This dainty black diamond ring features an asymmetrical scattered halo and delicate rose gold accents, all set on a rose gold band.
From overlooked curiosities to coveted showstoppers, black diamonds have undergone a remarkable transformation in popularity and perception. Once considered industrial-grade or cast-aside stones, these enigmatic gems are now increasingly chosen as striking centerpieces in engagement rings and fine jewelry. However, their unique appearance only scratches the surface of their fascinating story.
Understanding black diamonds’ geological formation, including their natural and treated origins and their grading criteria, can empower buyers and collectors to select the finest specimens. Beyond their physical qualities, black diamonds carry rich symbolism and cultural significance, embodying mystery, strength and sophistication.
In this article, we’ll explore the secrets behind black diamonds—their origins, characteristics, grading and enduring allure that continues to captivate gem enthusiasts worldwide.
What Every Black Diamond Buyer Should Know
How Are Natural Black Diamonds Created?
Like other diamonds, natural black diamonds form deep within the Earth’s mantle, between 150 to 800 kilometers (about 90 to 500 miles) beneath the surface. This process began between 90 million to 3 billion years ago, when intense heat and immense pressure caused carbon atoms to crystallize.
During this formation, natural black diamonds develop a high concentration of microscopic inclusions, primarily graphite and other mineral impurities, that become trapped within their crystal structure. These inclusions absorb light, creating the gem’s signature opaque to translucent black or very dark gray, brown or green appearance.
Once formed, diamonds are transported to the Earth’s surface through deep volcanic eruptions. This rapid ascent preserves their unique crystal structure and inclusions, allowing them to be mined today.
Though natural black diamonds are typically opaque due to their dense inclusions, they share the remarkable hardness and durability common to all diamonds, ranking 10 on the Mohs scale. This combination of strength and dramatic color makes them increasingly popular for distinctive jewelry pieces.
How Black Diamonds Get Their Color
Natural Black Diamonds
Research into what gives black diamonds their unique color is relatively recent. Most natural black diamonds get their dark appearance from countless tiny mineral inclusions—like graphite, pyrite or hematite—that are spread throughout the stone, or from radiation staining.
Additionally, small cracks or fractures inside the diamond often become stained black over time, usually due to graphite or other dark minerals filling them. It’s these internal features that create the signature black color. In fact, the diamond’s true body color underneath can be near-colorless, brownish or even greenish (“olive”), but it’s the inclusions and fractures that give it its dark look.
Natural black diamonds are typically translucent to opaque and have a high shine that often gives them a metallic appearance. Because they contain so many inclusions and tiny cracks, cutting and polishing these stones requires special skill and care. They also need to be set carefully in jewelry to avoid damage.
Despite these challenges, natural black diamonds are beautiful and have a distinctive, bold look that set them apart from other diamonds on the market. They are often more affordable than traditional colorless diamonds, making them a popular choice for those seeking something truly unique.
Treated Black Diamonds
Many black diamonds used in jewelry and engagement rings today have been treated to achieve their dark color. These stones often begin as gray or brown diamonds that are heavily included or fractured—material that would typically fall outside gem-quality standards. To enhance their appearance, they undergo a process called high-temperature annealing, where the diamond is heated (without high pressure) to a level that graphitizes the internal fractures and inclusions. This process darkens the stone and gives it the opaque black appearance that has become so popular.
Another method sometimes used is irradiation, which alters the diamond’s crystal structure to produce a very deep green color—so dark it can appear black to the eye. (Not to worry, irradiated diamonds are not radioactive!) While the result is visually similar, this is a different process from graphite-based blackening.
Treated black diamonds are more affordable than their natural-color counterparts and are prized for their bold, dramatic look. However, since these treatments significantly affect the stone’s value, it’s important to know if your stone was treated before you make your purchase.
A GIA Colored Diamond Identification and Origin Report can confirm whether the diamond’s color is natural or the result of treatment. It also includes essential information like shape and cutting style, carat weight, color grade and color origin, helping consumers and retailers make informed, confident purchases.
