Natural fancy black diamonds are polycrystalline diamonds, unlike other white and colored diamonds, which are single crystals. Instead, they are a conjoined mass of many tiny black diamond crystals. Also known as Carbonado Diamonds, these diamonds are usually pea-sized or slightly larger.
Carbonados (Black Diamonds) from the Central African Republic. These samples date from 3.2 billion years ago. Photo by James St. John. Licensed under CC by 2.0.
These black gems are unlike most other diamonds because they are entirely opaque. Nevertheless, these stones are precious because they are so rare and beautiful. Still, despite all the buzz about black diamonds, these stones are more affordable than most other natural fancy colored diamonds.
Black Diamond is the toughest form of natural diamond. It is an impure poly-crystal made of diamond, graphite, and amorphous carbon.
How Are Natural Fancy Black Diamonds Different From Other Diamonds?
The renowned gemologist, Stephen Hofer, says that black diamonds are in “a transitional carbon state between graphite and pure diamond.” He further says that “The typical black diamond is composed of a mishmash of atoms rather than a regular, homogenous arrangement.
14.52 Cts GIA Certified Pear Modified Brilliant Loose Natural Fancy Black Diamond |
16.79 Cts GIA Certified Cushion Modified Brilliant Loose Treated Fancy Black Diamond |
16.87 Cts Pear Loose Treated Fancy Black Diamond |
Click On The Images
Another factor differentiating the black diamonds from other rough diamonds is that they are porous and hence more taxing to cut.
Furthermore, black diamonds are mined in their rough form and contained in alluvial deposits of the Central African Republic and Brazil. Against this, other typical gem diamonds are extracted at greater depths from the mineral kimberlite in many different world regions.
Black diamonds are opaque. They only come in one color intensity, Fancy Black. Other color diamonds, in contrast, occur in different color intensities. In addition, white and red diamonds are the only other colors in just a single ‘fancy color’ intensity.
Fancy White diamonds are also opaque, but Red diamonds do not share this trait.
Other color diamonds can be anywhere from Faint to Fancy Deep/Dark in terms of how intense the color is. This is because impurities like nitrogen, hydrogen, and boron in the rock add color to most colored diamonds. On the other hand, Black diamonds get their color from graphite and random clustering inside the diamond.
Geological Conditions Forming All Types Of Diamonds:
Black diamonds are virtually the same as other colorless, colored, and white diamonds. But, the black color comes from graphite added to the crystal structure of the diamond before the kimberlite deposits reached the surface of the Earth. So, the only thing that makes black diamonds different from colorless diamonds is that they have graphite in them, while colorless diamonds do not. Carbon under tremendous pressure can turn into any type of diamond (colorless, colored, white, or black) depending on geological conditions in the vicinity. Repeating geometric patterns in the crystal lattice create the diamond. Black diamonds are real diamonds, and other than their color, they are almost the same as colorless diamonds.
3.92 Cts GIA Certified Pear Modified Brilliant Loose Un-Treated Fancy Black Diamond |
3.82 Cts GIA Certified Cushion Modified Brilliant Loose Natural Fancy Black Diamond |
3.59 Cts GIA Certified Round Brilliant Loose Un-Treated Fancy Black Diamond |
Click On The Images
We have only recently delved into the cause of color in natural fancy black diamonds. Copious clouds of minute mineral inclusions like graphite, hematite, or pyrite impart the black color. These inclusions permeate the stone. In addition, these diamonds are heavily fractured. The cleavages are stained black or turn black due to graphitization. The saturation of such internal features induces black coloration. By and large, natural color black diamonds are wholly opaque. They display a metal-like high luster.
Natural Fancy Black Diamonds Origin Theories:
There are different theories regarding how the black diamonds came into existence.
One theory proposes that, like all diamonds, black diamonds too formed in the high temperature/high-pressure environment deep in the Earth’s womb. Like all diamonds, a repeating geometric pattern creates the crystal lattice of black diamonds under these extreme conditions. Tiny diamond crystals fuse to form a black diamond as we see it.
Another theory suggests that the shock transformation caused by a meteorite striking the Earth’s surface created black diamonds.
Yet another theory states that black diamonds formed due to the radiation emitted by the spontaneous fission of Uranium & thorium in nature.
1.47 Cts GIA Certified AAA Round Brilliant Natural Black Diamond Ring in Platinum
Click On The Image
One more exotic and fascinating theory suggests an extraterrestrial origin of black diamonds. Stephen Haggerty, a geoscientist from Florida International University, says that the source of black diamonds was an earlier-generation giant star.
The star exploded into a supernova around 3.8 billion years ago. The remains of the supernova drifted through outer space for millions of years. A large mass of it fell as a meteorite on Earth. The planet was a single landmass at the time before the drifting of continents. The meteorite probably fragmented while passing through the Earth’s atmosphere.
The impacted region of Earth subsequently split into Brazil & the Central African Republic. Today, these two regions are the only known locations of carbonado deposits.
