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Black Diamonds: What You Need To Know

If you are looking for the ultimate unique wedding ring, let’s open your horizon to a black diamond. Channel your inner Carrie Bradshaw and find a Mr. Big to propose with a five-carat black diamond engagement ring. Today, it’s easy to find black diamond engagement rings, bracelets, earrings, etc. Because of their dark color, black diamonds have an extremely distinct and unique look that sets them apart from any other colored gemstones.

Black Diamonds

A Brief History:

The Black diamond, now referenced as the “Fancy Black,” has become increasingly popular over the years. Consumers had little to no interest in black diamonds until the late 20th century. The popularity began to rise as designers started using them in jewelry, especially while contrasting them with tiny colorless diamonds in pavé settings.

Black diamonds were discovered in 1840 in Brazil. They were called carbonados. Black diamonds are found almost exclusively in Brazil and the Central African Republic.

Black diamonds formed 2.6 to 3.8 billion years ago and are exceptionally rare. Black diamonds are a natural polycrystalline diamond, and there have been only about three metric tons mined, and are often found in the beds of streams.

 

What Are The Different Types of Black Diamonds?

The Black Diamond is both exquisite and mysterious. The popularity has skyrocketed over the years, so it is essential to educate and research black diamonds because, from a non-expert, all black diamond engagement rings can very well look the same. With that in mind, let’s learn about the three different types.

Natural Black Diamonds

Natural colored diamonds get their color from impurities that attach to them during the formation process. Black diamonds, on the other hand, are similar to white diamonds with extremely high amounts of inclusions. Meaning, there are large clusters of graphite inside of them, making them appear black.

Treated Black Diamonds

Treated black diamonds are natural white diamonds that are usually of extremely low value due to the high amount of inclusions in them.

In other words, they can be referred to as “Colorless treated black diamonds.” This kind of black diamond is created with “useless” white diamonds, making them the cheapest type of black diamonds.

Man-made / Synthetic Black Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds are man-made and happen to be the second most expensive of the three. While treated diamonds are vastly cheaper than natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are still not as reasonably priced as their treated counterparts. The reason behind their price is due to extensive research and expenses behind synthetic black diamonds. They require lots of human resources and expensive heavy machinery.

Lab-grown diamonds are man-made and happen to be the second most expensive of the three. While treated diamonds are vastly cheaper than natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are still not as reasonably priced as their treated counterparts. The reason behind their price is due to extensive research and expenses behind synthetic black diamonds. They require lots of human resources and expensive heavy machinery.

 

Are Black Diamonds The Right Gemstone
For An Engagement Ring?

Black diamonds symbolize eternal, flawless, and unchanging love, making them perfect for a diamond engagement ring and alternative to a white diamond. Historically, Carbonado, commonly known as black diamond, was initially held in low regard. Now, it is one of the most popular colored diamonds to use for an engagement ring.

Black diamonds are one of the most robust forms of natural diamonds measuring in at ten on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Due to their tough composition, it takes an extremely skilled diamond cutter to create a pristinely cut black diamond. With that said, discovering a perfectly cut black diamond makes for a beautiful engagement ring.

How Are Black Diamonds Graded?

Although the standard grading system for diamonds is the 4’Cs and GIA’s International Diamond Grading System, Black Diamonds are outside this color range, so their color is evaluated based on GIA’s color grading system for colored diamonds.

How Do You Care For A Black Diamond?

Although the diamond is recognized for its superior hardness, these multiple fractures make black diamonds much more vulnerable to breakage from sharp blows than colorless diamonds.

Caring for black diamonds are identical to the care and cleaning of other delicate gemstones. No steam or ultrasonic cleaners should be used, as it may cause damage to the stone.

Are Black Diamonds More Expensive Than White?

Although black diamonds are rarer than white colorless diamonds, they generally cost less to purchase due to their lower demand. While colorless diamonds are widely used in diamond engagement rings and other jewelry, black diamonds are more of a niche gemstone made for a specific and unique person.

Settings To Consider For A Black Diamond Ring? 

Black Diamond Ring

Can Finer Custom Jewelry create a black diamond engagement ring?

Yes, Yes, and Yes!

Contact us today to get started!