Are Black Diamonds Real or Man Made?

Non-traditional engagement rings are making their way into the hearts and onto the ring fingers of gorgeous soon-to-be brides.

With their distinctive opaque high-luster beauty, more and more couples choose black diamonds to symbolize their love. Celebrities like Kat Von D, Jennie Garth, and Myleene Klass rock such engagement rings.

Black diamonds are real, but they are extremely rare.

Gemological Institute Of America (GIA’)s International Diamond Grading System rates these gemstones differently from other diamonds, using only the grade term fancy black to describe their color intensity.

Read on to learn more about these mysterious gems and why they’re becoming so popular.

What Are Black Diamonds?

Black diamonds are stones with several inclusions — small flaws present in all diamonds.

The inclusions we find in typical white or colorless diamonds that appear as tiny dark specks may form opaque black diamonds at high levels.

To perfectly understand what these diamonds are, we have to discuss their origins.

Where Do Black Diamonds Come From?

There are two main types of black diamonds:

Natural
Treated ones

Like with other gemstones, diamonds with a natural black color hold more value than their man-made counterparts.

Natural black diamonds almost exclusively form in Brazil and Africa, produced by high pressure on carbon.

Unlike other fancy-colored diamonds, chemical impurities do not create them.

Black diamonds get their magnificent metallic shade from graphite and amorphous carbon clusters.

With their black color and crystal structure, they absorb most of the light that enters them.

How are black diamonds made?

Treated black diamonds come from white diamonds with many inclusions that end up being a dull gray color.

In this initial state, these diamonds are almost worthless and typically serve industrial purposes.

Manufacturers use heat, pressure, and treatments on these gray diamonds to create a black hue similar to natural black ones.

What Are Black Diamonds Worth?

Natural black diamonds hold far more value than their treated counterparts.

Let’s delve deeper into their rarity and selling price.

How Rare Are Black Diamonds?

Black diamonds may not be as rare as their yellow and pink counterparts, but they are precious stones from nature.

They exemplify beauty and magnificence that stem from the many impurities that give them their opaque hue.

Natural black diamonds are quite rare and are harder to find than their clear counterparts.

However, treated black diamonds have become more common because of their bold appearance.

Many people now choose these gems as alternatives to colorless diamonds and engagement rings stones.

How Much Are Black Diamonds?

While black diamonds are only available in one color intensity, jewelers use the same factors to price them as they do other diamonds.

When purchasing these precious stones, here are some factors to consider:

● Cut: Natural black diamonds are difficult to cut because of their many inclusions. Because of this factor, stones with higher quality cuts are priced significantly higher than others. Check for smooth surfaces without visible blemishes.

● Clarity: This factor is crucial in pricing other diamonds, but it does not apply to black diamonds. Black diamonds are opaque and do not refract light the same way as other diamonds do.

● Color: Like white diamonds, black ones only have one color intensity — fancy black. They are opaque and don’t have hue variations.

● Carat: This factor refers to the weight of the stone — not the size. Black diamonds are typically denser than fancy-colored diamonds, making them appear smaller than other stones of the same carat.

● Shape: Because of the difficulty in cutting black diamonds, jewelers typically don’t offer a wide variety of cuts for these gems. A well-cut stone with a unique shape will have a higher value.

● Type: When buying black diamonds, inquire about whether they are natural or treated.

● Metal: These precious gems go well with white gold, platinum, and other white metals.

Keep in mind that many factors might affect the prices of black diamonds, but here are average prices compared to colorless white ones for 1.00-carat stones:

● Treated black diamonds: $300
● Natural black diamonds: $3,000
● Colorless white diamonds: $5,000

Black diamonds may be rarer than colorless white ones, but their lower demand makes them more affordable.

Are Black Diamonds a Worthy Investment?

Investors before did not consider black diamonds worthy investments, but their increasing popularity significantly raised their value. Today, natural black diamonds are worth almost the same as their white counterparts.

For enthusiasts who want to invest in natural black diamonds, it’s best to look for stones of considerable size with distinctive features, like a unique cut.

However, be careful when purchasing these stones. Many laboratory-treated ones are now available on the market.

If you want to invest in these gems, it’s best to purchase from reliable jewelers or wholesale diamond dealers. Call us if you need help buying natural black diamonds.

Are Black Diamonds Ideal for Engagement Rings?

Because of their distinct regal appearance, black diamonds are now a popular choice for engagement rings.

They provide stunning contrasts to all jewelry types, particularly light-colored metals.

What Do Black Diamonds Symbolize?

Black diamonds have been around for centuries, symbolizing happiness.

During the Renaissance era, Italians believed these stones could restore a married couple’s wedding bliss.

What does a black diamond symbolize in modern times?

Today, enthusiasts believe these majestic stones epitomize transcendence, authority, and charisma. Individuals who value originality and power prefer this unique gem over more common ones.

Profess Your Love With Black Diamonds

Black diamonds are some of nature’s best jewels — unique majestic stones that individuals use to profess love that lasts a lifetime. If you’re looking for natural black diamonds, check for nicks and scratches on the surface.

Even AAA quality black diamonds have them. Natural black diamonds should also show a ten on the Mohs scale.

If you’re looking for a unique, valuable stone for an engagement ring, we recommend professing your love with natural black diamonds.

These stunning gems symbolize originality, just like your love story.
You can fill out this form if you want to speak to a diamond specialist. We can help you find the perfect piece for a ring for your future wife.