How Black Diamonds Are Graded
Black diamond engagement rings can have an edgy, more casual look, like this one set with a 1.35-carat pear-shaped, rose cut stone set in textured gold.
Image Caption: Black diamond engagement rings can have an edgy, more casual look, like this one set with a 1.35-carat pear-shaped, rose cut stone set in textured gold.
Colorless to near-colorless diamonds (D-to-Z range) are graded according to the 4Cs—color, clarity, cut and carat weight—which are part of GIA’s International Diamond Grading System™. Black diamonds, however, fall outside this scale and are evaluated using GIA’s colored diamond grading system.
Because black diamonds are typically opaque and heavily included, they aren’t given traditional clarity grades, which applies to transparent stones. And since black diamonds don’t show tonal or saturation differences like pink, blue or yellow diamonds, they’re simply assigned a single color grade: “Fancy Black.”
For these gemstones, GIA issues a Colored Diamond Identification and Origin Report (for opaque diamonds that don’t receive clarity grades) or a Colored Diamond Grading Report, which confirm the diamond’s identity, specify the color grade (Fancy Black), and clarify whether the color is natural or treated—giving buyers full confidence in their gem.
Color
Color plays a very different yet equally important role in black diamonds versus colorless diamonds. For black diamonds, a pure, intense and uniform black color is the most prized and rare, making it the key factor in desirability. Those showing secondary hues like brown or green may be less popular.
In contrast, colorless diamonds are valued for their lack of color, with greater colorlessness (such as grades D to F) commanding higher prices due to increased rarity.
Clarity
Clarity holds opposite significance for black and colorless diamonds. Black diamonds naturally contain numerous inclusions, which contribute to their unique color and texture. Darker hues created by more inclusions are more highly valued. In contrast, colorless diamonds benefit from high clarity, as fewer inclusions enhance their brilliance and overall appearance, resulting in greater value for cleaner stones.
Cut
Both black and colorless diamonds benefit from thoughtful cutting—but for different reasons. While colorless diamonds are cut to maximize brilliance and fire, black diamonds are cut to create a sleek, mirror-like surface that enhances the stone’s deep, saturated color.
A high-quality polish is essential to create a smooth, glossy surface that enhances the diamond’s metallic luster. Likewise, good symmetry ensures facets are properly aligned, producing balanced reflections and a harmonious appearance.
Overall, the cut, including polish and symmetry, work together to showcase the dramatic, bold look unique to black diamonds—focusing on surface shine rather than traditional brilliance.
Carat Weight
While carat weight influences the value of both black and colorless diamonds, its importance differs. In black diamonds, the evenness of the black color and the quality of the cut typically have a greater impact on value than size, making carat weight a secondary consideration. Conversely, for colorless diamonds, carat weight plays a more significant role—larger stones usually command higher prices—though this is balanced with cut, color and clarity to determine overall beauty and value.
Larger diamonds are rarer and have more visual presence, which often increases their value. However, carat weight alone does not determine a diamond’s worth; it must be assessed alongside other quality factors.
Alternatives to Natural Black Diamonds
Synthetic Black Diamonds
Synthetic black diamonds, also known as lab-grown black diamonds, are formed using advanced methods like High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)—techniques that mimic how diamonds develop naturally in the Earth’s mantle. These gems are similar to natural diamonds in chemical composition, crystal structure, hardness and brilliance.
While both types can be beautiful, natural black diamonds tend to have more visual texture and depth from natural inclusions, while lab-grown black diamonds have a more “flat” color and are often smoother, more uniform and glossier.
In natural black diamonds, the black color is usually caused by dense clouds of inclusions or graphitized fractures, which give them a complex internal structure and sometimes different body colors, such as dark gray, dark green or dark brown. In lab-grown diamonds, especially those turned black through treatment, the color is caused by extremely high concentrations of crystal lattice defects creating very strong absorption—not the same inclusion patterns found in natural stones.
However, because lab-grown diamonds are produced more quickly and in controlled environments, they’re often more affordable than mined black diamonds. They tend to have greater uniformity and depth of color and an absence of visual flaws.