Natural Fancy Black Diamonds Acceptance Into The World Of Jewelry:
Earlier, Carbonado was used to polish wood in the Brazilian deciduous forest. Interestingly, the Panama Canal engineers used these hard gems for rock drilling. Factory workers also used them extensively as industrial cutting stones. However, jewelers did not set them into jewelry at the time.
Nevertheless, the world of jewelry has an insatiable appetite for variety. A black diamond set in jewelry represented a hitherto unseen variety. At the same time, natural fancy black diamonds can indeed be as awe-inspiringly beautiful as any other diamond or more.
Enterprising designers saw an immense opportunity in the situation and started showing and promoting black diamond jewelry. Consumers have responded voraciously, and these stones finally have their moment in the limelight. Today a natural black diamond can command a higher price than a clear diamond of similar attributes.
Engagement Ring Emerald Cut Halo Natural Black Diamond White Gold 14K-18K White Gold Unique Rings
Click On The Image
Black diamonds do not sparkle like white diamonds or other color diamonds. Neither do they vary in intensity or color? You can only find them as Fancy Black. They do exhibit strong luminescence. They look marvelous when paired with other stones or in a solitaire setting.
Black diamond jewelry is beautiful, especially when set with colorless diamonds, white sapphires, or other precious gems that make a stunning contrast.
Italian folklore holds that black diamonds can reconcile couples. If both partners touch one, their problems will vanish, and they will be happy together.
Women’s Cathedral Black Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum (1.20ct) |
(0.36 ctw) 14k White Gold Men’s Black Diamond Stallion and Horseshoe Fashion Ring |
Click On The Images
Here Are Some Facts About Natural Fancy Black Diamonds:
Are They For Real?
Natural Fancy Black diamonds, as well as black diamonds, are both real. But, nature does not color the second group. Instead, heat treatment causes these diamonds to turn black. By contrast, mother nature herself lovingly embellishes natural fancy black diamonds in elegant black. The unique and rare color confers real value and appeal to these diamonds.
Do These Diamonds Cost a Lot?
Natural fancy black diamonds aren’t too expensive, but the price will depend on their size. Treated Black diamonds are cheaper and don’t get much attention because most people prefer natural ones. A natural fancy black diamond will cost between $3,000 and $5,000 per carat.
What Makes A Diamond Black?
Other colored diamonds get their color from impurities in the rock, like nitrogen, hydrogen, or boron. By contrast, raw black diamonds get their color from graphite and random clustering inside the diamond. Over the years, celebrities wearing black diamond jewelry have done a lot to boost their popularity.
What are the sources of natural fancy black diamonds on our planet?
There aren’t many places where you can find natural black diamonds. Brazil and Central Africa are two of these places.
How Rare Are These Jewels?
Natural fancy black diamonds are, in fact, rarer than regular colorless diamonds. There are two types of black diamonds: natural black diamonds that are black naturally and diamonds heated to make them black. Even though they aren’t the rarest color in nature, they are one of the most prized because of their artistic beauty and dark appeal. Makers often use them as a masculine touch in men’s jewelry.
Natural Fancy Black Diamonds Treatments:
Natural fancy black diamonds are a rarity of nature. Consequently, some jewelers burn low-quality diamonds to make them black and opaque. Compared to a natural fancy black diamond, this significantly decreases the price. However, the process is entirely artificial; GIA does not grade it.
How Do You Know If A Black Diamond Is Good?
It is best to buy black diamonds that the GIA or another reputable lab has graded. Such grading reports are the only way to know if it is a natural fancy black diamond or a treated diamond. With natural black diamonds, it’s best to choose a diamond that you like in terms of its size, shape, and shine, as these are the most important things you should consider. When grading natural black diamonds, the GIA gives an Identification and Origin Report that includes a review of the essential attributes of the diamond.
What’S The Difference Between Black Diamonds And Black Sapphires?
Natural black diamonds are scarce because graphite has to mix into the crystal structure of the diamond to create a black diamond. But on the other hand, the mineral corundum with black-spot inclusions composes of black sapphires. So unlike natural black diamonds, there are a lot of black sapphires, and most of them come from Australia.
Where to Buy Black Diamonds That Aren’t Treated?
If you desire a unique black diamond, you should only look for a natural Fancy Black Diamond. Nature gave these beautiful things their mesmerizing color. In addition, fancy Black Diamonds aren’t as expensive as many other colored diamonds or colorless diamonds.
If you’ve looked online for jewelry with colored diamonds, you may have noticed that there are more pieces with black diamonds than with most other colors. This is because jewelers heat-treat many of them, making them less valuable than Natural Fancy Black Diamonds. Therefore, when you buy black diamond jewelry from a jeweler, it’s essential to clarify that you want a Natural Fancy Black Diamond and not a treated one.
A trustworthy professional jeweler will give you a genuine jewel. Ask to see the GIA certificate and get the original copy with your jewelry purchase. The GIA only grades natural black diamonds, so you can trust that it is authentic. With the low prices, it’s worth it to buy the real thing, which you can only get from a few diamond dealers.
Which Celebrity Is Known For Wearing Black Diamonds On The Red Carpet?
