A. 5 Really Fun Facts About Black Diamonds
Of course, you know that natural black diamonds are real diamonds. But we bet there are some things about these dark beauties you’ve never heard of. Check out these five quick facts about sophisticated black diamonds as you click on a selection we’ve made from some of our all-time favorite contemporary black diamond engagement rings.
1. Some say they came from space
Alien Gems? Sounds crazy, right? Especially since all other diamonds – even other fancy colors – have scientific evidence to support their geological birth. But some research suggests that black fantasies have extraterrestrial origins. Although hundreds of tons of conventional diamonds have been mined, traded and finally polished since around 1900, not a single black diamond has been discovered in the world’s mining fields. And since black diamonds were found to contain trace elements of nitrogen and hydrogen, which some claim are safe indicators of extraterrestrial origin, some researchers believe black diamonds were formed in stellar supernova explosions. Furthermore, research indicates that when black diamonds first landed on Earth, they were already the size of asteroids, a kilometer or more in diameter.
2. Yes, you can buy Carrie Bradshaw’s ring
Anyone who has watched reruns of the romantic comedy “Sex and the City” on television knows that the main character, Carrie Bradshaw, had a constant relationship with the guy you loved and loved to hate, Mr. Great. Finally, in the 2010 movie Sex and the City 2, Carrie said “yes” when Mr. Big suggested a five-carat black diamond engagement ring at the end of the movie. How appropriate when Sarah-Jessica Parker’s character asked him, “Why black?” and he replied, “Because you’re not like everyone else!” In the end, it was some kind of ring that put a thousand rings on the market – because jewelers are now creating their own versions of the Carrie ring. And not just five carats. Gemvara offers many interpretations of Carrie’s platinum design with 80 pavé diamonds halfway along the slender shaft, circling like a slender halo. For SATC fans, the original ring was designed by Itay Malkin, a native of Israel who immigrated to New York City in 2002. Mr. Malkin saw the beauty of black diamonds years ago – soon after arriving in New York , he began creating bespoke pieces from coarse-cut black diamond beads, which resulted in his first collection, Black Diamonds by Itay Malkin. If you love black diamonds, you should definitely pay attention to this collection.
3. Some black diamonds started out as green
To compensate for the lack of uniform color and smooth finish in a natural black diamond, some gem dealers radiate green diamonds for extended periods of time to ensure the stones are the color of ebony. While this can be achieved by radiation, you must make sure that the black diamond in the ring you purchased was actually irradiated. Because, as a customer, you must always know exactly what you are buying.
4. The most famous black diamond? a pillow cut
The pad-cut 67.50 carat Black Orloff is a metal color that now belongs to a private diamond dealer. To get an idea of what a true art form of gem cutting is, the original raw material, supposedly found in India in the early 19th century, actually weighed 195 carats (or 39.0 grams). It takes a lot of diamond to get an incredibly beautiful cut! Oh yes, where does the unusual name come from? Supposedly, Black Vygin-Orloff was a Russian princess who owned him for a while. Happy girl, right? We’ve seen pictures of the original, however, and I think any woman who owns this black diamond ring today, shown here by contemporary jewelry designer Erica Courtney, is very (very!) Lucky too.
5. It can take a year to cut a black diamond
As these natural gemstones have an unusual combination of carbon and graphite atoms, this mixture deprives them of their uniform crystallography. Therefore, the diamond cutting process for these black gemstones can be frustrating and time-consuming for a cutter to secure a beautiful black stone. On the other hand, you can be sure that a lot of patience and love has gone into cutting the black diamond that goes into your engagement or wedding ceremony.
B. Black Diamond Engagement Rings: 8 Things To Know
Looking for something unique? A black diamond engagement ring is a new tradition. From trend setters like Carrie Bradshaw’s heart to rebels like Carmen Electra – all types of women love the sophistication and elegance of black engagement rings! But what exactly is a black diamond? And how do you choose the right one? Well it depends on what you are doing. Here are 8 things you should know when looking for a black engagement ring!
1. What is a black diamond engagement ring?
A black diamond engagement ring has a black diamond center that is usually surrounded by smaller white diamonds! Black is considered an “extravagant” color diamond outside the normal color gamut. It is a unique choice for couples who want an elegant, decorative or gothic engagement ring. Because of their unique properties and low prices, many black engagement rings have very large center stones.
2. Do black diamonds sparkle?
Yes, but not like a white diamond. This is because, unlike white diamonds, black diamonds are not transparent. As a result, these black gems sparkle with a metallic sheen instead of refractive fireworks.
3. Is the black diamond a real diamond?
Yea! And there are several types. Natural shades of black, treated black diamonds and black lab-made stones!
a. Naturally
It is true! Natural black diamonds are found in the earth! However, they are quite rare. Interestingly, natural blacks are actually a normal, colorless diamond shape that has an abundance of carbon inclusions. In other words, they are white diamonds that were born with many birthmarks! When magnified, these birthmarks look like tiny clusters of tiny black dots and webs called “clouds.” Natural diamonds that have some of these black clouds, but not enough to make them completely black, are known as “salt and pepper” diamonds!
b. Treated or “Improved”
Another type of black diamond engagement ring is one that has a natural white diamond “treated” to make it black. This is more common than a naturally occurring black. In fact, most black gemstones sold today are treated in some way. There are two main methods scientists use to treat diamonds to create the black color. Both start with less attractive natural diamonds. And which method a gem researcher uses to color the gem black depends on why the original diamond is unattractive.
