Frequently Asked Questions

The First Step Necessary To Enlist White Diamond’s Funeral & Cremation Services After The Passing Of A Loved One

Once we are notified of the death, our professionally trained personnel will immediately be dispatched to the place of death to transport the deceased to a climate controlled holding facility for proper care and storage. We will also notify the family members you have identified in your pre-need plan and work with you or them to initiate, coordinate and finalize every detail including ordering the death certificate.

What is Pre-Need?

Final arrangements made before death to ensure that your wishes for cremation are carried out and paid for so as not to burden the family further at your passing. Pre-payment locks in your cost at today’s lowest price and protects your family from hidden future cost.

What is At-Need?

Arrangements made after death when no prepaid cremation plan is in place. We provide you the same full service including collecting, transporting and storing the remains of the deceased and initiating the process of your choice.

What does cremation cost?

Cremation cost can be as little as 75% less than traditional funeral cost. Our Standard Direct Cremation package costs start at $799.00.  Prices will vary depending on the plan type selected and additional items such as urns, jewelry, and specialized service arrangements.

What does a traditional funeral cost?

The average cost of a traditional funeral is over $6,000 plus additional cost for the gravesite, grave vault, opening and closing fees, memorial marker, and other related expenses.

How can I be sure that my pre-payment funds will be safe?

Your funds will be placed into a state required trust fund and held and invested according to State law for your future need. Trust fund reports are filed with each State where we do business (California).

If I die away from my home city or in another country, what happens to me?

We offer a travel protection plan that guarantees transportation of the deceased should death occur more than 100 miles from home. The benefit provider will assist with every step of the process in that location including locating a licensed sending funeral home or mortuary, transporting the body from the site of death, preparing the remains, purchasing necessary containers and securing death certificate.

What is cremation?

Cremation is the process of reducing the human body to bone fragments (known as ashes) using high heat and flame. The deceased is placed in a cremation chamber in a combustible container. All organic matter is consumed by heat and evaporation within approximately 2 hours. After the cremated remains are removed from the cremation chamber, any large bone fragments are then removed and processed further to reduce their size to uniform particles (ashes).

Is embalming required?

No. Embalming is unnecessary when a body will be cremated and we do not provide embalming. The decedent is placed in a refrigerated holding facility.

Can my family view my body without embalming?

Yes, the immediate family members can view the deceased prior to cremation in our viewing room.

Can my ashes be separated for family members?

Yes, as long as there are separate Urns to put the ashes in.

What guarantee is there that my family receives my cremated ashes?

We adhere to the strictest identification guidelines in the industry to minimize the possible chance of human error. To reassure our clients, the entire cremation process is monitored by closed circuit video. Additionally, a numbered metal disc is assigned to the deceased and accompanies the body throughout the cremation process. The disc stays with the ashes as they are placed in a temporary container, awaiting final disposition by us or by the family.

What about jewelry and gold teeth during cremation?

We suggest that no jewelry be cremated with the remains. Jewelry may be placed into the urn after the cremation takes place if requested. Upon written authorization, we will cremate jewelry. The gold teeth generally oxidize at high temperatures and there will be no gold available after the cremation process.

What happens if I am an Organ Donor?

We coordinate with all Tissue Banks, however, most organ donations take place at the medical facility in which the death occurs and the hospital arranges for the donation before turning over the deceased to us for cremation.

I am a Veteran; can my cremated ashes be buried at Arlington National Cemetery?

All United States Veterans are entitled to a burial, or have their ashes interred in any National Cemetery that has available space at no charge. Currently, the Veterans Administration operates 125 national cemeteries, of which 65 are open for new casket interments and 21 are open to accept cremated remains only. Burial options are limited to those available at a specific cemetery but may include in-ground casket, or interment of cremated remains in a columbarium, in ground or in a scatter garden. The government runs these programs and benefits may change at any time.

I served in the Navy — can my ashes be scattered at sea after my death?

Generally, the cremated remains are scattered at sea on a weekly basis. These common scatterings are not open to family members. Family members however, may request for an additional charge this optional burial at sea service. This is a Formal Sea Service priced a la carte.

Can I use my veteran’s benefits if I choose cremation?

Through the Veterans administration, veterans may also be eligible for the following benefits: $300 reimbursement towards your cremation service, free headstones or markers in granite, marble or bronze, presidential memorial certificates.

Can I use my social security benefits if I choose cremation?

The Social Security Administration may award death benefits to survivors of deceased workers who were covered and fit certain guidelines, which may not be paid for several months. Contact the Social Security Administration for more information regarding guidelines and qualifications.

Do all religions approve of cremation?

Most religions in the United States permit cremation; however, it is best to consult your religious advisor if you have any questions.

Is cremation smart and environmentally friendly?

Yes. A traditional funeral has the body laid out on an embalmers’ table, bled-out then filled with noxious chemicals. After the viewing, the body is put into a casket made of metal or lacquered wood lined with satin and decorated with brass hinges and handles. All of those chemicals are plunged into the earth, preventing natural decomposition and leeching toxins into the ground. For those people who have dedicated their lives to reducing their negative impact on the earth, this can be a less-than-desirable ending.