Everything You Need to Know About Black Diamond Jewelry?

In ‘Sex and The City 2’, Mr. Big finally proposes to Carrie Bradshaw with a unique ring. He uses the words, ‘because you’re not like anyone else’. We can’t help but agree! The ring in question? A gorgeous 5-carat black diamond, framed with small white diamonds in a halo, set in 18k white gold.

Over the last few years, celebrities have embraced the black diamond trend. Blake Lively was spotted wearing black diamond earrings and a neckpiece, while Selena Gomez flaunted a huge black diamond ring. Gwyneth Paltrow wore a stunning black diamond bracelet at the Emmy’s, while Taylor Swift has been sporting them in her music videos. Other singers like Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna have channeled a Rockstar vibe with black diamond statement pieces at events. So, what makes this attractive stone so special?

Can a Black Diamond be Graded?

Yes, a black diamond is graded for quality like a white or colorless diamond. However, the way of grading varies. Black diamonds are graded for color on the single grade term ‘fancy black’. Natural AAAA-grade black diamonds are extremely rare and expensive. The next grade — Natural AAA — is also on the higher-priced side, as these diamonds boast an even blacker hue. Natural AA stones comprise 10% of black diamonds and are a great option for fine jewelry pieces, while Natural A and Natural B make up the lower end of the color grade. As for clarity, it is again based on the nature and number of undesired inclusions, such as small chips, feather-like cracks, cavities, or dark spots that are not in line with the overall dark hue of the gem.

How Do Black Diamonds Differ from Black Sapphires?

Black diamonds and black sapphires may look similar to the untrained eye at first glance, but they are different in their very elemental composition. Fancy black diamonds contain graphite in the inclusions, as we know. On the other hand, black sapphires are made of corundum inclusions causing the black hue. Black sapphires are more abundantly available when compared to fancy black diamonds and are far more affordable and durable. However, they are no substitute for black diamonds. The latter is rarer and way more precious and offers an unparalleled shine.

Do Black Diamonds Sparkle?

Yes and no. They sparkle, but not in the same way as you would expect a white diamond to. With white diamonds, the shine comes from light reflecting off and passing through the stone. It’s a more brilliant, dazzling sparkle. Black diamonds, however, are opaque and tend to absorb light instead of reflecting it. So, their polished surfaces create a more dramatic but lesser dazzling sparkle. It looks more like a subtle sheen. When embellished in jewelry, black diamonds anyway stand out, but they sparkle even better against white gold or platinum. The neutral, silvery hue of these two metals contrasts with and highlights the dark beauty of the black diamonds.

Conclusion

No doubt you are in love with the mystical and unusual composition of these shining black gemstones, just the way we are! They are undoubtedly out-of-this-world, in the truest sense of the term! To choose from a range of black diamond rings, necklaces, bracelets, bangles, earrings, and more, visit Gabriel & Co.