Black diamonds have captured the imagination for centuries with their mystical darkness and rarity. Though highly sought after, these unique gemstones remain largely enigmatic—"What are black diamonds?" Many ask. I saw that as one of the world's top suppliers, the company Barkevs is uniquely positioned to unravel the secrets behind these elusive dark gems. Let's explore what makes black diamonds and black diamond engagement rings so special and distinguish them from other black gem varieties.
Tracing the Origin of Black Diamonds
The unusual darkness of black diamonds stems from a process known as solid-state diffusion. During their formation over billions of years deep within the earth's crust, traces of nitrogen were absorbed into their crystalline matrix. This nitrogen effectively masks the diamond's transparency, instead giving its appearance a jet black color.
In reality, true black diamonds are still completely transparent, just like their colorless cousins. But hold one up to the light and it will appear uniformly black all the way through rather than opaque. This eternal darkness makes "What are black diamonds?" such a common query, as their gemstone nature deceives the eye.
Separating Black Diamonds from Imitations
Given their legendary rarity and beauty, black diamonds have been imitated for decades. But it's crucial to know that black diamonds in the genuine sense refers only to gem-quality black diamonds formed by nature's incredible geological processes. Here are some of the key differences:
Imitation black diamonds are artificially dyed, coated or impregnated to achieve their darkness. Only natural black diamonds absorb nitrogen through a multi-billion year development period deep underground.
Replicas often contain tell-tale fractures, stresses or seams from artificial treatments visible under 10x magnification. Natural black diamonds remain crystallographically flawless.
Imitations seldom reach the hardness and optical characteristics of true black diamonds on Mohs and refractive index scales that identify them as precious high-pressure polymorphs of carbon.
Appreciating the Rarity and Value of Black Diamonds
As we've discussed, one of the main things that sets black diamonds apart from other gemstones is their extraordinary rarity. With fewer than 1 in 100,000 natural diamonds appearing in the coveted black hue, they are exponentially scarcer than even colorless diamonds. This extreme scarcity magnifies their value significantly.
In Barkevs they see black diamonds ranging from 2 carats all the way up to the unbelievably rare 20 carat specimens that sell for well over $1 million per carat. In auctions, pristine doratori carbonados over 5 carats have exceeded $6 million hammer prices. Forbes recently reported a 12.03 carat D-FL black diamond sold privately for $6.7 million.
Rarity isn't just defined by a diamond's hue though - the richness and saturation of its black color also influences demand. Deeper blacks with minimal hues are the most prized. Size and clarity further increase value, as large blacks over 1 carat without inclusions can sell for hundreds of thousands per carat. Truly matchless blacks topping 5 carats flawless would command astronomical prices...if any could be found!
Artistic Inspiration from Black Diamonds
Beyond their investment allure, black diamonds continue to captivate creatively through the ages. History's most renowned jewelers crafted exquisite one-of-a-kind pieces showcasing their darkness. Today, designers remain inspired by the mystical quality black diamonds impart on works of art.
In the past year alone, Barkevs has seen everything from custom black diamond necklaces with carbonado clusters valued at $750,000 to exclusive black and rose gold rings featuring over 15 carats of perfect blacks at well over $2 million. Modern architecture and luxury automotive designs even incorporate jet black diamonds for lavish trim.
Are black diamonds truly black?
While black diamonds appear inky and opaque to the eye, they are actually colorless like normal diamonds. Their pure black coloration is caused by dense concentrations of carbon and nitrogen that were incorporated into the diamond's crystal structure during formation deep underground over extremely long periods of time and high pressure.
How can you tell if a black diamond is real?
There are several ways to authenticate a natural black diamond. It will be completely transparent with no fractures when examined under 10x magnification.
Are black diamonds more valuable than colorless diamonds?
Yes, because true black diamonds are exponentially rarer than even flawless colorless diamonds. Only about 1 in 100,000 natural diamonds will form with the coveted black hue.
Are all black diamonds the same price?
No, there are various factors that impact the cost of a black diamond like clarity, color saturation, size, and its origin. Deeper, richer blacks command higher prices. The clarity and lack of inclusions also raise value significantly.
Do black diamonds come in certified cuts and shapes too?
Absolutely. While round brilliants and cushions predominate for their inky sparkle, master cutters are able to shape natural black diamonds into all the classic forms like princess, emerald, Asscher and more.
So in summary, the question "What are black diamonds" refers exclusively to authentic black gem-varieties formed by nature alone without artificial enhancements - making them exponentially rarer than even colorless diamonds!
