Black Diamonds

LAST UPDATE ON: July 25th, 2022

Black Diamonds – Basics

Unlike other fancy colored diamonds, which can fall into nine different intensity grades, black diamonds are graded with a single distinction: fancy black. Only 1 carat out of every 10,000 carats mined is a natural fancy colored diamond, making rarer colors with high saturation extremely valuable.

PriceScope Pointer: When it comes to fancy colored diamond (FCD) cutting you can throw away the normal cut-quality rules for D-Z colors. The goal with FCDs is cutting with angles which exaggerate the color present – which is opposite the goal for well-cut D-Z diamonds.

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Black Diamonds Described

While large natural black diamonds like the Black Orlov (below) are exceptionally rare, you’ll find black diamond jewelry readily available. Most black diamonds have been treated for improved durability. Irradiated or heat treated black diamonds will cost substantially less than untreated or colorless diamonds. As is the case with all fancy colored diamonds, naturally occurring colors are the most valuable and desired, though you may have to look a little harder to find them.

The Black Orlov (Image Source: AFP/ Carl De Souza)

One of the most remarkable natural black diamonds in the world, is the 67.50 carat Black Orlov.

Black Diamond Price

When it comes to black diamonds, it’s essential that you work out whether the diamond is a natural black or has been treated. This can get a little confusing, as a diamond may be listed as natural, but this only indicates that the diamond itself is natural, not the color.

Treated diamonds are considerably cheaper than natural, black diamonds but naturals are also very affordable. This 1.86ct modified cushion cut black diamond by James Allen is priced at $3,610 – a very reasonable spend on a diamond of this weight and quality. The price of black diamonds is lower than other fancy colored diamonds.

Natural Black Diamonds

When we buy colorless diamonds, one of the things we look for is eye-clean clarity, i.e. no visible inclusions. Diamond inclusions can take many forms but often appear as black (pyrite/graphite) marks, dots, and streaks within the diamond. Black diamonds take these inclusions and make them a key feature. Natural black diamonds are essentially colored by these dark inclusions or impurities, which are great in number and evenly distributed throughout the stones. They are most commonly found in the mines of Brazil and Central Africa.

Diamonds are prized for their durability; scoring a 10 on the Mohs scales of hardness, colorless diamonds are extremely resilient, making them perfect for everyday wear. Poorly situated inclusions can compromise the durability of a diamond, however when these inclusions are evenly distributed (as is the case in natural black diamonds) the result is an even harder diamond. Before taking their place in the world of fine jewelry, black diamonds were used for industrial purposes due to their exceptional hardness and this feature continues to be part of their appeal to modern buyers.

It is worth noting that some buyers do report black diamonds cracking or shattering when bashed against a hard surface; in truth, all diamonds can crack if they are struck with enough force, but unfortunately positioned graphite in a black diamond may make them more susceptible. It is more common for treated (irradiated) black diamonds to shatter, so if you are looking for a black diamond that will stand the test of time, natural is the way to go.

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Black Diamond Color Intensity and Grading

Most fancy colors are usually defined by up to nine intensity grades (e.g. fancy light, fancy intense etc) however, like red and white diamonds, black diamonds are graded with a single distinction: fancy black. This grading will be given with a notation of natural or treated color on laboratory reports. For example, GIA does not grade black diamonds as they fall outside of its normal clarity range, but the lab will issue a “Colored Diamond Identification and Origin Report (CDIOR) for identification purposes.

Independent sellers and boho-type brands have started selling heavily included diamonds (sometimes referred to as ‘salt and pepper’ diamonds), using these imperfections as a unique feature for those seeking something unusual for their diamond jewelry. The lack of definitive color and clarity grading for black diamonds can make it difficult to distinguish a heavily included diamond, from a fully saturated, black diamond. They are, in essence, the same thing, but the appearance of heavily included/black diamonds can vary. The exact visual properties of these diamonds must be assessed by eye or using high-res imaging and a CDIOR report.

Salt and pepper included diamonds. — Salt and Pepper Included Diamonds.

James Allen fully saturated black diamond. — James Allen Fully Saturated Black Diamond.

Our knowledgeable contributors have debated the topic of treated VS natural black diamonds, providing anecdotal experience alongside professional opinion, allowing you to choose which variety of black diamond is right for you.

Are Black Diamonds Rare?

Large, natural black diamonds are fairly rare; diamonds like the Black Orlov are very rare, but irradiated black diamonds are abundant and utilized in many jewelry styles. Although there is a considerable price difference between natural and irradiated black diamonds, both are certainly more obtainable and affordable than other fancy colored diamonds. Black diamonds are considerably rarer than colorless diamonds, however, as an opaque gemstone, they do not exhibit the characteristics that are typically associated with diamonds, i.e. sparkle! Instead, they have a unique lustre, giving an almost metallic appearance. Black diamonds make a bold statement and continue to rise in popularity. They are particularly striking in white metal settings and also make the perfect partner to other fancy colored diamonds and colored gemstones – after all, everything goes with black.

Where Can I Buy Black Diamonds?

James Allen and Leibish both sell natural black diamonds complete with high-res imaging. You will find black diamonds sold across the internet, but in each case, it is imperative that you get clear answers about whether the diamond has been color treated – if you see a super-low price that seems too good to be true, it is likely the diamond is not a natural black. Black diamonds are a unique addition to fine jewelry that can look truly stunning.

If you’re looking to buy loose diamonds online, use our special tools to reveal the best cut quality diamonds! Start your diamond search and choose from over a million loose diamonds for sale. Use our filters to find either natural or lab diamonds, as well as fancy color diamonds.