10 Things You Didn't Know About Black Diamonds
Black diamond's popularity has increased over the past few years, captivating the interest of jewellery designers and collectors. Their dark allure and unique characteristics set them apart from traditional white diamonds and coloured stones. Here are ten fun facts about black diamonds you probably didn't know.
- Black Diamonds Have A Unique Composition
Unlike traditional diamonds, prized for their clarity and brilliance, black diamonds are valued for their opacity and dark, mysterious appearance. This difference arises from their unique crystal structure and composition. While white diamonds are composed almost entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice, black diamonds contain numerous inclusions of graphite, hematite, and other minerals, giving them their characteristic dark color. These inclusions can create a range of shades, from deep black to smoky gray, and result in a metallic sheen.
- Black Diamonds Can Be Natural Or Treated
Natural black diamonds are extremely rare, making up a small fraction of the world's diamond supply, with only two sources of natural black diamonds being Brazil and Central Africa. Many black diamonds on the market are natural white or grey diamonds with a high volume of dark inclusions, that have been subjected to high temperatures or irradiation treatment to achieve a uniform dark body color.
- Black Diamonds Don't Sparkle, They Shine!
Black diamonds have a porous structure, filled with tiny graphite inclusions and other minerals, making them opaque. This gives them a smooth, shiny, often metallic luster, distinct from the clear sparkle of traditional diamonds. Black diamonds absorb light whereas white and other fancy coloured diamonds reflect light through the facets. Combining black and white diamonds in settings blends the reflective brilliance of white diamonds with the metallic sheen of black diamonds, resulting in a distinctive combination, designers use to create dynamic and stunning pieces.
- Black Diamonds Are Harder to Cut
Black diamonds are polycrystalline (a solid material that consists of small crystals arranged in a grain formation) and contain numerous inclusions. Their structure makes them more challenging to cut and polish than other diamonds, making the work of a skilled gem cutter crucial in bringing out their beauty. Black diamonds can be cut into any shape, but the round cut is the most popular shape used in jewellery fabrication.
Black diamonds can also be cut into faceted beads and strung into necklaces and bracelets. The final result is a stand of enchanting black diamonds that reflect a metallic finish as the wearer moves.
- Black Diamond Symbolism and Popularity
Black diamonds are often associated with strength, power, and boldness in jewellery. Different cultures have ascribed various meanings to black diamonds. In the Middle Ages, they are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. In medieval Europe, they were thought to ward off evil and protect against negative energy.
Their popularity surged after being featured in high-profile pieces, such as the engagement ring of the TV character Carrie Bradshaw in the "Sex and the City" series. Since then, many celebrities have sported black diamond jewellery, including Carmen Electra, Kat Von D, and Lance Bass.
- Black Diamonds Are Not Part of the Four Cs
The traditional GIA grading system for diamonds—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight (the Four Cs)—does not apply to black diamonds. Instead, their value is often assessed based on the GIA Color grading system, which identifies them as "Fancy Black Diamond" based on their uniformity of colour, size, and cut quality.
- Black Diamonds Price Point
Black diamonds are generally less expensive than their white or fancy-coloured counterparts despite their rarity. This makes them an excellent option for those looking for unique and affordable gemstone. The price point and durability factors make black diamonds ideal for engagement rings and wedding bands for the modern couple.
- Black Diamonds Hold A Variety Of Industrial Uses
While black diamonds are valued as gems for the purpose of jewellery design, they also have significant industrial applications. Their extreme hardness makes them ideal for cutting, grinding, and drilling tools. Many diamond coated or infused drill bits and blades are used both in the construction and technological industries for their durability and precision.
- Black Diamonds Have Extreme Hardness, But Not Toughness
Diamonds are:
- The hardest material on earth
- Score a ten on the Mohs Hardness Scale
- Diamond jewellery is extremely durable and resistant to scratches and abrasions.
Black diamonds share the same hardness as white and other fancy coloured diamonds. However, their nature includes numerous microscopic inclusions and fractures that reduce the stone's toughness. Toughness refers to how vulnerable a gemstone is to breakage, chipping, or cracking when it suffers an impact. Black diamonds have extreme harnesses but no toughness, which jewellery designers keep in mind when designing black diamond jewelley. Properly designed and fabricated jewellery settings and mount will protect diamonds and other gemstones from damage.
- Record-Breaking Black Diamond: The Enigma
In 2022, Sothersby held an Auction for the 'Enigma', a 555.55 carat black diamond with 55 facets, recognized globally as the largest fancy black diamond. Originally over 800 carats, it underwent a three-year cut transformation, becoming the largest cut diamond in the world to go up for auction, fetching $4.28 million.
Black Diamonds At J.H. Young Jewellers
Black diamonds continue to captivate with their beauty, versatility and symbolism. Whether set in a piece of fine jewellery or used in industrial applications, they remain a testament to the incredible wonder of the natural world.
Visit our showroom to shop our wide selection of black diamond jewellery, including earrings, necklaces, rings and bracelets.
For further reading check out these publications
https://4cs.gia.edu/en-us/blog/black-diamonds-what-you-need-to-know/
https://www.gia.edu/gems-gemology/WN13-LN-black-diamond
https://www.gabrielny.com/blog/black-diamond-jewelry/