Gwenyth Paltrow wore a chain-link pave black diamond bracelet to the Emmys in 2011. Likewise, Angelina gave her husband Brad Pitt a pair of pave black diamond serpent cufflinks.
What Are Some Well-Known Black Diamonds?
The Black Orlov is the most famous black diamond of all time. It is a cushion-cut diamond brooch that weighs 67.50 carats, and 108 white diamonds surround it. It hangs from a 124-diamond necklace. The Black Orlov, also called the “Eye of Brahma,” was a 195-carat uncut black diamond stolen from the eye of an effigy of the Indian god Brahma in a temple in southern India. It changes a lot of the story about the famous Hope diamond. In addition, the Table of Islam, the Gruosi diamond, the Black Star of Africa, the Korloff Noir, & the Spirit of de Grisogono diamond are well-known black diamonds.
The black Spirit of de Grisogono diamond, which has an old Moghul cut and weighs 312.24 carats, is the largest black diamond in the world. Excavators found it in the Central African Republic, but we don’t have more information about it.
Diamond miners found the heart-shaped, 115.34-carat black Gruosi diamond in India in 1998. De Grisogono, a well-known expert in cutting black diamonds, cut this gemstone.
The Table of Islam is an impressive Fancy Black square emerald-cut diamond that weighs 160.18 carats. Unfortunately, we don’t know much else about this diamond.
The Black Star of Africa is a beautiful Fancy Black diamond that weighs 202 carats. People saw this black diamond for the last time in 1971 in Tokyo.
The 88-carat Korloff Noir diamond is now at the Korloff jewelers in France. Many believe that the owner of this diamond will come into good luck.
Should You Put Your Money Into Black Diamonds?
Most people think that pink, red, and blue diamonds are the best colors for investments. A good investment diamond is one whose value will go up a lot over time as its supply goes down and its demand keeps going up. On the other hand, a black diamond would only be thought of as an investment if it was enormous or had a unique quality that made it very popular.
What Do I Do To Take Care Of My Black Diamond?
Take care of your black diamond just like you would any other diamond. Of course, the ideal way to clean a diamond is to take it to a professional jeweler. The jeweler will use power steam to get rid of all the dirt and grime. But if you want to clean your diamond at home, you should use a soft brush like a toothbrush and a mild soap like dishwashing liquid. Brush the jewelry piece carefully with the soap, then rinse it under warm water—the best way to dry it is with a polishing cloth.
Do Black Diamonds Look Good In Jewelry?
Black diamonds look great on jewelry, and admirers see them as the shining focal point of male and female jewelry accessories. Cufflinks, wedding bands, engagement rings, necklaces, & bracelets all look gorgeous when studded with black diamonds. As with all diamonds, you are most likely to see, appreciate, and enjoy your diamonds when you set them in a piece of jewelry. In addition, wearing and using your diamond poses no risk to its health. Because of this, many people let themselves fall in love with a particular diamond and then put it in a piece of jewelry so they can enjoy their purchase as much as possible.
Rings With Black Diamonds:
Black diamond rings are becoming more and more popular because they are not expensive and because of their unique, opaque color and beautiful luster and shine.
They are also a beautiful alternative for brides who aren’t as traditional and want something a little more unique. Black onyx rings also have a look and feel similar to black diamond rings.
Earrings With A Black Diamond:
Black diamonds look even better in earrings when paired with bright white diamonds. The color difference is not only striking but also elegant and classy.
Necklace With A Black Diamond:
Even though black diamond pendants aren’t as much in fashion as other colors, that shouldn’t be the case. A black diamond necklace is a perfect accessory for almost any event, whether paired with white diamonds or other colored stones.
Bracelet With A Black Diamond:
Black diamond bracelets are becoming more and more popular on the red carpet and elsewhere.
Can You Get Engaged With A Black Diamond?
Yes, you can use a black diamond as an engagement ring. In the 1940s, the De Beers diamond company helped spread the idea of colorless diamond engagement rings. But before this, and in the decades that followed, many brides chose engagement rings with different kinds of center stones, such as gemstones, colored diamonds, and colored center stones. That includes black diamond engagement rings, without a doubt. A bride has always picked the engagement ring that best fits her style and taste, no matter what that style is.
How To Know If A Black Diamond Is Real?
A certified gemologist or lab, like the GIA, is the best way to find out if your black diamond is natural. However, there is a way to check at home to know if it is genuine or enhanced (heated). You will need a magnifying glass and a bright light source.
If the jeweler has improved the diamond, a lot of strong light will pass through it. The passing light will give the gemstone a greenish or blueish tint, or green or blue flashes when you look at it from different tilts.
In the case of natural black color, you will see alternating black and white areas when you look at it under a bright light. It is the well-known “salt and pepper” effect. There won’t be any blue or green in it.
A good rule is that if it doesn’t come with a report from a reputable lab, you should assume that it has been dyed or is entirely something else.
Or Learn About More Colored Diamonds As Follows:
See Also:
Fascinating Facts About Diamonds Straight From Tiffany & Co’s Chief Gemologist
