Complete Guide to the Black Diamond 

Black diamond rings are becoming increasingly popular as a way for brides to show off their individuality and break from tradition. Black diamonds are edgy, enigmatic, give off a rock ‘n’ roll vibe, and just plain awesome all at once. They’re also an excellent deal. 

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the black diamond and why you should consider it over the traditional white diamond. 

What Is a Black Diamond? 

The Black Diamond has many names because of its intriguing and deep black hue. Carbonado, a Portuguese phrase for an opaque, black diamond, is another name for a natural hue black diamond. For gemologists, Carbonado is an amorphous, graphite- and diamond-rich polycrystalline form of the uncooked mineral. 

Alternatively, you might picture the black diamond as a large cluster of diamond soil, where a mixture of carbon, graphite, and diamond crystals grows together. 

Different colored diamonds have chemical impurities like nitrogen, which provides yellow tints, and boron, which causes blue colors. However, black diamonds don’t have these chemical impurities in the crystalline structure. Typically, the black diamonds’ color comes from their vast mineral inclusions, which can be seen in their monochrome surface. 

Since they are naturally opaque, black diamonds lack the glitter and brightness that we often associate with a diamond. On the other hand, the “adamantine” sheen is noticeable, which adds to the elegance of this rare stone. 

Interestingly, black diamonds have long been regarded as magical gems that may ward off evil spirits and cleanse the wearer of bad luck. These black jewels were also used in several cultures in the past as a means of communication between the human and divine worlds. Moreover, black diamonds are said to represent charm and have the ability to assist you in molding your destiny. As a result, black diamonds are also associated with a strong sense of self-confidence and desire. 

Are Black Diamonds Expensive? 

There are very affordable variables of the black diamond and some that are more on the expensive side. Prices are determined mainly by supply and demand. You may find natural and treated black diamonds on the market, and each has its advantages and disadvantages. 

The vast majority of black diamonds on the market are heat-treated, making them incredibly affordable. As little as $100 to $200 per carat is all you need to pay for an enhanced black diamond. 

Natural black diamonds that the GIA has verified may sell for between $1,000 and $3,000 per carat. Depending on the quality of the black diamond, it can be significantly more expensive than a white diamond of the same size. 

However, since most black diamonds on the market are heat-treated, you’ll find that the cost of a black diamond is less than that of a more expensive colored stone. 

If you’re looking for black diamonds, be on the lookout for stones that appear to be undervalued. A very low-priced black diamond probably has been treated to make it seem more expensive. It’s not always a “natural fancy black diamond,” even if the report says it is. To describe a “natural” diamond as “black” refers to a diamond that has been artificially colored. 

4C’s of Black Diamonds 

Unlike white diamonds, black diamonds cannot be rated using the 4Cs (color, cut, carat, and clarity) because of their unique characteristics. Cut grades are given to black diamonds, and their carat weights are known. However, standard color and cut grades can’t be applied to rate a black diamond. Because of their intrinsic inclusions, it is impossible to grade black diamonds on the white diamond color spectrum or the white diamond clarity scale. 

Certified white diamonds do not go with the same grading report as black diamonds. On the other hand, Black diamonds may come with a separate sort of report. The report includes information on the diamond’s color (black diamonds are awarded only one color grade: Fancy black) and whether or not the stone is genuine. It’s termed a Colored Diamond Identification and Origination Report by the GIA. 

How to Identify a Black Diamond 

It’s possible to be duped or misled if you don’t understand the characteristics, structure, and elements of a diamond. Even though it appears to be a diamond on the surface, it might be a lower-quality gemstone or another type of precious stone. A fake black diamond will lose its shine and turn gray after some time. Because of this, it is necessary to know how to recognize black diamonds. 

You may start by looking at the diamond’s surface. There are always a few nicks and imperfections on the surface of the black diamond, no matter how dazzling it seems. If there aren’t any tiny holes or cuts on the surface, the diamond is not real. A flawless surface is unheard of in a genuine black diamond. You may inspect the diamond’s surface using a 10x loupe. 

Diamonds can be tested by using a carbide scriber blade instead. Scratching a natural diamond does not affect its surface. There is a simple reason for this – diamonds are among nature’s toughest minerals. 

The test will ruin the stone unless the stone is a genuine diamond or moissanite. The carbide scriber has a hardness of 9.5, whereas moissanite has a hardness of 9.25. Many people, including Chinese testers, have been fooled by this moissanite, which has just the same grades and readings. Diamonds with a hardness of nine or greater are genuine. 

To know for sure if a black diamond is genuine or an imitation, always get it from a respected jeweler. When purchasing jewelry, please verify that you can trust the business and its supplier. 

Black Diamonds vs. White Diamonds 

If you’re in doubt about what type of diamond would be the right choice for you, there are a few things you should consider. 

Structure 

The structure of diamonds affects their shine and overall appearance. Some black diamonds are said to have fallen from the sky as meteorites, causing the black coloration. Neither translucent nor flaming, they may be rather stunning, nonetheless. Inclusions in black diamonds can be white or gray, giving them a one-of-a-kind appearance. 

