Black Diamonds vs Black Sapphires: The Dark Gems Explained

Main Picture - A Black Sapphire Engagement Ring by Brilliyond Jewellery

When it comes to fine jewellery, the market is dominated by the usual suspects: Diamond and the three other precious stone varieties. With the key competitor for diamonds, being sapphires. However, precious stones come in a variety of colours, and some, with distinct attributes owing to their colour. Which upon a deeper study is a reflection of the kind of qualities that people (often) subjectively attach to the stone. Gemstones, in addition to their glow and colour, are complex structures. That depending on the gemstone in question, come with unique mineral characteristics, which come to determine the various advantageous, people see in the precious stone. Here we engage two types of gemstones: each from distinct categories. Both of which are united by their relative level of obscurity, but not value. One of them arguably more so. They are black diamonds and black sapphires. Let’s begin with a quick breakdown of each of these precious stones.

Black Diamonds

Whilst most of us tend to associate diamonds with the colour ‘white’ or to its ‘colourless’ character. Diamond actually come in a number of shades and tones. Coloured or fancy or diamonds are a particular range of diamonds, that are known for their uniqueness, that fall outside the D-Z diamond grading range. Since colour is not something that is often associated with diamonds, this attribute adds a unique value to the gemstone. Black diamonds, whilst officially falling under the category of coloured diamonds, however owing to their history of use, mainly in industrial applications, the popularity of black diamonds as a choice of precious jewellery is less popular. However, this is starting to change. Especially given the rise in popularity of coloured diamonds: as a high-end range of this variety of gemstones.

The Characteristics of Black Diamonds 

Black diamonds are known for their unique crystal structure. Unlike ordinary diamonds, black diamonds have a higher number of inclusions. Which at times viewed as a mark of poor quality. However, the unique distinction of black diamonds is the effects produced by the higher number of inclusions that they contain. Possibly the hardest type of diamonds, black diamonds are the result of an ardours process of separating and cutting. The demanding character of mining and in bringing it to the market black diamonds has given to the rise of lab-grown alternatives. The industrial popularity of black diamonds is now spilling over to into the consumer space.

“Carbonados”

Considered a version of black diamonds, these stones derive their colour from the unique polycrystalline material with which they are made of, which is different from the isometric crystal structure of ordinary black diamonds. The unique composition of carbon and graphite composition materials that gives rise to a charcoal-like colour, and hence garners a unique visual appeal. Further, carbonados, unlike traditional diamonds are found in alluvial deposits-like sapphires-and not in the usual kimberlite rock formation, deep within the Earth. Given the unique mineral character of carbonados, some even speculate that the origins of these stones might from out of space.

Lab-Grown Black Diamonds

Owing to the growing demand for black diamonds, and the greater time and energy that is spent in bringing natural black diamonds to market, lab-grown or synthetic diamonds have been on the rise. Not to be confused with diamond simulants, these artificial gemstones, have increased in popularity, partly to meet the ever-growing industrial demands for diamond tools, but also the related consumer demand for synthetic diamonds in general. For the ethical benefits of buying lab-grown diamonds, has been key in driving demand for this variety of coloured diamonds, when it comes to fine jewellery.

Black Diamond Jewelry

As noted, black diamonds first found their home in industrial use. Where the hardness of this stone was employed in precision cutting and other technical uses. However, the appeal of its unique colour, now in diamond form, drove the growing demand for this stone in the past few decades. Now, black diamonds jewellery, have become a speciality item. As jewellers have sought to position this stone as a top of the range diamond option. Given that fine jewellery is increasingly being customized. As options to have a select colour, tone and design are valued increasingly: Where personal taste, and culture, and other preferences are beginning to affect the choice of gemstone that people choose. Black diamonds, owing to their unique colour are starting to command greater attention in this regard. However, owing to the high-level inclusions, natural black diamonds are often subjected to high pressure and radiation treatment. Whilst the acceptability of these measures tend to differ. 

Black Sapphires

It's entirely possible that you're unfamiliar with this specific type of sapphires, and that's understandable. Let's start with the name: "Black sapphires." This moniker might sound like a marketing gimmick designed to pique interest in a unique sapphire variety, but in reality, these gemstones genuinely exist. The name evokes a distinct Ceylonese essence, as this variety of deep-blue sapphire stones is primarily found in the Sri Lanka. Known locally as "Kaka Nil," this name, along with its various regional derivatives, often translates to meanings associated with darkness or a deep blue hue, similar to that of a raven's plumage. The appeal of black sapphires lies in their rare color - a deep blue so intense it nearly appears black. Experts in the gemstone industry regard black sapphire gemstones as a distinct category, setting them apart from the well-known blue sapphires due to their unique dark hue.

A high resolution photo of a black sapphire gemstone. Under bright light we can see the blue colour in it.

Mysterious Qualities

True to its regional origins, black sapphires are believed to carry a number of mystical qualities. In a part of the world where mysticism, superstition and other mysterious traditions dominate, black sapphires, like other precious stones, are a natural candidate when it comes to mystical beliefs of many who hold onto them. Whilst its advantageous properties are not fully known, but as this precious stone gains in popularity, so will the mystical benefits that will be attached to it. 

Comparison Between Black Diamonds vs Black Sapphires

Whilst both of these are precious stones, there are some clear differences between them. The obvious distinction between diamonds and sapphires aside, these two ‘mysterious’ gemstones carry a number of unique traits which are worth considering.

Black Sapphire, Diamond Jewelry

This was to be expected. As the popularity of black diamonds and the awareness surrounding black sapphires increases, their use in fine jewellery will only move up. Whilst speculating on jewellery buying trends is always difficult, what is clear is that the modern consumer values diversity and range of choices above all else. And in parts of the world like India, where beliefs in mystical, and astronomical powers are strong, the mystical qualities of gemstones, in relation to their distinct colour, character, and special attributes will only increase. And black sapphire engagement rings are set to be a strong contender in this field.