, cats, horses, sheep, and rabbits are common examples. Contact us if you're unsure whether your specific pet's sample is suitable — we're happy to advise.
How much pet fur is needed?
We recommend approximately 20 grams of clean, dry pet fur, hair or wool where available to provide processing margin. The technical requirement may be lower depending on sample condition and target carat. Any returnable unused material is sent back with the finished piece.
Can I use fur collected after my pet passed away?
Yes. Fur saved before or after your pet's passing works equally well. Grooming clippings, fur from a brush, or locks saved by a vet are all suitable. There is no time requirement on when the fur was collected.
How much does a pet memorial diamond cost in NZ?
Loose 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; pet fur has no surcharge.
Is my pet's fur kept separate from other animals?
Absolutely. Our One Guest, One Chamber protocol applies to every order. Your pet's sample receives a unique Life-ID when received by Silmaril and is grown in a dedicated chamber. It is never mixed with another customer's material.
Is the pet 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.
How long does the pet hair to diamond 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.
Can I get a GIA or IGI certificate for a pet memorial diamond?
Yes. Every diamond includes ILDA or CCIC traceability documentation. GIA or IGI grading is a paid optional upgrade; ask us before production or cutting so we can confirm current cost and timing. The report documents the finished stone's reported 4Cs and laboratory-grown identification, while Life-ID tracks your pet's sample journey.
Is my pet's hair the only carbon source used for my diamond?
Your pet's submitted hair is the only customer biological material and the only Life-ID-tracked biological carbon source for your order. It is never mixed with another customer's material. The HPHT cell also uses a diamond seed and metal catalyst, so we do not claim every carbon atom in the finished crystal can be individually attributed to hair alone.
Will I receive photo and video evidence from carbon extraction to diamond growth?
We provide the available Life-ID-tagged photo and milestone video records for intake, shipping handover, carbon extraction and purification, graphitization, HPHT growth milestones, cutting, setting, and dispatch. This is a visual chain of custody for the available stages, not uninterrupted video inside the sealed high-pressure growth cell.
Is the diamond a single-crystal HPHT diamond, not a HPHT-treated CVD diamond?
Yes. Our pet memorial diamonds are grown by direct HPHT crystal synthesis from pet-hair-derived graphite, not presented as CVD diamonds that have received HPHT post-growth treatment. The crystal grows continuously on a diamond seed. Optional IGI or GIA grading can provide independent documentation of the finished stone's laboratory-grown identification and any growth-method or treatment information included in the report.
Is the price different for a dog diamond versus a cat diamond?
No. The price is the same regardless of species — NZ$3,850 for The Warmth or NZ$4,950 for The Guardian. There is no premium or discount based on animal type.
Why is 18K gold better for the memorial setting?
18K gold contains 75% pure gold, while 14K gold contains about 58.5%. That means a same-weight 18K setting contains approximately 28.2% more pure gold than 14K. For a memorial piece, this gives the jewellery a higher precious-metal content and material cost base than common 14K settings.
Can I combine fur from two pets into one diamond?
No. Our One Guest, One Chamber protocol means each diamond is grown from a single individual's material only. This ensures full integrity and traceability for every stone. A separate order would be required for each pet you wish to honour.
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 jewellery by insured courier. There is no need to visit us in person.
Why choose a NZ-managed service rather than ordering directly overseas?
Choosing Silmaril means your pet's sample is tracked carefully from intake to delivery, China lab logistics are managed for you, and pricing is shown clearly in NZD. You also have direct contact with our team throughout.