Black Diamond Simulants
Black diamond simulants are imitation gemstones, either natural or lab-grown, that resemble the appearance of black diamonds but do not share their chemical composition or physical characteristics. These simulants are typically made from materials like moissanite, cubic zirconia, glass or synthetic spinel that mimic the dark color and luster of black diamonds. While they can be visually convincing, they are significantly more affordable and less durable. Their lower value reflects differences in material quality, hardness and overall performance compared to natural or lab-grown diamonds.
Black Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
Black CZ is a common and affordable alternative to black diamonds. Made from synthetic materials, black CZ has a high luster and can appear glossy and opaque, though it often lacks the subtle surface texture of a black diamond. It is much softer than diamond, ranking about 8 to 8.5 on the Mohs scale, meaning it can scratch and dull over time with regular wear. However, its low cost and availability make it a popular option for fashion jewelry or budget-friendly engagement rings.
Black Moissanite
Natural black diamond is more affordable than most other diamonds, but black moissanite—a laboratory-grown gemstone—is even more affordable, costing a fraction of the price and offering its own unique qualities.
Natural black diamond is more affordable than most other diamonds, but black moissanite—a laboratory-grown gemstone—is even more affordable, costing a fraction of the price and offering its own unique qualities.
Black moissanite is a popular and visually striking alternative to black diamonds, appreciated for its durability, brilliance and affordability. Black moissanite is generally opaque, featuring a deep, rich black color. However, black moissanite often has a smoother, glossier surface finish that reflects light more sharply, giving it a distinctive shine compared to the subtler, velvety or metallic luster of natural black diamonds.
With a very high refractive index and a hardness of 9.25 on the Mohs scale, black moissanite offers exceptional durability and shine, making it an excellent choice for daily wear, especially in engagement rings.
Although it does not carry the same prestige or rarity as natural black diamonds, black moissanite provides a cost-effective, low-maintenance option for those seeking a bold and elegant look without the higher price tag. Its consistent quality and availability also make it a favorite among consumers.
Black Spinel
Black spinel is a natural gemstone that more closely mimics the appearance of black diamond. It has a vitreous (glass-like) luster and deep black color, and its durability is relatively good—ranking 8 on the Mohs scale. While not as hard or rare as a diamond, black spinel offers an excellent balance between appearance, longevity and affordability for those seeking a natural stone with a refined, diamond-like look.
Black Onyx
Black onyx is another popular natural black diamond alternative, known for its smooth, opaque appearance and deep black color. Unlike black diamonds, which often have a subtle metallic luster, onyx has a softer, matte to semi-gloss finish. It’s much softer too—ranking around 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale—making it more prone to scratches and wear over time. While it doesn’t mimic a diamond’s bright luster, onyx is valued for its bold, elegant look and is often used in vintage or statement jewelry as a stylish, affordable substitute.
Black Diamond History, Meaning and Symbolism
History of Black Diamonds
Now prized as “fancy blacks,” natural-color black diamonds were historically held in low regard. Author J.R. Sutton wrote in his 1928 book, Diamond: A Descriptive Treatise: “Ordinary black diamond is not greatly unlike black sealing wax. Opinions differ as to its virtues as a gemstone.” Only a few famous black diamonds are known, such as the 67.50-carat Black Orlov—also called the Eye of Brahma—which was reputed to have been stolen from an idol in India in the early 1800s. Reportedly so cursed that several of its owners suffered financial ruin or worse, it was ultimately recut to break the hex.
Consumers had little interest in black diamonds until the late 20th century, when designers started using them in jewelry, especially contrasting them with tiny colorless diamonds in pavé settings.
Black diamond engagement rings may have come of age when Carmen Electra and tattoo artist Kat Von D both got engaged with one in 2008 and 2012, respectively. At the end of the 2010 movie “Sex in the City 2,” Mr. Big gave Carrie Bradshaw a 5-carat black diamond ring. Interest in black diamonds has continued to grow ever since.
Meaning and Symbolism
Black diamonds are also powerful symbols of strength and resilience, reflecting their unique natural formation under extreme conditions and their ability to endure despite internal inclusions and imperfections.
