What is A Black Diamond?
On the Stewart Kuper Jewelers blog we’ve talked about all sorts of diamonds and different fancy colored stones. This time we’re going to dive deep and focus on just one: the black diamond. No, a black diamond isn’t just a difficulty sign for skiers, it’s also a kind of diamond that is frequently misunderstood. If you’ve ever had questions about black diamonds, or are just curious at the name then read on! Stewart Kuper Jewelers has you covered.
Are Black Diamonds Real?
Reasonable first question, after all ‘black diamond’ sounds like something out of a pirate adventure movie. Black diamonds are real and they are real diamonds to boot. There are a few different types of stones that might get lumped under the black diamond umbrella, but they do exist!
What Are Black Diamonds
‘Black diamond’ can refer to a few different types of stones in fact. There are natural black diamonds (or fancy black diamonds), Carbonados, black diamonds, or lab created black diamonds.
Natural Black Diamonds or Fancy Black Diamonds
These diamonds get their dark color from nature. During the diamond’s formation, deep inside the earth, other minerals are trapped inside. These are normally called ‘inclusions’ and if there was just one or two of them they’d actually be a factor in determining the price of your standard diamond. But when there are a huge amount of them they give the diamond the black color.
Carbonados
Carbonados are another naturally occurring type of rock. These are made up of carbon, graphite, and diamond – so they’re not technically a black diamond. Geophysicists believe these are actually from meteorites! So while they’re not a diamond, they’re pretty special in their own way!
Black Diamonds or Treated Black Diamonds
Anytime black diamonds are mentioned without ‘natural’ or ‘fancy’ these diamonds are getting their black color from heating processes to turn their darker grey coloring into black. So while these are naturally appearing diamonds, they’re not naturally black appearing. If you follow?
Lab Created Black Diamonds
And of course, there are fully lab created black diamonds, where neither the stone nor the color are naturally occurring. Not quite so special.
Are Black Diamonds Expensive?
Like all diamonds, their cost is going to be determined by a few factors. Fancy or natural black diamonds and Carbonados are both incredibly rare stones and as such they are some of the most expensive diamonds.
Most of the black diamonds available are heat treated however, which makes them more affordable than natural black diamonds.
Are There Different Shades of Black Diamond?
Definitely! Because of the way natural black diamonds form they can range from a light gray color to dark, pure black because of the levels of inclusion. Treated black diamonds, those that are heated in a lab to darken them, will usually have a more uniform, darker deep black color.
Buying a Black Diamond Engagement Ring
Black diamond engagement rings are a surefire way to make a statement! Just make sure it’s what your significant other is after. Some people don’t understand black diamonds and might find them unsightly to their personal taste. If you don’t want to go for the whole nine yards with a black diamond center stone you can also look at using them as accent stones.
No matter what kind of ring, diamond, precious stone or other jewelry you are interested in looking at – Stewart Kuper Jewelers is here to help! Schedule your appointment today and we’ll find you the exact right piece, together.
At Stewart Kuper Jewelers, we do not work on commission. There is no pressure to purchase. This is not a one time visit. We want to start a lifetime relationship with you. We hope you enjoy your experience with us as much as we enjoy your visit.