A black diamond’s structure means that the crystal absorbs most of the light it is subjected to. As a result, colorless white diamonds shine brightly, depending on their cut, whereas colored diamonds reflect less light. 

Color 

Color differences are clearly visible in diamonds. Black diamonds are not inferior diamonds because of their color. The crystal structure of these diamonds is remarkable. Because of this, the traditional grading procedures used to evaluate white diamonds can’t be used for black diamonds. 

Clarity 

Many people assume that black diamonds are diamonds with a poor degree of clarity. This is not the case. However, even though low clarity in a black diamond is commonly evaluated, it is essential to remember that the clarity grades for white diamonds can’t be used for black diamonds. This is due to the fact that the dark hue is not attributable to low clarity. 

Price 

The price is the most significant difference between white and black diamonds. The cost for black uncut diamonds is often lower than for white diamonds. As a result, black diamonds have a lower value than their white counterparts. 

Raw Black Diamonds 

Several processes are used to tint black diamonds for usage in jewelry. High-pressure/high-temperature (HPHT) and radiation are among the options. What makes a diamond a diamond is its chemical makeup (carbon with negligible impurities) and its crystalline atomic structure, regardless of whether it has been colored or not. 

Carbonado, a polycrystalline or aggregate substance comprising amorphous graphite, carbon, and diamond, is commonly referred to as raw “black diamond.” There are several industrial applications for this aggregate because of its higher durability than a diamond. 

Carbonado has a charcoal-like look and feel to it. Even though its name in Portuguese means “burned,” this name doesn’t refer to a high-temperature process but to something far more interesting. 

There’s a possibility that Carbonado came from another planet, which would explain some of its strange characteristics. Carbonados aren’t observed in igneous kimberlite rock formed deep inside the earth, like diamonds. Instead, they are found in alluvial sedimentary deposits. Compared to other diamonds, the micro-diamonds found in Carbonado are devoid of the mantle-dwelling minerals that characterize other diamonds. However, nitrogen, osbornite, and hydrogen can be detected in these specimens (a mineral otherwise found only in meteors). This strongly suggests that they have extraterrestrial origins. 

The Interesting Origin of Carbonado 

Carbonado are exclusively found in Brazil and the Central African Republic, maybe due to their age. Present-day Brazil and the western coast of Africa might have constituted a “supercontinent” at that time period in Earth’s history. However, Carbonado’s present distribution may be explained by a diamond meteorite that impacted Earth during that period. 

Carbonado diamonds may have originated in supernova explosions, which launched fragments of the material into space and eventually on a collision path with Earth’s surface. Carbonado may have been produced by the collision of asteroid-sized diamond bodies with the Earth’s peculiar geology and oxygen-poor atmosphere 2.6 to 3.8 billion years ago. Hence, by deciding on a black diamond, you can say that you’re wearing a part of a supernova or meteorite. 

How to Shop for a Black Diamond Engagement Ring and What to Set It In 

If you’re looking for a black diamond engagement ring, your search may come up empty. A high-quality diamond may be hard to come by because of the rarity of these stones. The cut and the carat are relevant here, as clarity is rarely verified. Because black diamonds don’t reflect light, you should pick your engagement ring in a design that ensures that it will sparkle. 

When it comes to purchasing a ring, though, you must consider your financial situation since the price of black diamonds rises as the size grows, like ordinary diamonds. 

Ask for Information and Do Your Research 

It’s not always easy for customers to determine the grade of a black diamond. The customer should request the Gemological Institute of America’s Colored Diamond Report or GIA. To validate the qualities and quality of a diamond greater than .5 carat, it’s usually recommended to customers that they obtain a GIA analysis before making a significant jewelry purchase (such as an engagement ring). It is not uncommon for black diamonds to be gray before being treated to get their intense black hue. If the diamond has been treated to increase its color (reducing its value) or is natural, a GIA report will provide this information. 

If you’re wondering how much a black diamond engagement ring should cost, here’s the answer. Natural black diamonds might cost as much as half as much as treated black diamonds. If a white diamond costs $8,000 per carat like The Sydney Ring, you may anticipate a black diamond to cost $4000 per carat or less. 

Decide on the Setting 

When it comes to setting a black diamond, there are several good options. You may place your black diamond in whatever way you wish, in most cases. Financial preparation is critical before making any decisions on the actual setting. Your budget will determine the type of setting in the end. 

Some examples of settings that work well with black diamonds are: 

1. Halo setting 

A black diamond surrounded by white diamonds creates a striking ring. An example of the halo setting is The Octagon Halo ring. 

2.  Side stone setting 

A white diamond on each side of your black diamond will draw attention to it. The Tiffany Three Stone Ring is an excellent example of this setting. 

3. Solitaire setting 

A solitaire setting accentuates the beauty of the black diamond. Consider using white gold or platinum to contrast the hue of the stone. This setting is nicely utilized with the Fayetteville Ring. 

When talking about metals to pair the diamonds with, white gold and platinum “pop” because of the contrast in hue. However, a black diamond will look elegant in whatever metal band or setting you prefer. 

