Factors to consider when buying a black diamond

In the final few minutes of Sex and the city 2, Mr. Big presents Carrie with a 5ct diamond ring by Itay Malkin. She asks him if the black diamond signifies the blackness in her heart for which he says “it’s because you’re not like anyone else.” Black is technically not a colour. However, when it comes to gemstones, black is considered as a “fancy colour.” Diamonds are typically prized for their colourlessness. However, fancy coloured diamonds are patronised by many as they are unique. While uniqueness is certainly a factor to consider while buying a black diamond, let us see what are the other value characteristics that we must know about.

Can a diamond be black?

The short answer is yes! The natural black diamond obtains its colour during the creation process. They have high number of inclusions that form graphite clusters rendering the gemstone dark. The polycrystalline structure gives a dark, opaque almost metallic appearance. Regardless of the colour, the black diamond too is a hard stone with a Mohs hardness score of 10 just like its colourless counterpart. That is why, a black diamond is also referred to as carbonado.

Factors to consider when buying a black diamond

Black diamonds are found in very few places globally. South America, particularly Brazil and Central Africa have some deposits. While buying a black diamond you need to be aware of two main categories of diamonds: the natural black diamond and treated black diamonds.

1. Clarity

Clarity in a black diamond is discussed differently. AAA quality black diamond is jet black, devoid of any visible white lines, and is brilliantly cut. Black diamonds found in nature even with its white spots are more valuable and desirable than treated black diamonds. But a treated or enhance black diamond will be uniformly black.

2. Colour

Colour falls outside the colourless diamond grading and into the coloured diamond category. There is no titillation or that rainbow sparkle in a black diamond, just an overall gloss.

3. Treatments

Different varieties of black diamonds exist and many of them are pale grays. As with other stones, they are enhanced to create opaque blackness using radiation treatment or high temperature, high pressure HTHP treatment. In some cases, they may be treated to become a dark blackish green so they looks dark.

4. Cut

Black diamonds are typically found in round brilliant, oval, and marquise cuts while other cuts such as cushion cuts, trillion cuts are also possible.

5. Carat

Black diamonds are denser and so will be a smaller size at the same carat value as that of a colourless diamond. Larger black diamonds tend to be treated. Buy calibrated black diamonds to be sure of their size.

6. Cost

While this is not a value characteristic, cost is often the most important point we have in mind while buying gemstones in colour. Contrary to popular opinion that all coloured diamonds are expensive, buying a black diamond costs less compared to buying a colourless diamond. Hence you can afford a bigger stone while remaining within your budget.

Since a black diamond is heavily included, it is more susceptible to breakage if handled roughly. So take good care of it, cleaning it regularly using warm water and gently wiping with a soft cloth. Unlike other black gemstones, a black diamond is not a mourning store, but used as a celebratory gemstone. It is fashionable, chic and fits various aesthetics. So If you are in the market for gemstones in colour, take a look at Black diamonds.

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