Frequently Asked Questions

Prices start at HKD 26,350 for a 0.25 ct raw diamond (the diamond as it was grown, uncut and unpolished), or HKD 38,250 for a 0.25 ct brilliant-cut diamond. For people, prices rise with carat size, up to 2.00 ct (HKD 297,900 raw; HKD 383,900 cut). Raw diamonds over 2.00 ct are quoted individually. The price includes shipping of the ashes (or hair) to Switzerland and of the finished diamond back to Hong Kong. You collect your diamond in person at our North Point showroom by appointment. See the full price list.

A raw diamond is the diamond as it was grown, uncut and unpolished. A cut diamond is faceted, and brilliant cut is included in the price. Special cuts (Emerald, Asscher, Princess, Radiant, Heart and Oval) add HKD 3,150. A raw 0.25 ct diamond starts at HKD 26,350 and a brilliant-cut 0.25 ct at HKD 38,250.

Brilliant cut is included. Special cuts (Emerald, Asscher, Princess, Radiant, Heart and Oval) add HKD 3,150. Each additional source (for example ashes plus hair) adds HKD 990, charged once, for people and pets. For pets, the base price includes one source (fur or ashes), and using both fur and ashes counts as two sources. Engraving on a raw diamond: HKD 2,950. Each diamond has its own reference number, laser-inscribed on the girdle.

Yes. When you order several diamonds, the second diamond is 5% off and each further diamond is 7.5% off. Family sets are also available. For people, for example, 2 × 0.20 ct brilliant cut is HKD 52,880 and 2 × 0.25 ct raw is HKD 47,930. Pet family sets are priced separately, please ask us. Ashes from two people (for example both parents) mixed into one diamond count as a single source, so the multi-diamond discount still applies.

Because growing a diamond is a complex process, the finished size can vary slightly (±0.04 ct). If the finished stone is more than 0.04 ct smaller than ordered, you are charged the price of the smaller size. If it is larger than ordered, the ordered price is still charged.

For a loved one we need 500 g of ashes, or 11 g of hair if there are fewer ashes. For a pet we need 250 g of ashes, or 11 g of fur if there are fewer. We recommend splitting 500 g of ashes into two airtight bags of 250 g each. Many Hong Kong crematoriums return 1–2 kg of ashes, so this is usually easy to arrange.

For a loved one we need 500 g of ashes. If you have fewer, 11 g of hair is needed. For a pet we need 250 g of ashes, or 11 g of fur if there are fewer.

If we suspect the ashes may not contain enough carbon, Algordanza carries out a composition analysis before your order goes ahead. If the analysis finds too little carbon, we first propose a Stailas diamond, made with a personal item. If you decide to cancel instead, your ashes are returned to you at no cost. Any refund follows our cancellation terms (see "Can I cancel my order?").

If you are not sure how much you have, please message us on WhatsApp +852 9227 5020 and we will talk it through before you order.

Hair or a personal article (Stailas) is only a fallback when the ashes do not contain enough carbon. For a Stailas memorial diamond we ask for a personal article that once belonged to your loved one, for example clothing, a plush toy, shoes or a journal. The item needs to contain some natural, organic material, such as cotton, wool, leather or paper; purely synthetic items can't be used. Carbon is extracted from the article and added to the carbon from the available ashes. Please contact us to find out more.

Yes. If 500 g of ashes is not available, 11 g of hair is needed. A diamond made from hair only costs the listed price less HKD 4,090. This applies to people. For pets, see the question about fur in the pet section.

A memorial diamond needs at least 500 g of ashes, and your family is welcome to keep the rest. If you prefer, you can hand in all of the ashes at no extra charge; any ashes not needed for the diamond are converted to carbon dioxide during the process, so none are returned. For a pet, only 250 g of ashes needs to be handed in, and the rest stays with your family. If you provide 250 g of ashes or less, we use all of them.

After an order goes ahead as normal, ashes not used for your diamond are not returned. The only exception is a cancellation after a low-carbon analysis (see "What if I don't have enough ashes?"), when your ashes are returned to you at no cost.

Yes. The age of the ashes does not matter. For a loved one we need at least 500 g of ashes (or 11 g of hair), and for a pet 250 g of ashes (or 11 g of fur).

For a loved one, the documents are the Cremation Certificate, the Death Certificate and a copy of the remitter's HK ID card. For a pet, only a copy of the remitter's HK ID card is needed. When submitting the order form, please present the documents and their photocopies.

Production usually takes 4 to 9 months, for both human and pet memorial diamonds, depending on the size of the diamond and the number of orders being processed in Switzerland at the time. If you would like your diamond mounted in jewellery, we refer you to our authorised jeweller in Tsim Sha Tsui, which adds about 2 weeks.

Once your ashes arrive at our Swiss laboratory, an acid removes the inorganic compounds and leaves the carbon and boron. The carbon is placed in a growth cell with a catalyst and a seed crystal. The growth cell is placed in a machine that provides high temperature and high pressure, which grows the diamond. After it cools, the diamond is taken out and the seed crystal is removed. You can keep the diamond raw (as it was grown, uncut and unpolished) or have it cut into a faceted shape. Learn about our Swiss laboratory.

We send your ashes to our Swiss laboratory in 2 parcels, as insurance in case one goes missing. For 500 g of ashes, we recommend preparing two sealed bags of 250 g each. One tracking code covers both parcels (1 of 2 and 2 of 2).

