Frequently Asked Questions and Answers

We have compiled an overview of the answers to the questions we are frequently asked. If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please do not hesitate to contact us.

What are the building blocks of a mammal?

The elements of which our four-legged friends essentially consists of are the elements carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N) and calcium (Ca). The proportion by weight of carbon in an animal organism is approx. 21% in a mammal. All other elements, such as phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, chlorine, sodium and magnesium, are only present in the body in trace amounts:

Carbon (C)	21,15
Hydrogen (H)	9,86
Oxygen (O)	62,43
Nitrogen (N)	3,10
Calcium (Ca)	1,90
Phosphorus (P)	0,95
Potassium (K)	0,23
Sulphur (S)	0,16
Chlorine (Cl)	0,08
Magnesium (Mg)	0,027
Iodine (J)	0,002
Iron (Fe)	0,005
Fluorine (F)	0,003
Aluminum (Al)	0,001
Silicon (Si)	0,001
Manganese (Mn)	0,0005

Figure 1: Biology in figures, ISBN 3-8274-1171-8, 6th edition, 2002, p.249

What elements are gemstones made of? And where do the elements in man-made gemstones come from?

The diamond is the only man-made gemstone that can be created entirely from the body’s own organic elements.

	Diamond	Sapphire / Ruby	Rock crystal	Emerald
Mineral	Diamond	Corundum	Quartz	Beryl
Chemical formula	Carbon (C)	Aluminum oxide Al 2 O 3	Silicon oxide SiO 2	Al 2 Be 3 [Si 6 O 18 ]
Density (g/cm2)	3,52	3,97 - 4,05	2,65	2,67 - 2,97
Mohs hardness	10	9	7	7,5 - 8
Synthetic production	Since 1953 Complex and lengthy process	Since 1888 Simple and fast process	possible	possible
Use of an endogenous source	Can consist entirely of this source	May contain very small amounts of the source	Not possible	Not possible

What is a PUREdiamond from Semper Fides?

Under the brand name Semper Fides, we create memorial diamonds, called PUREdiamonds, from an animal companion’s ashes, hair or feathers.

The PUREdiamond is made exclusively from the carbon source you provide us whether from your dog, cat, horse, bird or…

A PUREdiamond is guaranteed to be produced without the addition of additives or the addition of carbon or graphite
.

If you wish, the PUREdiamond can be produced from several carbon sources supplied by you.
Please contact us directly in these cases.

Which and how many raw materials are required?

We need at least 5 to 10 grams of hair or feathers or 300 grams of ash.

If you do not have 5 grams of hair or feathers or 300 grams of ash (equivalent to about 10 kilograms of live weight), there are various ways to realize the growth of your PUREdiamond:

Combination of hair and ash
Addition of extracted carbon from your individual accessories, such as your pet’s favorite toy, collar or vaccination certificate
Combination of different ashes and hair samples

So far, we have always managed to find an individual solution, because carbon can be found wherever something has grown in nature.

In principle, carbon can therefore be obtained from any organic material. Normally, however, the PUREdiamond grows from a carbon source supplied by you.

Please note: The use of different carbon sources for the PUREdiamond (e.g. ash plus hair) leads to increased work in the laboratory. We will charge for this additional work.

If two PUREdiamond from one carbon source are ordered, we grant a discount on the total order value.

Is the creation of a PUREdiamond possible while the animal is still alive?

Yes, because we can also extract the carbon from the hair or feathers. This is possible while the animal is still alive.

We are also happy to clarify the effort involved in extracting carbon from individual carbon sources, such as hoof horn.

Where do the colors come from?

The unique coloration of your PUREdiamond is due to the chemical composition of the respective carbon source and the diamond growth process used.

The color of a diamond can be created by the incorporation of small amounts of chemical elements, such as nitrogen or boron, into the diamond crystal lattice. The difference in the incorporation of a few particles (measured in ppm: particles per million) already leads to large differences in color intensity.