In many cultures and belief systems, black diamonds are seen as stones of transformation and protection. They are thought to absorb negative energy and help the wearer overcome obstacles, symbolizing personal growth and the triumph over adversity. This makes them especially meaningful as gifts for new beginnings or significant life changes.
Beyond their symbolic strength, black diamonds convey elegance and sophistication in a bold, unconventional way. Their rarity and distinctiveness make them a symbol of individuality and uniqueness, appealing to those who want to express their personal style with confidence and stand out from traditional jewelry choices.
Famous Black Diamonds
The Black Orlov
The Black Orlov, also known as the Eye of Brahma, is a remarkable 67.50-carat black diamond with a mysterious and dramatic history. According to legend, this gem was originally part of a larger stone embedded in a statue of a Hindu deity in India, possibly the goddess Brahma, and was reportedly stolen in the early 19th century. Its owners believed the diamond carried a powerful curse, said to bring misfortune, tragedy and even death to those who possessed it.
Over the years, several owners reportedly suffered financial ruin or worse, contributing to the diamond’s ominous reputation. To try to break the curse, the diamond was recut from its original larger size down to the current 67.50 carats, a process believed to “reset” its fate. Today, the Black Orlov is set in a striking brooch surrounded by sparkling colorless diamonds, showcasing its deep black color and glittering allure.
Despite—or perhaps because of—its legendary curse, the Black Orlov remains one of the most famous and intriguing black diamonds in the world, symbolizing both beauty and mystery. Its story continues to captivate jewelers, collectors and gem enthusiasts alike, highlighting the cultural and historical mystique that often accompanies rare gemstones.
The Spirit of de GRISOGONO
Weighing an impressive 312.24 carats, the Spirit of de GRISOGONO is one of the largest gem-quality black diamonds in the world. It was expertly cut from a massive 587-carat rough stone sourced from Central Africa. Faceted into a high-domed round shape, this remarkable gem is set in a stunning white gold ring and surrounded by 702 sparkling white diamonds, enhancing its dramatic beauty.
The Gruosi Diamond
The Gruosi Diamond is a spectacular 115.34-carat heart-shaped black diamond, renowned for its size and unique appearance. It was expertly cut and polished by jeweler Fawaz Gruosi from a massive 300.12-carat rough stone and set in a pendant surrounded by colorless diamond melee. Celebrated for its romantic shape and flawless finish, the Gruosi Diamond also ranks as one of the largest black diamonds in the world.
The Amsterdam Diamond
The Amsterdam Diamond is a 33.74-carat pear-shaped black diamond, discovered in Africa and named after the city where it was expertly cut and polished. Renowned for its deep, uniform black color and striking visual impact, it was auctioned by Christie’s in 2001 for over $350,000, reflecting its rarity and exceptional presence.
The Korloff Noir
The Korloff Noir is a round, 88-carat black diamond renowned for its deep, velvety black color.
The Korloff Noir is a round, 88-carat black diamond renowned for its deep, velvety black color.
The Korloff Noir is a stunning 88-carat black diamond, believed to have originated in the remote mines of Siberia. Owned by the prestigious French jeweler Korloff, this impressive gemstone is celebrated not only for its substantial size but also for its rich, deep black color and remarkable luster.
If you love black diamonds, you might also be captivated by another mysterious gem: the fancy white diamond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Black Diamonds Real Diamonds?
Yes, black diamonds are real diamonds. They are composed of carbon, just like colorless (white) diamonds, and have the same crystal structure and hardness (10 on the Mohs scale). What sets them apart is their appearance: black diamonds typically contain a high number of inclusions, like graphite or other minerals, which give them their opaque, black color. They can occur naturally or be treated to enhance or induce the black color.
How to Care for Black Diamonds
Black diamonds require special care due to their unique internal structure. While diamond is the hardest natural material on Earth, black diamonds often contain hundreds or even thousands of microscopic fractures and inclusions that contribute to their dark, opaque appearance. These internal features—especially in natural black diamonds—can make the stone more brittle and prone to chipping or breaking if struck sharply.