Gem Geek Moment: Natural diamonds with many fractures and inclusions turn black when heated to incredibly high temperatures, causing “graphite” fractures. On the other hand, natural stones that start with an ugly color are radiated, causing a black color to settle over the less beautiful color. Both treatments are safe and permanent. Also, treated stones are cheaper and have a blacker appearance than natural stones!
c. Laboratory stones
Diamond scientists also make black diamonds in labs! There are two main types of lab stones: those that are really very dark brown or dark blue (not really “black”) and those that start out as less attractive colorless diamonds and are irradiated (just like their natural relatives)! It is important that there is no difference in chemical composition between natural diamonds and laboratory diamonds. Both are 10/10 on the hardness scale. Also, there is no visual difference between a natural diamond and a lab-irradiated black. On the other hand, gemologists (and very educated consumers like you!) may be able to distinguish very dark blue/brown lab diamonds upon closer inspection.
4. How much does a black diamond engagement ring cost?
Great question. It depends on whether you want a natural stone, a treated stone or a laboratory stone. Black is considered a “fancy” colored diamond and therefore the most expensive category (although they are still much cheaper than white diamonds of the same size!). Then come the laboratory blacks. So finally treated diamonds. Why are treated diamonds the cheapest you ask? The answer is that they started out as diamonds that otherwise wouldn’t sell. So you get great value!
5. How do I choose the best black diamond?
a. Clarity
Unlike white diamonds (where the most important “c” of the four cs is cut), when choosing a black diamond, clarity is the most important thing. I know what you’re thinking. “Hello! You just told me the whole reason I have a black stone is due to a series of inclusions!” I know, I know, but the nature of the inclusions is very important. Natural diamonds can have internal inclusions (those you want in this case) and so they can have surface imperfections (which you don’t really want in this case). You see all these breaks all over the rock, right? These are comprehensive inclusions. These fractures not only detract from the beauty of this gem, but also put the stone at risk for chipping and cracking. No! Now look at the gem on the left. Do you see its smooth surface? All inclusions are in the yolk. You get the black night look you want without disturbing the beauty or your stone.
Pro Tip: Black diamonds are listed online for between $100 and $5,000/carat. There is a reason they sell for $100/carat – they are either dangerously contained, treated or (better) dangerously contained stones that have also been treated. Beware of stock photos that look like a beautifully smooth gem. For that price? It’s not actually being sold.
b. Color
The next thing to look for is uniform color. Because natural black stones get their color from inclusions, this color can sometimes be a little uneven. This is where these “salt and pepper” diamonds come into play. So, to get that stark black look, always look carefully at every surface of your gemstone to make sure the color is even, even from the side (you don’t want to turn the ring sideways and see a bright spot! )
c. Cut
Black diamonds come in all sorts of shapes! But “cutting” is not just the shape of your stone. It’s also how well faceted he is. Unlike traditional white diamonds, the “cut” of a natural black stone is not about returning light and sparkle. That’s because black gems don’t glow the same way (since they aren’t transparent). Instead, natural blacks give a more metallic sheen. Therefore, the facet symmetry is very obvious and really important.
To look for “facet symmetry”, draw an imaginary line in the center of the stone. Now compare the left side with the right side. Are all the small cuts reflected across your stone (its “facets”)? If not, go ahead. The symmetry of these cuts determines the quality of your stone’s appearance.
d. Treatment and certification
As a reminder – always confirm the treatment on your stone! Since treated diamonds are MUCH cheaper than natural ones, you really want to know what you’re buying. If you want a treated diamond, certification is less important. However, if you want a natural black, always make sure you choose a certified diamond to make sure it hasn’t been irradiated! Choosing a certified stone is the best way to ensure you are actually buying a natural diamond. Certification further protects your investment by providing your insurer and any future owners with reliable, independent evidence that the gemstone is natural.
6. What does a black diamond symbolize?
A black diamond engagement ring symbolizes confidence and strength. Says you don’t need anyone’s approval! Great styles for couples who love a dark, pretty look include:
a. Fashion forward
Couples looking for an elegant frame will appreciate black diamond engagement rings with halos and large stones in the center. There are many opportunities! Couples can choose a large black center stone in almost any shape, from round to oval and princess. Plus, couples can choose a black halo, a white halo, a combination of the two, or even add color!
b. Edgy and gothic engagement rings
Those who want a bold, dark look are more likely to love a more gothic engagement ring style. Look for sharp shapes like pear and marquise and place them in cool metals like white gold and platinum. Another tip for a gothic engagement ring: take a look at black rhodium (a white gold plating!)
c. Deco
The ultimate expression of Art Deco fashion is black and white. Also, Art Deco loved everything square and rectangular. Classic decorative couples should therefore look for Asscher cuts and emerald cuts in mixed black and white diamonds.
7. What is the best value for a black diamond engagement ring?
If you are looking for the best price, you will find treated diamonds. However, these stones are not very “valuable” in terms of investment quality. On the other hand, natural black diamonds are rare but also much cheaper than white diamonds. Therefore, we recommend that the best value in terms of price and investment quality is a natural black diamond. Interestingly, for sizes over 3 carats, the price per carat (like the price per pound at the delicatessen) no longer rises for black diamonds (unlike white diamonds, where the price per carat soared). Therefore, if you choose a 5-carat black diamond, you will pay the same price per carat as you would pay for a 3-carat diamond. As a result, those who want to get big can do it for a remarkable price!
