Black diamonds have transitioned.
At first, they may have been simply cast aside after being mined, but these days theyâre sought after.
Yes, some ladies even want them in their engagement rings.
Theyâre worth a second look, so letâs discuss this unique jewel.
Black Diamonds: A Short History
Originally no one thought them worth much.
For example, J.R. Sutton wrote this in 1928: âOrdinary black diamond is not greatly unlike black sealing wax.
Opinions differ as to its virtues as a gemstone.â (excerpt from Diamond: A Descriptive Treatise).
And unlike other colored diamonds, there arenât many famous black diamonds either.
But one example comes with a challenging back story.
The Black Orloff or Eye of Brahman as it was also knownâa 67.50 ct black diamondâwas apparently stolen early in the 19th century.
It was nabbed from an Indian idol.
The story goes that there was a curse connected to it, making many of its owners kill themselves, before the hex was broken by cutting up the stone.
Today these pieces look resplendent where theyâre set among other stones.
In modern times these days black diamonds are known as âFancy Blacksâ and theyâre widely popular.
However, the popularity only started late in the 1900s where they served designers well as a contrast to other small stones such as colorless diamonds, using pavĂŠ settings.
Perhaps the time for black diamondsâ popularity started when popular TV character Carrie received her 5ct engagement ring from Mr. Big.
[greeting]This happened in 2010 as part of the âSex in the City 2â movie.
On top of this these stones got publicity with Kat Von D and Carmen Electra also sporting these diamonds some years after the film.
Ever since, their popularity grew.
But what makes these stones different?
The Black Hue Explained
Itâs only in recent times that the reason for this blackish color has been investigated.
Now we know that multiple mineral inclusions result in the dark look of the diamond.
This can include hematite, pyrite or even graphite that ends up inside the diamond.
Alternatively, through graphitization a cleavage or fracture can also be stained dark.
It is when these internal features appear in concentrations that an almost colorless or a brown or an olive shaded diamond can appear black.
These stones often look metallic because theyâre usually opaque.
But they display exceptional luster.
A challenge creeps in when you want to cut or polish one of these stones because the inclusions make this difficult.
Even setting them is tricky.
But when itâs done right the end result of using a natural color black jewel is exceptional and definitely unique when compared to other diamond jewelry.
A bonus is that these diamonds often have a lower price tag than others.
Itâs interesting that color can be induced too and this often happens when these black jewels are obtained for jewelry making, such as engagement rings.
For example, a gray diamond with many inclusions can be put through a process of treatments with high temperatures and low pressures.
This graphitizes fractures which of course leads to a more black than gray hue.
But what about grading these unique stones?
Grading a Black Diamond
Most diamonds are graded according to an International Diamond Grading System from GIA and the 4Cs:
Cut
Color
Clarity
Carat weight
This applies to colorless and near-colorless diamonds, rated from D to Z.
But black diamonds donât fall into this category, with GIA opting for their grading system that applies to colored stones because:
Firstly, because the opaqueness and inclusions of a black diamond prevent one from using the clarity scale for grading.
Tone is also a role player because unlike pink, blue or yellow diamonds, there isnât a tone or saturation variation.
Therefore, GIA only uses âfancy blackâ as a grade term.
Also, instead of issuing grading reports you can expect a Colored Diamond Identification and Origin Report which mentions whether the black color is treated or natural.
How to Take Care of Your Black Diamond
As mentioned a black diamond can have multipleâeven thousandsâof small fractures inside which make them more vulnerable than other diamonds.
Even though itâs still a hard stone a sharp blow may cause damage easier in comparison to any other colorless diamond.
When youâre cleaning your black diamond, you should take the same care as with other stones where you want to prevent damage, and not use an ultrasonic cleaner.
Steam is also not advisable.
Thereâs a sense of drama and uniqueness connected to each beautiful black diamond.
That makes them the ideal symbol for a relationship that is also dramatic and out of the ordinary.
If thatâs you, you just found your perfect engagement ring option.
Or perhaps youâre looking for the total opposite look by using a fancy white diamond?
