If you’ve caught yourself thinking, ‘What is that stunning piece of black stone? I want it all for myself!’ whenever some celebrities or someone you know flaunts a piece of black diamond jewelry, you’re at the right place!
Yes, black diamonds are real, as real as white diamonds are! So if you’ve decided to buy one for yourself, you might want to know everything about black diamonds. What are its types? How is it black? How much does it cost per carat? We’ll tell you everything!
What is a black diamond?
Black diamonds are one of the most popular stones when it comes to colored diamonds. These unique and rare diamond species are basically dark diamonds with a lot of inclusions.
Typically, black diamonds have opaque black color, thus making the jewelry look sophisticated and chick. It is no more a surprise to us that this colored fancy diamond has been gaining popularity among those who love making statements with bold jewelry choices.
Black diamonds are undoubtedly one of the most stunning gemstones available, and like many, you might also find yourself falling in love with them at first sight.
Types of black diamond
Now, if you’ve made up your mind about getting that stunning black diamond ring that caught your eyes instantly for yourself, first of all, it’s better if to know what type of black diamond it is.
There are actually two types of black diamonds, and the differences are absolutely not subtle. Let’s discuss them one at a time!
1. Natural black diamonds
As the name suggests, natural black diamonds, or also called carbonados, are natural in origin. Many other colored diamonds, such as pink diamonds and green diamonds, are known to get their color due to the presence of other impurities during the formation process.
Black diamonds, however, are known to have so many inclusions that the stone ultimately looks black. In simple words, natural black diamonds are simply white diamonds with too many mineral inclusions such as graphite.
Natural black diamonds can have a range of darkness depending upon the number of inclusions present, the idea being, the more the inclusions, the darker the color.
2. Treated black diamonds
Black diamonds with evenly distributed inclusions are extremely rare, i.e., most natural black diamonds don’t have opaque black colors that would result from uniform graphitization.
Due to this reason, regular white diamonds with very low clarity and value, and a high number of inclusions, which can be only used as industrial-grade diamonds, are often treated to give them a fancy black that everyone desires.
Since these diamonds are artificially treated, as the name suggests, they cost a lot cheaper than natural black diamonds.
How Do Black Diamonds Get Their Color?
As we’ve discussed before, natural black diamonds get their black color from the number of minute mineral inclusions present in them. They typically consist of graphite, pyrite, or hematite.
Moreover, there are several fractures and cleavages on black diamonds that become black due to the process called graphitization.
So, depending upon these factors, natural black diamonds might be completely and uniformly black, which is incredibly rare, or just might have a body color with a hint of black or brown tone. Natural black diamonds can also have an olive-green body color.
On the other hand, Treated black diamonds are given an opaque black color with the help of techniques such as irradiation or heat treatments. Highly included and fractured diamonds when undergoes high-temperature low-pressure treatments, the fractures are graphitized, thus the black color.
Likewise, artificial radiation, the process where gamma rays are used to radiate the diamond in a nuclear reactor, results in deep dark green colored diamonds, which to the naked eye seems black.
Are black diamonds costly?
Compared to white diamonds and other fancy colored diamonds, black diamonds cost cheaper. So, if you’re looking to add a piece of diamond jewelry to your jewelry collection and black diamonds might be the most appropriate choice for you, in case you’re trying to stay on a budget.
Moreover, when it comes to treated black diamonds, the price drops significantly. This might be because treated black diamonds are not considered 100% raw and natural since artificial technologies are used to modify their color.
Another reason why black diamonds cost less than other colored diamonds might be the fact that black diamonds don’t exhibit the same brilliance as others do. Black diamonds are opaque, and the sparkle is quite different from other types of diamonds.
How are black diamonds graded?
We all know that colorless diamonds are graded on the basis of 4C’s: color, cut, clarity, and carat. On the other hand, Black diamonds are graded on the basis of GIA’s grading for colored diamonds.
Due to heavy inclusion and no variation in tone and saturation, black diamonds do not get regular cut and clarity grades. However, while buying a black diamond, you must make sure that there are no visually noticeable imperfections on the surface and the color is saturated.
How to Tell if a Black Diamond is Real?
While distinguishing real white diamonds from fake ones can be easy, identifying if a black diamond is real or not can be relatively difficult. One of the easiest ways to identify if something is a diamond is to check for its hardness.
We all know that a diamond has a Mohs value of 10. So, if the stone doesn’t hit a 10 on the Mohs scale, that’s a faux diamond.
Another method to identify a real black diamond is to check for imperfections on its surface using a magnifying glass. Black diamonds always have a few nicks and scratches on the surface and are never 100% smooth, be it natural or a treat one. So, if a black diamond loos too good to be true, that’s probably a fake.
However, the most accurate way of finding whether a black diamond is real is to consult a gemologist. Moreover, if you’re planning on buying black diamond jewelry, make sure you shop from a trusted and certified store only.
Black diamond Vs. White diamond
Even if your eyes tell you otherwise, black and white diamonds are essentially the name, besides the fact that heavy graphite or other minerals inclusions present in black diamonds.
Diamonds, both black and white, are formed when carbon is highly pressurized under the earth’s surface, and a repeating geometric pattern is formed on the crystal lattice. Moreover, both white and black diamonds hit a 10 on the Mohs scale, i.e., both have an equal level of hardness.
However, black diamonds don’t show the brilliance white diamonds do. That’s mostly because it absorbs most of the light that enters it, whereas white diamonds reflect it.
And, when it comes to pricing, despite being rare, natural black diamonds are a bit cheaper when compared to white diamonds. We guess that this price difference might have something to do with the fact that white diamonds are extremely popular than black diamonds.
What does the black diamond symbolize?
In ancient India and Medieval Europe, diamonds were symbolized as protection against evil. Amongst people involved in metaphysical activity, black diamonds are used to cleanse their tools.
Emotionally, like any other diamond, black diamonds are believed to be a perfect choice for engagement rings. Carbonados are believed to represent the never-ending, passionate, and energetic love. So, if you want to gift your significant other black diamond jewelry, go for it!
Especially if your S/O is a strong independent woman, who likes to voice out her opinions and stand up for what’s right, a black diamond is a perfect choice for them since it represents justice and strength.
Likewise, in crystal healing, black diamonds are used to amply the effects of other stones. Overall, diamonds symbolize good health and unbreakable love.
How to care for your black diamond?
Like any other gemstone, taking care of black diamonds properly is essential. When it comes to storage, storing black diamonds are no different than storing white diamonds.
Likewise, make sure that you clean them every now and then, just as you’d your white diamonds, to keep their brilliance in check.
You can use easy-to-make homemade DIY jewelry cleaners for this purpose. For instance, use dish soap and a soft-bristled toothbrush or a sponge to clean the diamonds. Or else, you can also follow other commercial jewelry cleaners available.
However, fractures and cleavages in black diamonds make them less stable. So, using ultrasonic cleaners or hot steams to clean black diamonds is most probably not a good idea.
Summary
We hope to have provided you with all the information on black diamonds. Despite not having intense brilliance, black diamonds look equally stunning when designed beautifully.
Black diamonds are increasing in popularity day by day, and why not? They’re equally gorgeous and deserve equal love, and attention like their white counterparts get. So, if you’re looking for a modern and chic yet bold choice for an engagement ring, we’d say go with black diamonds!
