Black Diamond
Black Diamonds
Key Highlights:
- From Rags to Riches: Once dismissed as unattractive, black diamonds are now coveted for their unique colour and dramatic flair.
- Mystery Solved: The black colour arises from tiny mineral inclusions or a process called graphitization.
- A Designer’s Dream: Black diamonds create stunning contrasts in jewellery, making them a favourite among designers.
- Pop Culture Influence: Movies like “Sex and the City” and celebrities like Carmen Electra popularised black diamond jewellery.
- Crafting with Care: Cutting and setting black diamonds requires special attention due to their inclusions.
- Affordable Luxury: Compared to other coloured diamonds, black diamonds offer a more accessible path to luxury.
- Grading Black Diamonds: GIA uses “Fancy Black” to designate these stones and specifies if the colour is natural or treated.
- Delicate Beauty: The inclusions make black diamonds slightly more susceptible to damage, so proper care is essential.
- Symbol of Mystery: Black diamonds evoke drama, exclusivity, and a sense of the unknown.
Diamonds are often celebrated for their dazzling brilliance and radiant light, but black diamonds offer an intriguing alternative with their deep, mysterious beauty. Unlike traditional white diamonds, black diamonds exude a bold and captivating allure, drawing attention with their dark, opaque appearance. They carry an air of elegance that is both unconventional and striking, appealing to those who appreciate a gemstone with a story as unique as its look.
Black diamonds, also known as “carbonado,” have a fascinating origin. Some scientists believe they formed in supernova explosions in space, later making their way to Earth, adding a sense of cosmic wonder to their appeal. Others suggest they formed deep within the Earth under intense pressure, like their white counterparts. These unique origins contribute to the intrigue and rarity of black diamonds, making them highly sought after by collectors and gemstone enthusiasts.
In jewelry, black diamonds stand out as bold, dramatic centerpieces. They pair beautifully with both classic and contemporary designs, adding depth and contrast to lighter stones or metals. Their enigmatic charm makes them perfect for those seeking something out of the ordinary, a gemstone that defies tradition yet remains timeless in its elegance.
Whether worn as a statement piece or treasured as part of a collection, black diamonds invite curiosity and admiration, offering a powerful alternative to the sparkling world of traditional gems.
1. From Unloved to Coveted: A Shift in Perception
Once considered an undesirable “black sealing wax” (J.R. Sutton, Diamond: A Descriptive Treatise, 1928), black diamonds have undergone a remarkable transformation. Their historical lack of popularity is evident in the scarcity of famous black stones.
One notable exception is the legendary Eye of Brahman, also known as the Black Orlov. This 67.50-carat marvel, was eventually divided into smaller stones – the “Fancy Blacks” – that found favour with 20th-century jewellery designers.
2. A Designer's Dream
Black diamonds offer a dramatic contrast to colourless gems, creating dynamic pieces that capture the eye. Their use in pavé settings exemplifies this play of light and dark. Popular culture, too, played a role in their rise to fame. The “Sex and the City” movie franchise, featuring a black diamond engagement ring, sparked a trend, with celebrities like Carmen Electra and Kat Von D further solidifying their appeal.
3. The Science Behind the Black
Recent research has shed light on the origins of a black diamond’s colour. It can be attributed to two main factors:
- Mineral Inclusions: Myriads of tiny inclusions, like graphite, hematite, or pyrite, can absorb light, resulting in the black hue.
- Graphitization: In near-colourless, brown, or olive diamonds, fractures or cleavages can become filled with dark graphitic material, creating a concentrated darkness that gives the stone its black appearance.
This opaqueness, combined with their inherent lustre, contributes to the black diamond’s characteristic metallic sheen.
4. Crafting a Masterpiece
Cutting, polishing, and setting a black diamond requires meticulous attention to the inclusions. However, the result, when executed with expertise, is a captivating and unique piece. Additionally, black diamonds are often more affordable than their coloured counterparts, making them an attractive option for those seeking a distinctive and luxurious statement piece.
Some black diamonds even undergo colour enhancement treatments, typically involving high temperature and low-pressure processes. These treatments can transform a grey diamond with inclusions into a stunning black gem.
5. A Different Approach
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) employs the International Diamond Grading System (D-Z) for colourless and near-colourless diamonds, considering cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. However, this system isn’t practical for black diamonds due to their opaqueness and the difficulty of assessing colour variations.
Therefore, the GIA uses a specific designation – “Fancy Black” – for these stones. Additionally, their reports provide details on whether the colour is natural or treated.
6. Crafting a Masterpiece
Cutting, polishing, and setting a black diamond requires meticulous attention to the inclusions. However, the result, when executed with expertise, is a captivating and unique piece. Additionally, black diamonds are often more affordable than their coloured counterparts, making them an attractive option for those seeking a distinctive and luxurious statement piece.
Some black diamonds even undergo colour enhancement treatments, typically involving high temperature and low-pressure processes. These treatments can transform a grey diamond with inclusions into a stunning black gem.
7. Caring for Your Black Diamond
The inclusions in black diamonds can make them slightly more susceptible to damage than other stones. Avoid using steam or ultrasonic cleaners when caring for your black diamond jewellery.
8. The Black Diamond's Allure
Black diamonds evoke a sense of drama, mystery, and exclusivity. They are a perfect choice for those seeking a unique and meaningful gemstone, particularly in engagement rings. The stark contrast with white diamonds allows for a piece that reflects the depth and complexity of your relationship.
So, the next time you browse for a gemstone, consider the captivating world of black diamonds. They offer a unique aesthetic and a story of transformation, making them a truly remarkable choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, black diamonds have undergone a fascinating transformation. Once disregarded as mere “black sealing wax,” they now hold a captivating allure in the world of gemstones. Their dramatic colour, born from nature’s mysteries, allows for jewellery designs that are both bold and sophisticated. Whether you’re drawn to their symbolic association with mystery and exclusivity or simply appreciate their unique beauty, black diamonds offer a captivating alternative to traditional colourless stones. So, the next time you seek a distinctive and meaningful gemstone, remember the captivating story of the black diamond.