You determine the basic color of your PUREdiamond. The shade and intensity of your personal PUREdiamond is decided during the individual growth process for the reasons mentioned above and can only be controlled by us to a limited extent.

We can produce the following basic colors for you: Yellow, blue and white. Slight color deviations may occur when growing white PUREdiamond.

How long does the manufacturing process of a PUREdiamond take?

We usually need 4 to 8 months from the order to the handover of a PUREdiamond.

The creation of a PUREdiamond is always an individual project. It is divided into many work steps with different time requirements.

Phases such as carbon extraction can take days, weeks or even periods of well over a month. It can always happen that we have to repeat work steps, such as growth synthesis, and even in the cutting shop, the rough diamond that has grown may still turn out not to be suitable for cutting or may even break. This always means that we have to restart the manufacturing process.

All these special events may mean that we do not hand over the PUREdiamond within the agreed time, but that the time from order acceptance to handover may be extended. We can therefore only issue binding delivery dates once the PUREdiamond has been polished and is ready for delivery after quality control.

Which cuts can be selected for the PUREdiamond?

The PUREdiamond is a diamond that is delivered to you either as an uncut rough diamond or cut to your specifications.

In principle, you can choose any variant of diamond cut. The most frequently requested and most popular cuts are

Please note that if you choose a cut other than brilliant cut, additional costs will be incurred.

What carat sizes are possible?

The size of a diamond is measured in carats as a unit of weight. For diamonds, one carat corresponds to a weight of 0.2 grams.

The PUREdiamond is available in Germany in sizes between 0.25 carat and 1.0 carat.

If you would like one or more larger PUREdiamonds, please contact us. After checking the feasibility, we will calculate the individual conditions for the desired cut or size for you.

Why do Semper Fides diamonds sometimes have inclusions?

The carbon required for the growth of your personal PUREdiamond is dissolved out of the cremation ash or the feather or hair coat in a chemically complex process (extraction). After extraction, the carbon is purified and graphitized. This changes the crystal lattice structure of the carbon, which is an important intermediate step in the growth of a diamond from carbon.

The purified and graphitized carbon obtained in this way is the basis of your diamond.

Sometimes, however, very small trace elements of the individual carbon source are incorporated into the crystal lattice alongside the carbon and can be found in the diamond as inclusions. Even small defects in the crystal lattice, which result from the particular origin of the carbon, can have optical consequences in the diamond.

It is precisely these events that create something very special and unique!

The majority of PUREdiamonds have a purity level higher than SI1 (Small Inclusions 1). However, the purity level cannot be guaranteed due to the particular origin of the carbon.

What steps are required to produce a PUREdiamond?

The basic challenge in producing a PUREdiamond is to carefully and completely extract the carbon from the individual carbon source provided to us in order to grow a diamond in its crystal lattice structure.

High-purity graphite (industrial grade) is used as the starting material in the production of synthetic diamonds. The upstream work steps are therefore eliminated.

Arbeitsschritte	PUREdiamond	Synthetic industrial diamond
Starting material	Animal hair or feathers or cremation ashes	High purity graphite
Preparation of the source material	Dissolving the starting material (element mixture) may cause ashing.	- not necessary -
Extraction of carbon	Removal of carbon by physical and chemical separation processes ► Acid/base decomposition	- not necessary -
Preparation	Graphitization to prepare the amorphous carbon for growth	- not necessary -
Calculation and preparation of individual catalysts	Precise adjustment to the individual parameters of the element mixture	Standard parameters
Structure of the growth cell	The growth cell consists of over 20 components, which are manufactured and assembled by hand with the utmost precision. Impurities or minimal deviations can make it impossible for the diamond to grow.	Standard parameters
Growth process	HPHT process (high energy consumption, one-off production)	CVD process (mass production)
Removal of rough diamond	Once the growth time calculated for the respective diamond size has elapsed, the growth cell is removed from the press. The growth cell is then removed layer by layer. Individual components of the cell are cleaned and reused in the interests of sustainability.	Standard parameters
Grinding and polishing	by hand	Mechanical
Certification and engraving	Verification of quality parameters and creation of an individual certificate, engraving (if possible)	Quality control
Result	Individual personal diamond ► Customized production	Diamond from standardized process ► “Mass production”

There are considerable technical differences between the production of a PUREdiamond from an individual carbon source and a mass-produced industrial diamond. This is of course also reflected in the manufacturing costs.