To keep your black diamond looking its best and to minimize the risk of damage:
- Avoid hard impacts or knocks, as internal inclusions can compromise durability.
- Skip ultrasonic or steam cleaning methods; instead, use mild soap and water with a soft brush or cloth.
- Store carefully, ensuring different pieces of jewelry don’t bump or scratch each other.
- Have settings checked regularly—especially prongs or bezels—to ensure the gem stays securely in place and safe from damage.
With mindful care, black diamonds can maintain both their dramatic beauty and remarkable durability for years to come.
How Rare are Black Diamonds?
Natural black diamonds are rarer than colorless or brown diamonds. It is relatively uncommon for a diamond to contain the high concentration of graphite, hematite or pyrite inclusions necessary to produce a true Fancy Black color. These inclusions must be densely and evenly distributed throughout the stone to create the rich, opaque appearance associated with natural black diamonds. While natural black diamonds are rarer, their lower overall demand keeps their prices more modest compared to top-grade colorless diamonds.
However, many black diamonds on the market today are treated diamonds—typically lower-quality gray or heavily included diamonds that have been enhanced through high-temperature treatment or irradiation to achieve an opaque black color. These treated diamonds are far more common and widely available than naturally black ones.
In short:
- Natural black diamonds = rare and unique
- Treated black diamonds = more common and affordable
Because of this, the rarity—and value—of a black diamond depends heavily on whether its color is natural or artificially induced. A grading or identification report from a trusted lab like GIA can help confirm a diamond’s origin and authenticity.
What is the Difference Between Black Diamond and Carbonado?
Carbonado is a unique and rare form of diamond that differs significantly from typical single-crystal black diamonds. Unlike the smooth, faceted appearance of standard diamonds, carbonado is polycrystalline—composed of many tiny diamond crystals fused together. This structure gives it a porous, rough texture and a matte black or dark gray color that is often less reflective and more opaque.
Found almost exclusively in Brazil and Central Africa, carbonado’s exact origin remains a fascinating subject of scientific debate.
Because of its exceptional hardness and toughness, carbonado is more impact-resistant than most other diamonds. This durability makes it highly valued for industrial uses such as cutting, drilling and polishing tools. Its irregular texture and opaque appearance, however, make it less common in traditional jewelry. When used in adornment, carbonado appeals to those drawn to unconventional, rugged aesthetics.
An extraordinary example of carbonado’s rarity and beauty is The Enigma, a 555.55-carat Fancy Black diamond that is not only the largest natural fancy black diamond in the world but also the largest faceted diamond ever sold at auction, fetching $4.29 million in 2022. Its 55 facets symbolize protection, power and strength, reflecting the deep symbolism often associated with black diamonds.
In summary, carbonado stands apart from single-crystal black diamonds in both structure and use. While black diamonds are prized for their beauty and jewelry appeal, carbonado is celebrated for its durability, industrial value and mysterious origin.
Importance of Purchasing a Black Diamond with a GIA Report
Daring and dramatic, this ring features an emerald cut black diamond flanked by round black diamond melee and trillion cut black diamonds set in yellow gold.
Daring and dramatic, this ring features an emerald cut black diamond flanked by round black diamond melee and trillion cut black diamonds set in yellow gold.
When it comes to black diamonds, confidence is key. A Colored Diamond Grading Report from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) delivers just that. This specialized report offers clear, expert insights tailored specifically for black diamonds, confirming whether your stone’s rich, captivating color is natural or enhanced through treatment. With the unique “Fancy Black” grade—used exclusively for black diamonds—it takes the guesswork out of understanding your gem’s true beauty.
Beyond color, the report verifies if your diamond is natural or lab-grown, helping you make an informed choice that fits your preferences and budget. By choosing a GIA-graded black diamond or working with retailers who have GIA-trained staff, you’re not just buying a stunning gem—you’re gaining peace of mind, knowing your purchase has been evaluated according to the highest standards in the industry.
Discover retailers near you that carry GIA-graded diamonds or have GIA-trained staff.