Blog

A Black Diamond Engagement Ring is a
A black diamond engagement ring has a black diamond in the center, surrounded by white diamonds. Black is a “fancy” diamond color, outside the regular color range. It is a trendy, deco, or gothic engagement ring. Many black engagement rings include huge center stones due to their uniqueness and affordability

Do Black Diamonds Glow?

But not like a white diamond. Unlike white diamonds, black diamonds are opaque. So instead of a refractive firework shimmer, these black diamonds have a metallic luster.

Is a black diamond real?

Yes! And there are many. Natural, treated, and lab-made black diamonds!

NATURAL

True! Natural black diamonds do exist! But they are rare. Natural blacks are actually colorless diamonds with lots of carbon inclusions. That is, they are birthmarked white diamonds! These birthmarks seem like tiny clusters of microscopic black dots and webs called “clouds” when magnified. Salt & pepper diamonds are natural diamonds with some black clouds but not enough to make them completely black!

Right: Salt and pepper diamond.

OR “ENHANCED”

A natural white diamond can also be “treated” to become a black diamond engagement ring. It’s more frequent than a natural black. Most modern black stones are treated in some fashion. Scientists alter diamonds in two ways to make them black. Both start with ugly natural diamonds. The procedure used to turn a diamond black depends on the original diamond’s flaws.

Natural diamonds with too many cracks and inclusions are made black by heating them to extreme temperatures, causing the fractures to “graphitize.” However, when natural stones are irradiated, a dark color is deposited on top of the less appealing color. Both treatments are safe and long-lasting. Treated stones are also less expensive and seem more consistently black than natural stones!

Then a natural black diamond

DARK DIAMOND CREATION IN LABORATORIES Most lab stones are either very dark brown or dark blue (not quite “black”), or start out as less desirable colorless diamonds and are irradiated (like their natural counterparts)! Importantly, natural diamonds and lab diamonds share the same chemical composition. They are both 10/10 hard. A natural diamond and a lab diamond that has been irradiated black are visually identical. On the other hand, gemologists (and you!) may be able to tell the really dark blue/brown lab diamonds apart.\

Lab diamond (dark brown upon inspection)

How much is a black diamond ring?
That’s good Whether you desire natural, processed, or lab stone. Black diamonds are the most expensive category (although still significantly less expensive than white diamonds of the same size!). Then lab blacks. Then treated diamonds. Why are treated diamonds the cheapest? They began as unsellable diamonds. So you get a terrific deal!

$1,000-$3,000/carat Natural Irradiated Black Lab Black

$300-$1,500/carat $700-$1,000/carat

Choosing the Best Black Diamond

CLARITY

Unlike white diamonds, where the most essential “c” is cut, the most important “c” in a black diamond is clarity. I get it. “Hey! You just told me my black stone is due to impurities! Yes, I realize, but your inclusions are vital. Natural diamonds feature internal inclusions (which you want) and surface flaws (which you don’t want). See it:

Smooth vs. cracked black diamond surface

See how the stone on the right is fractured? Surface-extending inclusions. These fractures not only detract from the brilliance of the gem but also put it at risk of chipping and splitting. Nooooo! Examine the gem on the left. See its gleam? The gem has all inclusions. You obtain that midnight-black effect without affecting your stone’s attractiveness.

Online, black diamonds are listed from $100-$5,000/carat. They are either dangerously included, treated, or (most commonly) dangerously included stones that are also treated. Beware of “stock” photographs that appear like a diamond. That cost? No, that’s not what’s being sold.

COLOR

Next, look for an even color. Inclusions give natural black stones their color, therefore the hue might be uneven. These are the “salt and pepper” diamonds. So, to attain that pure-black look, always glance at your stone from all angles, especially the side (you don’t want to turn your ring sideways and see a transparent spot!)

two black pear diamonds
Pure black diamond Leibish & Co | Right: pepper diamond Turnsmith Jewelers

CUT

Various black diamond shapes! But “cut” isn’t only the stone’s shape. Its multifacetedness. Unlike white diamonds, a natural black stone’s “cut” isn’t about light return or brilliance. Because black gems don’t glitter as brightly (due to not being see-through). Instead, genuine blacks shimmer like metal. As a result, facet symmetry is critical.

Facet symmetry is found by drawing an imaginary line through the stone. Compare now the left and right sides. Do your stone’s facets (cuts) all mirror each other? If not, go. The symmetry of these cuts determines the stone’s quality.

black diamond marquise engagement ring
Asymmetrical vs. symmetrical facets

DISEASE TREATMENT

Reminder: always confirm therapy in stone! To be clear, treated diamonds are a lot less expensive than natural diamonds. Certification is less important for treated diamonds. If you want a natural black, always buy a certified diamond to avoid irradiation! Buying a certified diamond ensures you’re getting a real diamond. Certification also safeguards your investment by proving to your insurer and any subsequent owners that the diamond is natural.

A GIA black diamond grading report.

A black diamond represents

This ring represents confidence and strength. You don’t need anyone’s approval! Couples that appreciate a gloomy look should consider:

FASHION-FORWARD
Black diamond engagement rings with halos and huge center stones are trendy. There are many alternatives! The enormous black center stone might be round, oval, or princess-shaped. Couples can also choose a black, white, or colored halo, or a combination of both!

halo black diamond engagement rings
WEDDING RINGS WITH A SPIRIT
Those seeking a more edgy, dark look will prefer a gothic engagement ring. Look for pears and marquises in cool metals like white gold and platinum. Another gothic engagement ring tip: black rhodium (a white gold coating!)

dark gray metal and beautiful cut black diamond engagement rings
DECO
Art Deco fashion is all about black and white. Art Deco also favored square and rectangular shapes. So hunt for Asscher and Emerald cuts in combined black and white diamonds. How Much is a Black Diamond Engagement Ring Worth?
Treated diamonds offer the best value for money. But these stones aren’t very “investment-worthy.” However, natural black diamonds are rarer and cheaper than white diamonds. So, a natural black diamond is the best value in terms of price AND investment quality. Interestingly, over 3 carat black diamonds do not continue to climb in price per carat (like deli prices per pound) (unlike white diamonds, where per carat price skyrockets). So a five (5) carat black diamond costs the same as a three (3) carat. So, those looking to go big can do so at a great price!

Help Me Create the Best Black Diamond Engagement Ring!
It is my joy. Send me your ideas – do you want a showy ring? A Deco gem? An edgy, gothic ring? and I’d be pleased to conduct a specific search for your particular ring!