What are Black Diamonds? Are Black Diamonds Real Diamonds?

Despite being so popular, Black Diamonds are often shrouded in mystery. Many people searching online are simply in search of a basic understanding of what black diamonds are and whether they are real or not. However, this curiosity is often unfulfilled, leaving those interested in black diamond engagement rings feeling overwhelmed by the lack of information.

We aim to provide a comprehensive guide to these enigmatic stones, empowering you to make an informed decision about whether a black diamond is the perfect choice for your jewelry.

Let’s start with,

What is a Black Diamond?

Black Diamonds are also called fancy black diamonds, their distinctive color is due to the presence of other minerals inside the diamond during its formation in the earth. These minerals are known as inclusions, the presence of these minerals in a diamond gives them their unique character as no two diamonds have the same inclusions.

• Carbonados are naturally occurring stones that are only found in Brazil and Central Africa. According to geophysicists, these stones are believed to have originated from a meteorite and they are composed of carbon, graphite, and diamond.

• On the other hand, black diamonds that have been treated to enhance their color from dark grey to black are sometimes referred to as treated black diamonds, black-colored diamonds, or color-enhanced diamonds. These are found in nature but their color is not.

• Lab-created / Man-made / Simulated / Synthetic black diamonds are identical to real diamonds but they are grown in a controlled laboratory. Neither the stone is found in nature nor the color, making them a unique category within the world of diamonds.

Are Black Diamonds real?

Absolutely! Black diamonds are real. Natural diamonds, carbonados, and treated black diamonds are found in nature. While the treated black diamonds are naturally black, they’re just treated with heat to get their intense black color.

Lab grown black diamonds are man-made. They are not mined, they are made in labs. Still, they are a real deal, as lab grown black diamonds and natural ones have the same chemical and physical properties. Neither treated black diamonds nor lab created black diamonds get their color from nature.

Are Black Diamonds expensive?

Natural black diamond cost is determined on the basis of its origin and size. Fancy black diamonds and carbonados are both rare to find. Because of these gems' scarcity i.e., why they are considered as the most valuable and costly.

When it comes to black diamonds, it's important to note that most of the ones in the market are heat-treated, making them a more affordable choice than natural black diamonds. However, keep in mind that sometimes heat treating a stone can weaken it.

Lab-created black diamonds are another affordable option for those looking for a black diamond with a lower price point. Because they are grown in a lab, the color is already there and they are just as durable as natural diamonds.

Regardless of their origin, the value of a black diamond is determined based on the 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. Clarity is evaluated based on the external conditions of the stone, the higher the stone carat weight, the higher is the price tag. That means even though it's natural or lab grown black diamonds, their value still increases with the size.

How Do Black Diamonds Get Their Color?

Black diamonds owe their unique color to the presence of a significant amount of mineral inclusions. These inclusions are composed of pyrite, hematite, and graphite, responsible for the stone’s hue. Interestingly, the same inclusions are found in white diamonds, but in much smaller quantities.

Another factor that contributes to the black diamond’s color is the presence of fractures within the stone. The number and size of these fractures and inclusions directly impact the actual color of a diamond. They can appear in various shades of dark green, black, or brown.

Final Thoughts

Apart from being beautiful, black diamonds bring luck, and many other benefits. If you have your heart set on a black diamond, then don’t hold back and make this gorgeous gem a part of your jewelry collection as well as your life.