The DNA Necklace, Explained In One Minute

You just saw a DNA necklace somewhere, and you want the short version. Here it is. First, a lab reads your unique genetic markers. Then, our partner jeweller in Birmingham turns that exact pattern into a strand of stones. Because no two people's DNA is the same, no two necklaces come out the same either.

What A DNA Necklace Actually Is

A DesigNA necklace is a strand of alternating metal tubes and beads, with semi precious stone markers set between them. Specifically, the lab reads 23 of your DNA markers. Each one becomes a coloured stone, from our set palette of Lapis Lazuli, Garnet, Citrine, Amethyst and Amazonite, set in the exact order your DNA places it along the strand. As a result, the stone pattern is not a design choice. Instead, it is a readout of you.

Also, there is no pendant on any piece, no charm, and nothing engraved into the metal. So the strand itself is the whole story.

How It Works, Start To Finish

First, you order online and a collection kit arrives by post. Next, you complete a simple cheek swab yourself, at home, in your own time, and post it back in the prepaid envelope. After that, the lab processes your sample, and our jeweller builds the piece to order in the UK. Finally, the finished necklace ships to your door. For more detail, you can read the full week by week breakdown in what happens after you order.

Three Ways To Wear It

Silver DNA Profile Necklace, £299. Stones set along 925 sterling silver tubes and beads. Overall, an everyday piece for anyone who wears jewellery daily rather than saving it for occasions.

Gold DNA Profile Necklace, from £699. Stones set along 9ct gold tubes with gold filled spacers. By comparison, a warmer, more considered piece, suited to a milestone.

Pearl DNA Profile Necklace, £299. Genuine freshwater pearls strung along the strand, with stone markers set between them, finished in sterling silver. Alternatively, a softer, quieter finish.

Overall, you can see the full range in DNA necklaces, or browse everything in the full collection.

If You Are Buying It As A Gift

You can order the kit, gift it, and help post it back afterwards. However, the cheek swab itself is always completed by the person whose DNA it is, themselves, with their own consent. Therefore, this keeps the process both personal and proper, whatever the occasion.

Why It Cannot Be Copied

According to Yourgenome, part of the Wellcome Genome Campus, your DNA sequence is unique to you, aside from identical twins. Therefore, a necklace built from your own genetic markers cannot be mass produced or repeated for anyone else. Instead, it is made once, for one person.

Start your own DNA necklace in the full collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DNA necklace made from?

A DesigNA necklace is a strand of metal tubes and beads with semi precious stone markers set between them. Silver uses 925 sterling silver, Gold uses 9ct gold with gold filled spacers, and Pearl combines genuine freshwater pearls with sterling silver.

Does the necklace have a pendant?

No. There is no pendant, no charm, and nothing engraved into the metal on any DesigNA necklace. The strand of stones is the whole piece.

How long does a DNA necklace take to arrive?

Your kit is dispatched in 2 to 3 working days. Once your sample reaches the lab the necklace takes 2 to 3 weeks, so allow roughly four to six weeks end to end for UK addresses. It covers the kit, your swab, lab processing, and jewellery made to order in Birmingham.

Can I buy a DNA necklace as a gift for someone else?

Yes. You can order the kit, gift it, and help post it back. The cheek swab itself is always taken by the recipient, themselves, with their own consent.

How many stones are on a DNA necklace?

The lab reads 23 of your DNA markers, and each one appears as a coloured stone along the strand, in the exact order your DNA places it. The result is a strand unique to you.