Top 10 Tips for Buying a Black Diamond 

Since the Black Diamond is a rare stone, few of us know what to expect when buying a black diamond. Here are some tips for buying a black diamond and deciding if it’s the right choice for you. 

1. Look for Imperfections on the Surface 

As mentioned before, real black diamonds won’t have a perfect surface, and scratches are a common indicator that the black diamond isn’t a fake. Despite that fact, black diamonds, like white diamonds, are extremely hard. Black diamonds are impervious to abrasion. If you’re looking for a black stone that doesn’t lose its brilliance or beauty over time, a black diamond is the best option for you. 

2. Be Ready for Fracturing 

Although they are hard, black diamonds are prone to fracture. Naturally occurring black diamonds and those that have undergone heat treatment both have high levels of inclusions. Diamonds can become structurally compromised by inclusions, which are microscopic cracks inside the stone. It is possible for a highly incorporated diamond to break if it is struck or pushed in just the wrong place. 

3. Consider the Cut 

When purchasing a black diamond, the cut is the most important consideration. It is hard to cut black diamonds because they are so fragile, which means that high-quality cuts are pricey. Despite their lack of brightness, black diamonds can nevertheless be cut well enough to provide some glitter. Go for a rose-cut black diamond or one with a tiny table and huge crown facets if you want to emphasize the brilliance. 

4. Carats Are Different 

Because black diamonds are denser, the carat weight is also different. For example, a 1-carat black diamond weighs less than a 1-carat white diamond. Focus more on the cut and form of a black diamond when visualizing it set in a ring rather than its carat weight. 

5. Consider What Jewelry You Want 

The smaller the black diamond, the less likely it is to break. You may include black diamonds into a wedding band or match them with another center stone. This is excellent if you want the dark beauty of black diamonds without the danger of the stone splitting. Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and citrine when accompanied by black diamonds are astonishingly vivid in comparison. 

6. Cultural Aspect 

If you want to gift a black diamond, you might run into some cultural differences. Even though the stone is seen as mystic, elegant, and fancy in Western cultures, some other cultures wouldn’t agree. The black color is typically connected with death and bad luck in Asian culture. In this region of the world, black diamond jewelry isn’t exactly popular. Whether or not a black diamond has a good or bad connotation is ultimately determined by the culture we live in. Hence, think twice before gifting a black diamond. 

7. Always Ask for a GIA Report 

Many black diamonds used in jewelry are heat-treated to achieve a dark appearance. The inclusions in most of these extensively included diamonds begin as a gray or white tint before being graphitized at high temperatures. 

The GIA Identification and Origin report will guarantee that the black diamond you purchase is a genuine, natural stone. 

Only purchase a gorgeous black diamond with a GIA certificate if you want to be sure it is a genuine, natural stone. If the diamond isn’t certified by the International Institute of Accreditation of Diamonds (GIA) to be genuine, don’t take it seriously. 

It is a frequent fraud used by unscrupulous jewelers to produce a fake report or state that the diamond you are purchasing is a “natural diamond.” As a wordplay, it alludes to a naturally mined diamond that has been dyed a dark shade. 

1. Only Buy From Trustworthy Jewelers 

Since there are many frauds and fakes of the black diamond, only buy from trusted vendors and do your research beforehand. Buying online is also an option but keep the same things in mind. The chances of getting a fake online are higher than in person, hence keep your eyes open. 

2. Don’t Worry if the Diamond Is Heat Treated 

There are some unheated black diamonds. However, most black diamonds on the market today have been heat-treated to achieve their dark hue. Natural gray diamonds that have had a heat treatment to turn them a uniform black hue make up a large percentage of the black diamonds you’ll see in jewelry stores. Due to the scarcity and high cost of naturally occurring black diamonds with uniform hue, most of today’s black diamond jewelry uses stones that have been heat treated. 

3. Look at the Price 

Even though the price of a black diamond is lower than for white diamonds, they can still be considered to be on the expensive side. If you find black diamonds for a really low price, it can be a sign of fraud. 

Caring for Black Diamonds 

Compared to white or exotic-colored diamonds, black diamonds don’t require as much cleaning. Because they are “naturally metallic in nature,” they will keep glistening even after a lot of wear. 

Avoid using ultrasonic or steamer cleaning methods on your diamonds. These devices may harm or shatter your black diamond. Use warm, mild soapy water and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean black diamonds. Your ring is like a dirty dish; it has to be scrubbed clean just like a dirty dish. 

It’s best to keep your black diamond engagement ring off your finger if you’re gardening, moving furniture, or performing construction work, as this might damage the stone. Black diamonds are more prone to shatter than ordinary diamonds, making them less durable. Store them in a jewelry box lined with fabric after drying with a soft cloth. 

Talk to a Diamond Expert 

Buying jewelry, especially a black diamond ring, might be a daunting task. Consult a diamond specialist for the soundest advice. 

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding black diamonds. We’d be more than pleased to assist you in any way we can. Schedule an appointment if you’d like to see one of our black diamond engagement rings in person.