Turning a DNA sample into a wearable piece of jewellery involves real laboratory science, skilled design work, and precise handcrafting. Here is exactly how DesigNA transforms your genetics into a one-of-a-kind necklace — from the moment your sample kit arrives to the moment your necklace is delivered.
Step 1: Order Your DNA Sample Kit
When you purchase a DesigNA necklace, we send you a DNA collection kit. This contains a cheek swab (similar to those used in medical and forensic testing), clear instructions, and a prepaid return envelope. The entire collection process takes under two minutes.
No needles. No blood. Just a simple, painless swab of the inside of your cheek.
Step 2: Collect Your DNA Sample at Home
Using the cheek swab provided, you gently swab the inside of your cheek for 30–60 seconds. This collects thousands of your cells, each containing your complete DNA. You seal the swab in the provided container, complete your consent form, and post it back to us in the prepaid envelope.
For full step-by-step instructions, visit our How to Sample guide.
Step 3: Laboratory DNA Extraction
Your sample arrives at our UKAS-accredited partner laboratory. Technicians extract your DNA from the cheek cells using a standard lysis and purification process — the cells are broken open and the DNA is isolated and purified from other cellular material. The extracted DNA is then quantified to confirm there is sufficient quality material for profiling.
This is the same extraction process used in clinical genetics and forensic science laboratories across the UK.
Step 4: DNA Profiling via Gel Electrophoresis
Your DNA is profiled using gel electrophoresis — a technique that separates DNA fragments by size as they travel through a gel under an electric current. Specific regions of your genome called STR (Short Tandem Repeat) loci are first amplified using PCR (polymerase chain reaction), creating millions of copies of those regions. They are then run through the gel.
The result is a unique pattern of bands — your personal genetic fingerprint. This profile is statistically unique to you among all humans alive. Read more about the underlying science on our The Science page.
Step 5: Translating Your DNA Profile into a Design
Our design team receives your anonymised DNA profile data — not your raw genetic sequence, but the banding pattern and marker data produced by the profiling process. Each data point corresponds to a specific design element in your necklace:
- The position of bands determines the placement of stones along the necklace
- The number of STR repeats at each locus influences the stone type or bead spacing
- The overall profile pattern guides the rhythm and flow of the final design
The result is a design that is entirely determined by your biology — not by a designer’s preference or aesthetic choice. Your genes are the designer.
Step 6: Handcrafting Your Necklace
Once the design is finalised, our craftspeople bring it to life. Depending on your chosen material — 925 sterling silver, gold, or with a pearl centrepiece — the beads and semi-precious stones are individually selected and strung according to your DNA-derived blueprint.
Every stone is hand-placed. Every piece is quality-checked before dispatch. Your necklace is then packaged in DesigNA presentation packaging, ready to wear or give as a gift.
Step 7: Delivery
Your finished DesigNA necklace is delivered to your door. The complete process from sample receipt to delivery typically takes 4–6 weeks. We provide tracking updates at each stage so you always know where your order stands.
Is the Finished Piece Really Unique to My DNA?
Yes — entirely. Your DNA profile is statistically unique among all humans alive today. The probability of two unrelated individuals sharing the same DNA profile across multiple STR loci is less than one in a billion. Your necklace cannot be replicated by anyone else, ever. It is the most personal piece of jewellery in existence.
Ready to begin? Browse our DNA necklace collection and start the process today.