What type of diamond is black?

Black diamonds come in three main types: natural black diamonds; diamonds that have been treated to become black; and synthetic/man-made black diamonds. As with all diamonds, natural diamonds are significantly more valuable and desirable. Discover the different types of black diamonds.

Is a black diamond a true diamond?

Yes! Black diamonds are real diamonds. Natural diamonds, Carbonados, and treated black diamonds are all found in nature. Unlike natural diamonds and Carbonados, treated black diamonds aren't naturally black, they're treated with heat to get their color.

Is a black diamond rare?

Although most black diamonds on the market today are either superheated or irradiated to an almost black color, natural black diamonds do exist, though they are extremely rare.

What color grade is a black diamond?

Natural AA black diamonds are the third highest quality stones in terms of color grading. This grading bracket represents the top 10% of gemstones, making them great choices for fine jewelry pieces.

Does a black diamond have clarity?

Black diamonds are opaque, meaning their clarity is not measured by the same scale as colorless to near-colorless diamonds. Unlike other traditional white diamonds, carbonados don't refract and reflect light in the same way, and their inclusions are actually what give the gems their rich beauty.

All About Black Diamonds

Are black diamonds good?

Types of Black Diamonds

Treated black diamonds are less valuable than their natural counterparts. These are white diamonds with a high number of inclusions and fractures, and often a dull grey appearance. In their initial state, these diamonds are nearly worthless, and only used for industrial purposes.

How can I tell if my black diamond is real?

Water Drop Test

(This test is easier to do with a loose black diamond or a raw black diamond, but you may be able to get the black diamond out of its setting). If it sinks to the bottom, then it's real. If it floats on top or just below the surface of the water, then it's a fake black diamond.

Do black diamonds sparkle?

Although the graphite also prevents light from coming through, that doesn't mean black diamonds are dull. In fact, they shine and sparkle in a similar way to white diamonds, thanks to their facets, or polished surfaces.

Are black diamonds more expensive?

The Rarity & Affordability of Black Diamonds

Black diamonds are much more rare than colorless diamonds, which may come as a surprise if you're familiar with these diamonds' price points– black diamonds are much less expensive than colorless diamonds.

Is a black diamond just coal?

Natural Black Diamonds are actually quite different than other colored diamonds. The "dry" explanation to what a black diamond is, is an impure form of polycrystalline diamond consisting of diamond, graphite, and amorphous carbon. Not that clear...

What's the rarest color diamond?

Red diamonds are the rarest of the colored diamonds, with only 20-30 existing in the entire world. They get their beautiful red color from a rare process during their formation, which changes the crystal structure of the diamond and causes light to pass through it differently than colorless diamonds.

Do black diamonds pass diamond tester?

We noticed that many times local jewelers will perform the test using regular diamond testers which measure the light reflections from the inside of diamonds. Because black diamonds are opaque, this test will most likely give an inaccurate result and the device will show that what you have is a moissanite.

Is Onyx more expensive than diamond?

Onyx engagement rings are affordable, eye-catching and put simply, very beautiful. They're a less expensive alternative to black diamonds.

What is the rarest diamond?

Red diamonds are the rarest and some of the most expensive in the world. Also known as Fancy Reds, they come in a variety of shades ranging from orange-red to brownish red. Majority of the world's red diamonds come from the Argyle Diamond Mine in Australia.

What does a black diamond ring mean?

Black diamonds are said to have a deep spiritual meaning and often used as protection from evil. It is believed the beautiful dark gemstone provides a link between the spiritual and physical world.

Can black diamonds crack?

Black diamonds are known to be difficult to cut and polish, because of their structural patterns. As a result, they can easily crack or break apart during the arduous and long cutting process.

What is the difference between a black diamond and onyx?

Hardness and Durability

Diamonds are the hardest naturally-occurring substances known to man, and they max out the Mohs hardness scale with a hardness level of 10. On the other hand, onyx is significantly softer, coming in at only a 7-Mohs hardness level.

What do black diamonds look like?

In fact, the actual body color of a natural black diamond may range from near-colorless to brown or “olive” green. Natural-color black diamonds typically are completely opaque, with a high luster that gives the stones an almost metallic appearance.

Are black diamonds worth anything?

Diamond Carat

However, when it comes to GIA certified natural black diamonds, the price can easily be $1,500-$3,000 per carat for diamonds weighing 1.00 - 3.00 carats. Meaning that a 1 carat natural black diamond ring would cost approximately $2,500 - $3,000.

How do you tell if a black diamond is real with a flashlight?

Simply hold the loose diamond near a light source, like a lamp, and see the reflection of the light from the diamond. This test will be best if there is another gem that you'll compare along with it, like cubic zirconia. You'll see how different their effects are to light.

Where do black diamonds come from?

Black diamonds are found only in Brazil and the Central African Republic.

Do black diamonds scratch easily?

Pros: Like colorless diamonds, black diamonds are very hard and don't scratch easily. Compared to other black stones (like onyx or black sapphire), black diamonds won't lose their shine or luster over time. They also have the natural shine of colorless diamonds.