05/02/2026
Algordanza Family Diamonds: A Timeless Celebration of Life
Past | Present | Future
As I mark 10 incredible years of association with Algordanza this September—since my first visit to Switzerland in 2016—I’ve been reflecting on the profound journey that brought me here.
It all started with a deep realization about the unbreakable bonds of family, sparked by memories of my parents’ wedding on May 29, 1965. This year would be their 61st anniversary, a milestone that reminds me how family connects our past, present, and future in ways we often overlook until it’s too late.
Looking back, I regret the moments I took for granted—the conversations left unsaid, the trips postponed. But these regrets have transformed into something beautiful through Algordanza, the Swiss company that turns cremation ashes or loved ones’ hair into stunning memorial and celebration diamonds.
When my mother passed away, her loss hit differently from my father’s. She had been battling health issues, in and out of hospitals, and I was grateful for those final moments holding her hand. Her passing led me on an extraordinary path, discovering Algordanza.
In April 2016, my youngest son Jordan and I traveled to Switzerland to transform her ashes into a light blue memorial diamond. She became my guardian angel, forever close.
Around the same time, my wife Natasja had lost her mother to cancer just two years prior. Our shared grief underscored life’s fragility and the need to cherish the “now.” As our 30th wedding anniversary approached, we decided to create a celebration diamond from the hair of our three sons—Garrick, Ryan, and Jordan.
To mark the occasion, we embarked on a magical river cruise along the Danube from Passau to Budapest, collecting my mother’s memorial diamond and our anniversary one from Algordanza’s headquarters on our return.
My father’s reaction to seeing Mom’s diamond was priceless. He paused, then whispered, “It’s Pam.” That moment brought peace to my heart.
Life without her became our new normal, and I poured energy into rebuilding my relationship with Dad. Our once-brief chats evolved into hour-long heart-to-hearts. I even tried to plan a European road trip with him—to fetch Mom’s diamond, visit his brother in Germany, and see friends in Switzerland. But challenges held him back, and we postponed it.
Then, out of nowhere, Dad announced Israel was on his bucket list. A spiritual man close to God, he wanted to walk in Jesus’ footsteps, float in the Dead Sea, and feel closer to his faith.
He joined a guided tour with Jews for Jesus at the end of 2018, and I convinced my sister Heidi to go with him. From their photos and messages, it was clear they were creating cherished memories.
But on December 12, 2018—their last day in Israel—my world shattered. Heidi called from the Dead Sea beach, in tears:
Dad had been pulled from the water, and medics were performing CPR. I called back, asking her to turn on the video. Watching from thousands of kilometers away as they fought for his life was heartbreaking. I pleaded into the phone, “I love you, Dad,” and he responded with one last breath. Moments later, he was gone.
Losing Dad left me reeling with questions and pain. I wasn’t ready; I thought we had more time. His ashes arrived home from Israel on Christmas Eve, just in time for the holidays.
Amid the grief, joy emerged.
That Christmas, our eldest son Garrick announced his engagement to his girlfriend and best friend, Janine.
Inspired by our story, he wanted an Algordanza hair diamond made from his hair, along with both families’ parents and siblings—to symbolize the union of two families.
You can’t just buy an Algordanza diamond off the shelf; it requires planning, time, and investment. With his proposal a secret, we creatively collected everyone’s hair without Janine suspecting.
Meanwhile, Algordanza was celebrating their 15th anniversary in August 2019. I confirmed my attendance, knowing we had to rush Dad’s ashes and Garrick’s hair collection to Switzerland—the process can take 5 months or more.
Originally, I planned to travel alone with Dad’s ashes—a poignant final journey in his honor. But in a serendipitous moment, I invited Garrick to join. What a gift: he supported me, met our Algordanza partners, and witnessed the transformation process for his own engagement diamond.
The 15th anniversary event was unforgettable—a true family of innovators. There, I collected Dad’s memorial diamond and Garrick’s engagement one. Both were exquisite, unique symbols of love.
Today, Dad’s diamond sits beside Mom’s in a specially designed memorial pendant, reuniting them and preserving our loving memories. We love and miss you, Dos and Pam. R.I.P.
Natasja’s celebration diamond, crafted from our boys’ hair, is set in a 30th anniversary ring redesigned from inherited family jewelry—celebrating our present love, devotion, and our three amazing sons.
Garrick and Janine’s engagement was magical. After almost 12 months of secret planning and patience, she said yes! Janine adores her ring, infused with family, love, and hope for the future.
Over these 10 years with Algordanza, I’ve seen how these diamonds turn loss into legacy and milestones into eternal treasures. Whether it’s a memorial diamond from ashes or a living diamond from hair, they capture the essence of bonds that endure.
If this resonates with you, let’s connect.
I’m reaching out to:
• Individuals intrigued by creating Remembrance Diamonds from ashes or Living Diamonds from hair to celebrate love and connection.
• Insurance Brokers, Financial & Wealth Planners, Estate Attorneys, and Executors specializing in Last Wills & Testaments.
When planning a will, many focus on burial or cremation but overlook what happens to ashes afterward—adding emotional burden to families.
Algordanza offers a unique solution:
a real diamond grown in Switzerland from a loved one’s ashes, a personal, everlasting symbol of remembrance.
Exciting update: Our innovative Diamond Benefit Funeral Plan covers cremation costs and a memorial diamond, ensuring peace of mind.
Review your or your clients’ wishes today. This technology is available in South Africa—let’s discuss how it fits your story.
Reach me via call or WhatsApp
at 082 5544 129, check my LinkedIn (gavinblok), or visit my page DiamondsFromAshes.
