The attractive option to colorless diamonds is the black diamond. Black diamonds, also known as carbonados, were previously only used industrially. Black diamonds are currently the most popular option for alternative or edgy looks in non-traditional engagement bands. Consider a black diamond if you're searching for a distinctive stone with the hardness and brilliance of a colorless diamond!
Natural Black of Enhanced Black Diamonds
Natural fancy black diamonds and treated (or improved) black diamonds are the two different categories of black diamonds. Natural black diamonds, which are extremely rare and are only discovered in Central Africa and Brazil, get their color from graphite inclusions.
Colorless diamonds that have undergone heat or radiation treatments to make them black are known as treated black diamonds. For this procedure, a number of inclusion-filled colorless diamonds are frequently used. Once the diamond's surface has darkened and become opaque, the unwanted inclusions are no longer visible.
Black diamonds are a type of salt and pepper gemstone. Even more inclusions can be found in these diamonds, but they are translucent rather than solid. Each salt and pepper diamond has a distinct pattern of black and white flecks.
Benefits and Disadvantages
It's crucial to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of selecting a black diamond if you're searching for a black stone for your engagement ring. Luckily, this lovely colored diamond has very few negative aspects!
Benefits:
Black diamonds are extremely durable and resistant to scratching, just like colorless diamonds. Black diamonds retain their luster and sparkle longer than other dark stones (like onyx or black sapphire). They also have gems without color's inherent shine.
Black diamonds, particularly the treated variety, can also be a very affordable choice. Compared to a pure black diamond's price range of R30000–R55000 , treated black diamonds cost about R6000 per carat.
Disadvantages:
Black diamonds are extremely hard, but they can also be very fragile and prone to breaking. Black diamonds, both natural and heat-treated, are frequently extensively included. A diamond's structure is weakened by inclusions, which are basically minute fractures within the stone. A heavily included diamond may shatter if struck or bumped in the incorrect location.
Natural black diamonds are prone to harm due to their distinctive structure. They are a microcrystalline conglomerate, not a diamond. Black diamonds are made up of countless minuscule crystals that are locked together in an arbitrary orientation. This leads to volatility in a black diamond's structure similar to inclusions.
Quality of Black Diamonds
When determining a black diamond's quality, the procedure is a little different. Of course, to determine whether a black diamond is heat-treated or natural, always look at the proof. There is no need to be concerned about hue or clarity when it comes to the 4C's. There is only one color grade, fancy black, and both varieties of black diamonds have already been included in significant amounts. It all comes down to taste with salt and pepper jewels.
The major aspect to take into account when selecting a black diamond is cut. Since black diamonds are so fragile, cutting them can be very difficult, making high-quality cuts costly. A good cut can add some sparkle, particularly to salt and pepper diamonds, even though black diamonds don't reflect light as well as other diamonds do. Look for a rose cut black diamond or one with a small table and big crown facets to optimize sparkle.
Black diamonds are typically not shaped in the more elaborate ways. Black diamonds are typically available in the following shapes: round, cushion, and pear, but you will need to search further (or pay more) for others.
Since black diamonds are denser than other diamonds, the carat is also distinct in this instance. A 1 carat black diamond will actually weigh less than a 1 carat clear diamond because carat refers to the weight of the stone. Instead of concentrating on the carat size when imagining how a black diamond will appear in a ring, consider the cut and form.
Style to Wear
Unique engagement bands are made with diamonds in shades of black, salt, and pepper. Put them in a platinum frame with colorless diamonds or rubies for a contemporary appearance. Salt and pepper diamonds with varying degrees of polish and roughness have an antique look, particularly when mounted on a thin yellow or rose gold band.
Even though these diamonds are tough and won't scratch, their fragility makes them susceptible to harm. Black diamonds that are smaller than those that are bigger are much less likely to fracture. Use black diamonds in a wedding ring or combine them with a different center stone if you adore the mysterious beauty of black diamonds but don't want to worry about the stone cracking. When surrounded, colorless diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and citrine appear incredibly vibrant.
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