Diamonds come in all shapes and sizes. It also comes in various colors such as pink, blue, red, gold, and black. Out of all the colors, black diamonds have gained popularity recently.
A lot of misconceptions surround black diamonds. Some say this type of diamond is fake. However, are black diamonds even real? The answer is yes, they are, and you can use them to elevate your style.
What is a Black Diamond?
The classic white diamond and the black diamond carry the same components when it comes to the chemical structure. Both types of diamonds only differ in color. Additionally, there are two kinds of black diamonds.
The first kind of black diamond would be natural black diamonds. Its color occurs naturally, thanks to mother nature. They are mined in Brazil and Africa and are considered rare.
Natural black diamonds are also called “carbonado.” This kind of diamond is made up of carbon, just like the classic white diamonds. However, when it comes to the crystal structure, they are slightly different. Black diamonds are more porous than other types of diamonds.
The second kind of black diamond would be treated as black diamonds. They are regular diamonds that have undergone changes that might involve heat or radiation to turn the natural color (mostly white) into black. Classic white diamonds and treated black diamonds have the same chemical and physical characteristics.
Natural Black Diamond vs. Treated Black Diamonds: Which One To Buy?
Out of the two kinds of black diamonds, you might be wondering which one is better to buy. The reality is, natural black diamonds are scarce. They are difficult to find in the market. Hence, you will be left with just one option- treated black diamonds.
Buying a treated black diamond is not a downside. This type of stone has the same composition as the other types of diamonds. Plus, it is also just as hard.
If you plan to buy a treated black diamond, it will help if you pay attention to any special directions implemented for care and cleaning. Depending on the color-changing method used, it might not be suitable to expose the stone to high-temperatures as this might affect the tinted color. Hence, you must warn the jeweler about the treated stone in case you need it to be repaired or cleansed.
The 4Cs
In general, diamonds are measured by using the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat. This is also true with other stones, which include the black diamond. However, there are a few exceptions.
Cut-
This refers to the symmetry, proportions, and reflective qualities of the stone. According to the Gemological Institute of America, diamond-cut ranges from excellent to poor. This is also used for measuring a black diamond.
Color-
Clear diamonds use a color scale of D to Z to get rated. D is considered as colorless and the most ideal. Moreover, black diamonds don’t get rated under this color scale. They will be evaluated independently.
Clarity-
This refers to the flawlessness of the diamond. Moreover, it affects the value of the diamond. The same is true for black diamonds.
Carat-
This refers to the weight of the diamond, which also affects its price.
How to Know If The Black Diamond is Real
There are many types of black stones in the market. So how will you know if it is a real black diamond? The best way to do this is to take your stone to a professional. A gemologist or a diamond expert can help you figure out if the black diamond is real or an imposter.
Black diamonds can be confused with the following:
- Black spinel
- Black cubic zirconia
- Black tourmaline
- French Jet
- Hematite
- Pyrite or Marcasite
How to Choose a Setting for Your Black Diamond
Black diamonds look great in a white setting. You can opt to put your black diamond in a 14K white gold setting if you like. Or, you can also pick a setting made of silver or platinum. All of these depend on your preferences.
Out of the three white metals, platinum is considered the most durable but the most expensive. On the other hand, silver is cheap but soft. Although white gold is not as durable as platinum, it costs less and holds up reasonably well.
Black Diamond Cleaning Tips
Black diamonds are challenging to clean compared to the classic white diamonds. Since white diamonds are clear, you can easily spot the dirt on them. On the other hand, black diamonds are opaque. Hence, it will be difficult for you to notice the dirt.
Here are some tips you should keep in mind in taking care of your black diamond:
- It will help if you avoid touching the stone. The oils from your finger might be challenging to clean.
- Soak the stone in soap and water,
- You can use a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean it.
- Dry the stone using a polishing cloth.
- Use a diamond cleansing solution.
Takeaway
Compared to the classic white diamonds, black diamonds look entirely different. This makes them even more desirable to some. If you want a unique and deep color in your jewelry, black diamonds might be the one for you.
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