Characteristics, features and cost of a black diamond

Diamonds are the most coveted and popular gemstones.
They are the personification of power, indestructibility, success, luxury. There are different types of diamonds in nature, one of the most mysterious ones turns into a black diamond after cutting. This stone is believed to have powerful magical and healing properties. Unique dark gems are used to create luxurious jewelry. If you are thinking about buying products with black diamonds, then you need to know by what criteria they are evaluated, as well as how to distinguish the original from the fake. Information on the cost of black diamonds will also be useful.

Physical properties

All diamonds are pure carbon, so they are quite hard. A black diamond may contain impurities of magnetite, graphite, hematite, etc. A natural gem is difficult to process; in order to obtain a high-quality cut, the master must work longer and also have relevant experience.

Experts identify the following physical and chemical characteristics of black diamond:

1. Formula – S.
2. Mohs hardness level – 10.
3. Density – from 3.47 to 3.55 g/cm³.
4. Light refraction – 2.417 – 2.421.
5. The temperature at which diamond melts is from 3800 to 4000°.
6. The fracture is conchoidal.
7. The structure is porous.
8. Fragility – high.
9. Transparency – low or zero.
10. Gloss – matte.
11. Color – from light smoky to charcoal.

Unlike diamonds of other colors, black does not emit a glassy shine and does not have purity. Most specimens have a matte sheen and various defects. Transparent, shining exhibits are rare in nature.

This is interesting! Black crystals are used in industry and jewelry. The stone is hard but fragile, so craftsmen learned to process it with minimal losses relatively recently.

History and origin

The Greeks called diamond adamas, which translates as indestructible. It is believed that the first stone was found in India more than 6,000 years ago. However, due to its phenomenal hardness, people were able to enjoy its brilliance only in the 15th century. Until this time, it was simply impossible to process the nugget.

The first deposit of black diamonds was in Brazil in 1840. Local miners called them carbonado because of their charcoal color. .

It is believed that Indian craftsmen first learned to polish nuggets. But jewelers from Amsterdam have achieved perfection in cutting diamonds.

One of the first fans of diamonds was Agnes Sorel (a favorite of Cara VII) more than 500 years ago. She was the first to notice how diamonds sparkled and began wearing jewelry with them.

Julius Caesar and Napoleon used diamonds as a talisman. In Russia it became popular thanks to Catherine the Great in 1500.

There are 2 versions of the origin of the black diamond: cosmic and terrestrial. According to the first, amazing crystals appeared on Earth along with meteorites after a supernova explosion. When they hit the earth's surface, an airless layer with enormous pressure formed inside them, in which diamonds appeared.

According to the second version, a rare black crystal was formed in kimberlite pipes, which are formed after the explosion of underground volcanoes. Other types of diamonds are found in such depressions, and black ones get their unique color due to an admixture of graphite or iron.

Important! Both theories are still relevant today, since most of the deposits are located on or near the earth's surface. In addition, deposits of black nuggets are located in different parts of the planet, separate from other types of diamonds.

Affordable Alternative

It is not so easy to buy a black diamond - the natural stone is rare and expensive. But there are two methods that jewelers use to give diamonds a black color (we indicated the price of such stones above):

• burning at high temperatures;
• irradiation of the mineral.

In the first case, the diamond acquires a black color due to graphite needles that accumulate on the surface of the stone, while speckles in natural stones are evenly distributed throughout the mineral. In the second case, when the mineral is irradiated, the diamond acquires a deep dark green color, as close as possible to the shade of a real black diamond.

There are also more affordable analogues of black diamonds that look identical. The most attractive price is cubic zirconia, which we often use in the production of fashion jewelry collections. If you like the visual appeal of a black diamond, but are on a budget, take a look at synthetic black spinel and nano stones. By the way, write to us in support, we will definitely help you decide on stones and jewelry according to your individual design.

Irina Averyanova

Place of extraction

There are only 3 known places on the planet where deposits of black crystals are located. Nuggets are mined in Kamchatka, Brazil, and southern Africa.

Be sure to see: Pink agate, origin, properties, areas of use

It is possible that there are other, as yet unknown, diamond mines in the world, but at the moment there is no information about their location. The above-described locations of black nuggets were discovered completely by accident.

Varieties and colors

Few people know that the black diamond that exists in nature is divided into 2 more types: carbonado and pique. These minerals differ from each other in structure, shade, and properties. One of them is considered less valuable and is used mainly in industry, and the other is included in the category of “fancy” (colored diamonds), it is used to create extravagant jewelry.

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The black diamond represents wealth, power and mystery. The ancient Greeks called it “Invincible”, associating the protection of this stone with luck and power! Arte jewelry galleries will give you the opportunity to become the owner of the “Black King” of diamonds? Chic and sparkle in jewelry for men from the Italian jewelry brand @baraka_jewelry #ARTEbaraka

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Carbonado

The first variety of black diamond is called carbonado, from the word “carbon,” which translates to coal, which it resembles. A person far from mineralogy is unlikely to distinguish a piece of coal from a carobonado.

“Industrial diamonds” were first discovered in the 18th century. The interesting thing is that the deposits are located separately from other diamonds. The carbonado base is porous, and the crystal lattice consists of tiny particles that are connected to each other using silicon, as well as a compound of graphite and iron (magnetite).

The nugget looks like a matte stone with a grainy structure that absorbs rather than reflects light. In nature, minerals of a grayish-black or greenish-black hue are found.

Due to its high hardness and brittleness, until the mid-20th century it was used only as a technical raw material. After all, as mentioned, it is very difficult to process (about 60% of the original weight of the gem is lost). Thanks to modern technology, this task has become feasible, but cutting should only be done by a highly qualified jeweler.