The diamond is prepared in Switzerland, taking 4 to 9 months, before being sent back to Hong Kong. You then collect it in person at our North Point showroom by appointment.

We can meet you to receive the ashes at our North Point showroom, at a funeral home, or at another place we agree with you in Hong Kong. Once your order is placed, our team can collect the ashes from the funeral home in Hong Kong at no charge. Your finished diamond is collected in person at the showroom by appointment.

Yes. Once your order is placed, our team can collect the ashes from the funeral home in Hong Kong at no charge. We can also meet you at our North Point showroom or at another place we agree with you in Hong Kong to receive the ashes.

Laboratory visits are possible only after you have placed an order. Once you have ordered, please ask our team and we will see what can be arranged. Learn about our Swiss laboratory.

Yes. In 2009–2010 a Swiss notary observed and recorded the full process for one delivery of ashes, from delivery to the gemologist's examination of the diamond. Read the 2010 notarial record.

Yes. An Algordanza memorial diamond is a real diamond, grown in a laboratory in Switzerland. It has the same physical, chemical and optical properties as a natural diamond. It is not zirconia or any other imitation.

Human memorial diamonds can be any colour from white or clear to deep blue. The blue comes from the natural boron content of the ashes, and the colour depends purely on that boron content. We never add colour or change it artificially.

Yes. Every memorial diamond made from human ashes or hair comes with its own Algordanza certificate of origin, included in the price. Every Semper Fides pet diamond comes with its own Semper Fides diamond certificate. A GEMLAB certificate is available as an optional extra, at an additional cost.

Your loved one's ashes travel to our Swiss lab in two parcels under one tracking code, as a safeguard in case one goes missing. Every memorial diamond made from human ashes or hair has its reference number laser-inscribed on the girdle and comes with its own Algordanza certificate of origin, included in the price. Every Semper Fides pet diamond also has its reference number laser-inscribed on the girdle and comes with its own Semper Fides diamond certificate. Our Swiss lab is also open to visits, so you can see the process for yourself.

1. Fill in the order form (for a loved one or for a pet).
2. Submit the required documents.
3. Pay the 50% deposit.
4. Confirm the size, cut and other details of your diamond with us.

If you would like to talk first, book a free 40-minute consultation with no pressure to decide. English consultations are available by advance booking.

A 50% deposit is paid when you order, and the remaining 50% is paid when you receive the diamond (collected by appointment at our North Point showroom).

We accept PayPal, cheque and bank transfer (telegraphic transfer, TT). PayPal fees apply.

Yes. You can cancel your order at any time before production starts, and we understand that plans can change. Production starts when we begin processing your ashes or hair. The refund is 90% of your 50% deposit (a 10% administration charge applies), minus any shipping costs already incurred. Before shipping costs, that is 45% of the order price.

Your finished diamond is collected in person at our North Point showroom by appointment, so we do not offer delivery.

Because each diamond is made to order for you, there is no return period once you have received it. If you have any questions before production starts, we are glad to talk them through.

Yes, by appointment only. Please message us on WhatsApp +852 9227 5020 or call +852 2895 2254. We offer a free 40-minute consultation with no pressure to decide. English consultations are available by advance booking. Our consultant explains the process, shows you sample diamonds and answers your questions in a private space. Address: 17th Floor, Supreme Commercial Building, 368 King's Road, North Point. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 10:00–17:00; Saturday 10:00–12:30. By appointment only. See our showroom page.

Yes. The 40-minute consultation at our North Point showroom is free, with no pressure to decide. English consultations are available by advance booking. Book by WhatsApp +852 9227 5020 or call +852 2895 2254. Visits are by appointment only. You can also book online.

Yes. Funeral directors can arrange the memorial diamond on the client's behalf, or meet us at our North Point showroom to do the paperwork on site. Once your order is placed, our team can collect the ashes from the funeral home in Hong Kong at no charge. Please contact us on WhatsApp +852 9227 5020 or call +852 2895 2254. Contact us.

Yes. Customers from Macau and mainland China are welcome to order directly at our North Point showroom. If travelling is not convenient, you can contact our Shenzhen colleague on WeChat, or call our Shenzhen / Mainland China hotline: 400-639-6686. Mainland site: https://algordanza-diamonds.com.cn/

Yes. Customers living overseas can order and come to Hong Kong to collect their diamond in person at our North Point showroom by appointment. Please message us on WhatsApp +852 9227 5020 to plan your visit.

Yes. Semper Fides, Algordanza's pet brand, has its own chemical laboratory and growth machines in Switzerland, where it creates pet memorial diamonds from 250 g of your pet's ashes, from HKD 18,830 (0.25 ct raw). Read about pet memorial diamonds.

Yes. If less than 250 g of your pet's ashes is available, 11 g of your pet's fur is needed. The base price includes one source (fur or ashes); a second source adds HKD 990. Using both fur and ashes counts as two sources, so the HKD 990 applies.

Pet memorial diamonds (Semper Fides by Algordanza) start at HKD 18,830 for a 0.25 ct raw diamond, or HKD 32,950 for a 0.25 ct brilliant cut. The price includes shipping of the ashes (or fur) to Switzerland and of the finished diamond back to Hong Kong. You collect your diamond in person at our North Point showroom by appointment. See the pet price list.