What are Black Diamonds? Do They Command Great Value

Black diamonds are among the more mysterious additions to the world of diamonds and gemstone jewellery in general. The first, and arguably most significant factor is that they are identified as diamonds. Which is technically true. However, there is more to this black stone than meets the eye.

In this Education page, we will unveil some of the mysterious aspects of the black diamond, explain its value proposition, outline of its history of use, and its growing adoption in the world of gemstone and gemstone jewellery.

What are Black Diamonds?

Black diamonds are real diamonds: meaning they are carbon-based gemstones, which feature pretty much the same atomic structure as the famous colourless variants. Black diamonds distinguish themselves from the better normal or colourless variety of diamonds that has historically been dominant in the gemstone and jewellery world.

It might be interesting to note that there is no single variant of black diamonds: as this term is used to describe a number of carbon-based crystals that fall under the heading of ‘black diamonds’. To understand the differences between various types of black diamonds let us look at each one in turn.

Colour Enhanced Black Diamonds

Arguably the most accessible form of black diamond in the market, these diamonds begin life as low-quality colourless diamonds or brown diamonds. Which are then subjected to heating and other forms of treatments that artificially enhance or add colour to them. Colour enhancement in diamonds is similar to sapphire enhancement in the world of gemstones, the difference however is that the type of treatments that are used, varies from general heating to radiation treatments which are not popular in the gemstone world. Technically colour enhanced black diamonds is not black, for upon deep inspection they reveal a deep green hue. And hence these stones are a more affordable black diamond option.

Lab Created Black Diamonds

This is an interesting addition to this list, as lab-created or lab-grown diamonds have become increasingly popular in recent times. These gemstones are valued for their greater affordability, and now with their growing adoption, they are considered popular choices for their ethical character. With created black diamonds, likely follow the natural diamond creation process but are followed by the addition of trace minerals that produce diamond colour via natural processes in nature.

Carbonados

Whilst technically considered under the heading of black diamonds, carbonados are in an interesting addition to the world of gemstones and to diamonds in particular. Carbonados were long a mainstay in the industrial world, owing to their immense durability and hardness, which is considered by some experts in the field as even harder than other diamond variants. This is due to the microcrystalline structure: meaning carbonados diamond variety features a unique mix of carbon, diamond and graphite elements. That is unlike the monocrystalline character of most other diamond types (i.e. like the colourless diamond). Which makes them much harder and better suited to cutting and other industrial works. In their natural state it is easy to confuse carbonados with hardened coal, however, when subjected to careful industrial processes such as laser cutting has made a viable option in the world of diamond jewellery. Carbonados are the second best option for those who are looking for a more authentic variant in the black diamond family, and for those interested, some reports have pointed to their space origins, that these black diamonds originated from meteors.

Natural Fancy Black Diamonds

Right, so now we are getting to the business end. Authentic natural black diamonds or fancy-coloured black diamonds are those which feature an orderly lattice-like crystalline atomic structure, which is a feature of natural colourless diamonds the real deal. And they, as one might have guessed, are the rarest and most sought-after. Since colour in diamonds is a relatively rare phenomenon, particularly with stronger hues like, blue, green, pink and red, when it comes to black diamonds to have a stone with these characteristics is quite rare. However natural black fancy diamonds, like yellow diamonds, get their colour from trace minerals, such as pyrite, graphite, or hematite, which are found in various levels. If you have seen our other discussion on the difference between coloured and colourless diamonds, are much rarer than in other gemstone types. This is why these fancy black diamonds command a high price that ranges from the high $ 10,000s to $ 100,000s.

Black Diamond Countries of Origin

The origins of black diamonds go back to the mid part of the 19th century to gem rich nation of Brazil. Famous for its gem and mineral deposits, a country that leads the way in emeralds and amethyst gemstones, and it has remained one of the main sources of black diamonds in the world. In the time since black diamond deposits have also been sourced to parts of Africa, with the central African republic, leading the way. Much of the black diamond deposits are directed towards industrial production, with gem quality stones being much rarer, hence driving the growth of other black diamond alternatives.

Grading Black Diamonds

When it comes to grading diamonds the established industry standard is the 4Cs of diamonds. Which measures the quality of the stone based on its carat, cut, clarity and colour. When it comes to black diamonds the standards are a bit different. Whilst the carat, and cut remain significant when it comes to clarity and colour things are a bit different. Black diamonds naturally feature a lot more inclusions, which in some variants is partly what gives its distinct hue. Black diamonds are naturally valued for their colour, and critically, given the variety of black diamond types that are in the market, it is the specific natural fancy black diamond variety, which features a monocrystalline structure with the addition of trace minerals for its colour. This is the most premium variety and the best jewellery option. For more details, the GIA has put together a dedicated report on grading coloured diamonds.

Black Diamond Jewellery

When it comes to buying black diamond jewellery there are a few important factors to consider. First black diamonds, particularly gem quality versions tend to be less well known and hence see far less adoption in the world of gemstone jewellery. Which automatically puts the wearer of black diamond jewellery apart from the rest. Whilst black diamonds do suffer from a lack of awareness, certain top black diamonds have been made to market as popular gemstones. Notable here is the Black Orlov or the Eye of Brahma which weighs a massive of s 67.50 carats, a stone that is believed to be imbued with the powers of the gods. But with their growing popularity, black diamonds are now entering mainstream use, with even black diamond engagement rings becoming a feature in top jewellery companies.