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Instructions on this page are for collecting the DNA of a person for a Memorial Life Jewel™ .

Click here for DNA collection instructions for beloved animal companions.

Collecting DNA for memorials

Combining Ashes with DNA

During the cremation process, DNA returns to its elemental minerals. In making Memorial Life Jewels, we mix the fine ash with  DNA from another source or a hair sample if available. Customers often request that we combine the ash with DNA samples from themselves or another person. The ash will be visible as a fine texture on the surface of the Life Jewel double helix.

Cremated ashes have variable color and consistency and may alter the DNA’s color tint and texture. Dark colors such as amethyst, ruby and emerald may be less intense, light colors may appear darker. Depending on the consistency of the ashes, the DNA surface texture may appear less smooth.

Simply enclose a few teaspoons of ash in a small ziploc bag and enclose in a larger envelope together with your other DNA sample(s). Please write your name on a piece of masking or scotch tape, and adhere to the outside of each bag. Unless otherwise instructed, Perpetua will respectfully scatter unused ashes in the redwood forest near our facility.

Hair Samples

Hair contains very small amounts of DNA, whether plucked or taken from a hairbrush. If the sample hairs are less than an inch long, send an amount that, when bunched, could fit in a teaspoon.

For longer hair, gather about 5 strands and tape them at one end before sealing in a ziplock bag. Label each bag containing a sample by writing your name on a piece of tape adhered to the outside of each bag.

Many clients mix the DNA from a hair sample with DNA from themselves, collected with a cheekswab. (Click on the link to read about instructions for cheek swab dna collection.) Zoogen guarantees that every Life Jewel contains actual DNA from the provided samples. Botanical DNA is also added to complete the Helix so it is clearly visible. The botanical DNA acts as a lattice, supporting the sample DNA on the Helix without interfering with its unique properties.