Black Diamonds

What are Black Diamonds?

Most colored diamonds attribute their brilliant hues to chemical impurities that grew within the crystal lattice as the diamond was forming: not so with black diamonds. What gives the stones their smoky coloration are actually mineral inclusions, usually iron oxides such as magnetite, hematite, or sulfide compounds. The high concentration of these inclusions clouds the stone and turns it a rich grey or black color. Because the tinting is caused by inclusions rather than impurities, black diamonds are usually opaque, though translucent or semi-transparent specimens are considered extremely valuable. Natural black gems have been found in Brazil, Africa, Venezuela, and Australia, and many are believed to have been formed by meteor impacts.

Carbonados

Carbonados are specific types of black diamonds that hold very little value in the jewelry industry. They may be large, but they are very porous (unlike the crystalline diamond structure used for jewelry). Carbonados are frequently used as abrasives, particularly to cut and shape other diamonds. Carbonados are far more common than gem-quality stones.

Treatments and Synthetic Stones

Because these black jewels are becoming more popular, different treatments have been developed to meet the surging demand. They may be grown synthetically in the laboratory, or inferior diamonds may be irradiated to achieve a smoky black coloration. Heat treatment (also called annealing) may also be used on low-quality gems: the stones are exposed to high temperatures until graphite residue appears in the crystal, giving it a gray or black tint. Chemical vapor deposition is another method to create black or gray diamonds – carbon dioxide is injected into plasma and the resulting crystals may have a black hue.

When purchasing any gem, consumers should always investigate whether the stone has undergone treatments to initiate or strengthen its color. The gem’s certificate should note any such treatments, and the stone may require special care to avoid damaging the treatment.

Black Diamonds in Engagement Rings

Rings with black diamonds.

Black gems make stunning engagement rings, particularly when set in white metals such as white gold, silver, platinum, or titanium. The high contrast between the light metal and the dark stone is a vivid and popular statement for contemporary styles as well as men’s rings. If you have black diamonds in a tennis bracelet, pendant or other favorite piece of jewelry, you might choose to have them in your ring as well.

More Affordable Alternatives

Because black and gray diamonds are still rare in the jewelry market, they can be quite expensive. To lessen the cost, the engagement ring could focus solely on one stone rather than use accent stones or additional details – this will also draw more direct attention to the unique beauty of the black gem. For more affordable gems, imitations are available, and alternative rocks such as obsidian and black pearls can make a similarly dramatic piece of jewelry for far less expense.

One consideration that couples may want to acknowledge before choosing black jewels for an engagement ring is the symbolic superstition associated with black. Many people feel it is poor etiquette to wear black to a wedding or other romantic event, as if it were representing mourning rather than celebration. While many people may compliment a black diamond engagement ring, others may be taken aback by such flouting of tradition.

Black diamonds are rare and luxurious gems that are only just beginning to draw more notice in the jewelry industry. Many couples who are looking for unique stones may consider the black jewels, but they should be aware of potential scams related to imitation stones before making a purchase. With careful investigation, a black stone makes a powerful and dramatic statement for a truly one-of-a-kind engagement ring.