The confusion is nearly always the same. You have two different things a portion of your mother’s ashes and a lock of her hairand they do not follow the same rules.
To send both for a memorial diamond, first confirm that your provider accepts a combined submission. Then decide whether you want one diamond created from both materials or two separate diamonds. Each material should be packed in its own sealed and labeled container before being sent together in one shipment.
Because cremated ashes are included in the package, the shipping requirements for cremated remains generally apply to the entire shipment.
That is often the part families find confusing and one of the most important details to understand before sending anything.
Will Your Provider Accept Your Mother’s Ashes and Hair Together?
Ask this question before measuring or preparing either material.
Not every memorial diamond provider combines ashes and hair into one diamond. Some providers may create a diamond using only one source material, while others may offer separate diamonds.
Before beginning, ask three important questions:
- Can you combine ashes and hair into one diamond-growing process?
- If not, what options are available one material per diamond or two separate diamonds?
- Does sending both materials affect the price, required quantity, or timeline?
Before making any decisions, review the wider list of questions worth asking first.
Do You Want One Blended Diamond or Two Separate Diamonds?
This decision should be made before packing because it may affect the amount of material required and the overall cost.
One Memorial Diamond
A combined memorial diamond may represent both materials in one meaningful keepsake. Depending on the provider’s process, the ashes and hair may be processed separately before being used in the diamond-growing process.
Two Separate Memorial Diamonds
Some families may prefer two diamonds, with one created from ashes and another created from hair. This can also be meaningful when siblings or family members want separate memorial pieces.
Before dividing anything, make sure you understand how much of each material is required. Learn how much ash and hair you may need for a mother memorial diamond.
Families may choose to send both materials because each one carries personal meaning. A lock of hair and cremated remains can represent different memories of the same person, making the decision deeply personal.
How Do You Pack Ashes and Hair for Shipping?
The most important rule is simple: keep the materials separate.
Do not mix ashes and hair together at home. Each material should be placed in its own sealed and clearly labeled container.
A practical packing checklist includes:
- Ashes: Place the required amount in a sealed inner container according to your provider’s instructions.
- Hair: Place a clean lock of hair in a separate envelope or sealed container.
- Label both containers: Include identification details requested by your provider.
- Include required paperwork: This may include submission forms or other documentation requested by the memorial diamond company.
Keeping the materials separate helps ensure they can be properly identified and processed according to the provider’s procedures.
Why Should Ashes and Hair Be Sent Together?
When both materials are intended for the same memorial diamond process, sending them together can help keep the submission organized from the beginning.
One shipment means the provider receives both materials together and can document them as part of the same submission.
If the ashes are sent first and the hair arrives weeks later, the provider may need to handle them as separate arrivals. This can create unnecessary confusion and may affect how the materials are processed.
Before shipping anything, make sure you have both materials ready.
If you are still looking for a lock of your mother’s hair, such as one kept in a memory box, locket, or family keepsake, it may be better to wait until you have everything before beginning the submission process.
What Are the Shipping Rules for Ashes and Hair?
Ashes and hair are treated differently when it comes to shipping.
Hair generally does not have the same shipping restrictions as cremated remains. Cremated ashes, however, may be subject to specific carrier and packaging requirements.
For families in the United States, the presence of cremated remains in the package means the shipment should follow the applicable requirements for cremated remains.
Before shipping, always confirm the current requirements directly with your carrier and memorial diamond provider.
You should confirm:
- Which shipping service should be used
- What packaging is required
- Whether a specific shipping box is required
- How the inner container should be sealed
- Whether additional documentation is needed
- How the package should be tracked
Carrier requirements can change, so it is important to confirm the current rules before sending the package.
You can also learn more about whether turning ashes into a diamond is legal throughout the United States.
What Happens Once the Lab Has Both Materials?
Once your mother’s ashes and hair arrive at the laboratory, the provider should confirm that the materials have been received.
The exact process can vary between providers, but memorial diamond creation may involve several stages.
The materials may be processed separately to prepare usable carbon. The prepared material is then used as part of the specialized diamond-growing process.
The general process may include:
- Receiving and documenting the submitted materials.
- Preparing and purifying usable carbon.
- Preparing the material for diamond growth.
- Growing the diamond crystal using specialized laboratory equipment.
- Cutting and polishing the finished diamond.
- Preparing documentation associated with the finished stone.
For a closer look at the process, read how a memorial diamond is made from your mother’s ashes and hair.
The overall timeline can depend on factors such as the requested diamond size, color, and the provider’s specific process.
For a broader overview of your options, see the complete guide to a mother ashes and hair diamond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Mix My Mother’s Ashes and Hair Together Before Sending Them?
No. It is generally better to keep ashes and hair in separate, sealed, and labeled containers.
The provider may need to handle and prepare each material differently. Follow the exact instructions provided before shipping anything.
What If I Find a Lock of Her Hair After I Have Already Sent the Ashes?
Contact your provider before sending the hair separately.
Depending on the stage of the process, it may still be possible to discuss your options. The provider can explain whether the hair can be added to the existing submission or whether it would need to be handled separately.
Does Sending Both Ashes and Hair Create a More Meaningful Diamond?
The meaning of a memorial diamond is personal.
Some families choose to send both materials because ashes and hair represent different memories of their loved one. Others may choose only one material.
The decision should be based on what feels most meaningful to you and your family.
Can I Ship Cremated Remains With UPS or FedEx?
Carrier policies and shipping regulations can change. Before shipping cremated remains, confirm the current requirements directly with the carrier and follow your memorial diamond provider’s instructions.
Do not assume that ordinary package shipping services can be used for cremated remains.
How Much Ash and Hair Do I Need to Send?
The amount required can vary depending on the provider and whether you are creating one diamond or multiple diamonds.
Before measuring or dividing anything, ask your provider for the exact quantity required for your chosen diamond.
You can also read our guide on how much ash and hair you need for a mother memorial diamond.
Do I Have to Send Ashes If I Have Hair?
No. Some memorial diamonds can be created using hair alone, while others can be created using cremated ashes.
If you only have a lock of hair, explore how to turn your mother’s hair into a diamond.
If you prefer to use cremated remains only, read how to turn your mother’s ashes into a diamond.
Before You Send Anything
Before shipping your mother’s ashes and hair, take a moment to confirm every detail.
Make sure the provider accepts both materials, understand whether they can be used for one diamond or separate diamonds, confirm the required quantities, and carefully follow the shipping instructions provided.
Keep the materials separate, clearly labeled, and securely packaged according to the instructions you receive.
Turning your mother’s ashes and hair into a memorial diamond is a deeply personal decision. Taking the time to understand the process before sending anything can help you move forward with greater confidence and create a memorial that feels meaningful to you and your family.