Many people ask are black diamonds real. Is this something you have been wondering about as well? The short answer is that black diamonds are genuine. There are a few types of black diamonds, some more valuable than others.
A black diamond is unique if you are looking for something different in an engagement ring. But make sure that when shopping for a black diamond engagement ring, you take your time to research, so you know exactly what you are getting and that you are getting your money’s worth.
This article discusses different types of black diamonds, their value, quality, and where they come from. Let’s get started.
Types of Black Diamonds
There are three main types of black diamonds: natural black diamonds, treated black diamonds, and man-made black diamonds. These diamonds are real, even man-made black diamonds. But not all have the same qualities or values.
Natural black diamonds are referred to as fancy black diamonds. Carbonados are man-made black diamonds. Then, there are treated black diamonds, which tend to be the most commonly purchased.
Natural Black Diamonds
Natural black diamonds are very different from those in other colors. This type of diamond is what is known as “impure. It is a polycrystalline diamond made up of diamond, graphite, and amorphous carbon.
Diamonds of other colors get their color through impurities that happen while forming. For instance, a blue diamond gets its color from boron. Black diamonds are much like white diamonds that have many inclusions. They are full of graphite clusters, so essentially, they appear black.
Treated Black Diamonds
A treated black diamond is a white diamond with low value because it has many inclusions. Irradiation or heat is used to treat these diamonds to bring out the black. Otherwise, this type of diamond is generally only used as an industry-grade diamond.
Treated black diamonds are often called “colorless treated black diamonds” or “black-colored diamonds.” These tend to be the least expensive of all black diamonds. After all, they are made from diamonds that would otherwise be considered useless because they have so many inclusions.
Man-Made Black Diamonds
Man-made black diamonds, also called lab-grown, synthetic, or simulant black diamonds, are not diamonds. Some jewelers may argue this point, but all three terms refer to the same type of black diamond.
They are generally referred to as faux, but there are many differences between them. A lab-grown diamond is real, even though it has not been mined. But, because it isn’t “natural,” it is much less expensive than one that has been mined. While they aren’t mined, a lot of technology is used to create this type of black diamond, so they are still quite expensive. This means they are less popular than other black diamonds, which are often cheaper.
These black diamonds are not cheap and are not made often. You can expect to spend a pretty penny to get one when they are. But, thanks to technological advancements, you might notice they are becoming less expensive as time passes.
There are also simulants or synthetics, which are pretty much the same as cubic zirconia. These black diamonds are relatively inexpensive and readily available. Unfortunately, those who do not know what they are looking for are often fooled into thinking that these are real black diamonds, and then they end up with jewelry that has little to no value.
Where do Black Diamonds Get Their Color?
We mentioned that graphite is the source of color in natural black diamonds. The more inclusions in a diamond, the darker its color. So, essentially, a black diamond is a white diamond with inclusions and is often used for rings, pendants, and other pieces. The more inclusions, the blacker the stone will look, which is quite beautiful.
We all know that diamonds are one of, if not the hardest surfaces on Earth. Diamonds score the highest number on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, a 10. The structure is a solid crystal with many natural lines. Then there are black diamonds. These comprise several smaller crystals that come together in a random formation.
Even though black diamonds receive a 10 on the Mohs scale, they are much harder than most white diamonds. In fact, before they became popular as gemstones for jewelry, they were often used to create tools and other items because they are so durable.
How Much do Black Diamonds Cost?
You may be wondering if black diamonds are expensive. When you come down to it, the price depends on the size. If you look at jewelry with a small black diamond, it likely isn’t overly expensive. Of course, if you want a larger stone, you can expect the prices to increase with the size.
If you want a beautiful black diamond without spending much money, a treated black diamond may be your best option as they cost less than natural black diamonds. These are readily available, as the demand is much lower than for natural stones. If you have your heart set on a genuine black diamond, you can expect to spend anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 per carat.
Where do Natural Black Diamonds Come From?
There are very few locations around the world where black diamonds form naturally. While many other types of diamond mines exist worldwide, natural black diamonds can only be found in Brazil and Central Africa. If someone tells you that a black diamond comes from any other part of the world, know that they are lying just to make a sale or are not very educated about black diamonds.
How Can You Tell if a Black Diamond is of High Quality?
There is only one way to know if a black diamond has been treated or is a natural fancy black diamond. If you are in the market for a natural black diamond, buying one graded by a reputable lab, such as the GIA, is strongly recommended. In fact, the GIA will inform you about the stone with an Identification and Origin Report.
This report will give you the color grade, which is obviously black, the carat weight, the color origin (which should be natural), and the measurements of the stone. Because a black diamond is opaque, the report will not make mention of the polish and symmetry of the stone.
When choosing a black diamond, look for one that appeals to you. The three main qualities to look for are shape, size, and luster. In fact, these are the only qualities you should think about when shopping for a natural black diamond.
Are Black Diamonds and Black Sapphires the Same Thing?
Many people mistakenly believe that black diamonds and black sapphires are the same. Actually, they are different. As you have probably figured out from this article, natural black diamonds are rare. They are created by including graphite in the crystalline structure as the diamond forms.
On the other hand, black sapphires are made of corundum, and some inclusions cause the stone to be black in color. The most significant difference between these two stones is that while natural black diamonds are rare, black sapphires are pretty standard, with most coming from Australia.
Conclusion
A black diamond is an excellent option if you are shopping for an engagement ring and want something different and unique. It is a real diamond; if natural, it is highly valued and sought after.