Please note that we have to carry out additional work steps, e.g. for individual color requests.

Can the diamonds be processed further?

Yes, our diamonds can be set by a goldsmith. We would be happy to put you in touch with a goldsmith.

If the partner of your choice is unsure about the setting of the PUREdiamond, they are welcome to contact us. PUREdiamonds have already been set in many rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, amulets etc:

Why a diamond and a PUREdiamond - and no other gemstone?

The diamond is the most precious of all gemstones.
The diamond consists of almost 100 % of the element of life: carbon.
The diamond is the only gemstone that can be created entirely from the body’s own “organic element”.
The diamond is personally unique.
The diamond is more valuable than any other gemstone.

Why choose Semper Fides for your memorial diamond?

There are many reasons to choose a PUREdiamond….

… because we have been on the market since 2006,
… because we have many years of unique expertise,
… because our diamonds grow exclusively from the carbon of the hair/feathers or cremation ashes of your beloved pet,
… because the chemical, physical and optical properties of our PUREdiamond match those of a naturally grown diamond,
… because our factory is located in Switzerland and we are happy to organize a personal visit for you at any time,
… because our commitment to German Cancer Aid (Satchmo, Goldfever and the Shutterfly diamond) has already had a positive impact,
… because we realize sensations that cannot be expressed in words,
… because we enable you to carry your four-legged friend with you at all times,
… because we make a very special pleasure possible for you,
… because there is no comparable gift,

… ultimately because we realize an incomparable thank you to our loyal companions!

How can a diamond be valued?

Only you can determine the value of your personal PUREdiamond.

In our manufactory, we grow an unmistakable, unique piece for you according to your wishes from a special carbon source. A PUREdiamond is therefore always worth more than a diamond mined in nature or a simple synthetic industrial diamond.

You decide for yourself how valuable it is to you.

For naturally mined or synthetically produced diamonds, the (material) valuation is based on the following four parameters (4C):

Carat (weight)
Color
Clarity (purity)
Cut

The material value or price of the PUREdiamond, on the other hand, results from the highly individual creation history of each individual PUREdiamond – and this value can only be determined after completion.

From the overview of the work steps and our costs for individual production, it is clear that a direct comparison of the value of a naturally grown diamond and a synthetically or industrially produced diamond is not meaningful.

As already mentioned: the price is one thing – the individual value of a PUREdiamond is something completely different. Take, for example, a lattice defect or inclusion that occurs during growth. It is precisely such events that create something very special and unique.

How do I order my PUREdiamond?

The way to your diamond is simple:

Arrange an appointment with us.
We will advise you on the selection of your PUREdiamond and fill out the order form together.
You give us the required quantity of ashes or hair or feathers.
Once you have paid the agreed deposit, the preparatory analyses and the development process begin.
After successful growth, we will present you with your PUREdiamond together with your personal certificate.

Information about Semper Fides

The PUREdiamond is a commemorative diamond that can be created in Switzerland according to your wishes from the hair, fur or ashes of a pet. PUREdiamonds are sold worldwide under the Semper Fides brand.

The company responsible for this, SFD International GmbH, is based in Switzerland and works with national representatives in many countries to provide its customers with the best possible local service.

We are happy to answer your questions and suggestions at any time!

SFD International AG

Address: Oberer Gubel 14, 8645 Jona, Switzerland
Web: www.semperfides.diamonds
Mail: info@semperfides.diamonds
Tel.: +41 (0) 81 833 0455

Your Semper Fides representative for Germany:
Algordanza Erinnerungsdiamanten GmbH

Adresse: Kemptener Straße 8, 88131 Lindau am Bodensee, Deutschland