Pique

Piques are reminiscent of jewelry diamonds in structure and are classified as “fancy” minerals. They have a monocrystalline structure and a large amount of graphite impurity. They have a characteristic brilliant shine (but a little more matte) and differ in shades of black: dark gray, greenish-black, dark brown. Sometimes one gem combines all the colors described above. The shade depends on the number of graphite inclusions in the composition.

Under the rays of the sun or artificial light, pique diamonds appear black. Outwardly, they resemble obsidian (devil's claw).

Black crystals are rare in nature and therefore are highly valued by jewelers. After processing using HPHT (high pressure/high temperature) technology, they are used to create exquisite jewelry. They look most advantageous in combination with transparent diamonds.

Healing and magical properties

According to lithotherapists, black diamond improves the health of men. Representatives of the stronger sex are recommended to wear rings with such a stone as an amulet. This will help strengthen male power and increase potency.

This is interesting! There is an opinion that in ancient times, a black diamond helped improve hearing acuity. It was used by warriors for this purpose.

Dark crystals have the following healing properties:

1. They help get rid of psychological disorders and normalize the functioning of the nervous system.
2. Get rid of painful addictions (alcoholism, smoking, drug addiction).
3. They have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
4. Accelerate recovery from various infections.
5. Normalize the functioning of the respiratory organs.
6. They relieve inflammation in diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

In order for a woman to feel the healing effect of a black diamond, she is recommended to wear earrings with crystals.

It is believed that the gem has strong magical properties and endows its owner with supernatural abilities. In addition, the stone exhibits the following properties:

1. Protects the owner from negative energy and black magic.
2. Strengthens fortitude, makes a person more careful in actions.
3. Helps maintain passionate relationships between spouses.
4. Makes the owner more confident, active, persistent, persistent, decisive. These qualities will help you achieve your goals.

For the power of a black diamond to manifest itself, you need to wait about a few months. The crystal seems to be testing its owner, getting to know him better. It will only bring harm to liars, traitors, and selfish people.

This is interesting! It is believed that the longer a black diamond is passed from hand to hand, the more power it accumulates. For its properties to manifest itself, the crystal must be worn as close to the skin as possible.

Can black diamond jewelry be worn on a daily basis?

Not really

Medicinal properties

Healers claim that the stone has healing properties:

• treats the psyche in all directions;
• normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory system;
• relieves alcohol and nicotine addiction;
• relieves fever;
• neutralizes infection;
• facilitates the course of the disease.

Black brilliant

The stone helps the stronger half: a man's ring or ring slows down aging, maintains potency and sexuality. For ladies, earrings have a healing effect.

Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?

The element of the black diamond is fire, so it is ideal for Leo, Aries, Sagittarius (fire signs). Dark diamond is the stone of the Sun and Venus, so it suits the signs that are associated with these planets - Taurus, as well as Libra. Jewelry with crystals can be worn by Capricorns and Cancers.

Be sure to check out: Names and properties of green stones

It is better for Geminis to avoid a black diamond, as it will make its owner more anxious, restless, and instill fear in the heart. For Aquarius and Pisces, the stone will also bring only discomfort.

Black diamond has no effect on Virgos and Scorpios, so if they wish, they can wear it simply as decoration.

Black Diamond Jewelry

Every girl knows how valuable diamond jewelry is - they are considered an indicator of not only amazing taste, but also social status. A black diamond is many times more valuable than the usual shining stones, and besides, such jewelry, both for women and men, looks very stylish, luxurious and elegant. One of the most popular options is a gold ring with a black diamond.

Black diamond ring

An elegant and sophisticated black diamond ring is a beautiful and crafted piece of jewelry for both women and men. Such an accessory will add status and elegance to your image and emphasize exceptional taste. Regardless of the size of the stone, the jewelry will fit perfectly into any look, emphasizing femininity and unique taste and attracting attention.

A ring with a black diamond in white gold or yellow gold looks equally beautiful and stylish - although the stone does not have the sparkle inherent in most diamonds, it has a special twist that adds luxury and sophistication to your look. The design of the jewelry can be very different - either a laconic ring with a neat stone, stylized as a classic, or a luxurious, eye-catching accessory.

Earrings with black diamonds

The most common female jewelry is earrings, which many begin to wear from early childhood. They emphasize your sophistication and femininity; a correctly selected design can highlight the advantages of your appearance - for example, focusing on expressive eyes. It is ideal if the earrings are combined with other jewelry - a bracelet, pendant, ring.

Women's earrings with black diamonds made of white gold look very catchy and luxurious, regardless of the size of the product and the stone itself. In second place in popularity are products with black diamonds made of yellow or rose gold, but they look just as stylish and sophisticated. The design of jewelry can be for every taste - from miniature elegant carnations to long or massive models.

Black diamond pendant

A beautiful woman's neckline always attracts attention, especially if it is decorated with a stylish and elegant accessory. The most expensive black diamond looks mysterious, bewitching, it attracts the eye. Regardless of the size, a pendant with a black diamond will transform your appearance beyond recognition, adding a touch of luxury and special charm.

There are endless design variations for stylish women's black diamond pendants - jewelry is made from both white and yellow gold. Stones can be of different sizes and shapes. The most popular is a round gold pendant with one black diamond - this design option looks mystical, it attracts the eye and fascinates.

Bracelet with black diamonds

Many men believe that one of the most attractive and sexy parts of a woman’s body is her graceful wrists, and in order to add sophistication and tenderness to her image, it is worth choosing a beautiful piece of jewelry for her wrist. One of the most suitable ideas could be a gold bracelet made of black diamonds, which is an indicator of refined taste and high social status.

There are a lot of design options for a bracelet with a black diamond, but the most popular is an accessory in the form of a chain decorated with diamonds all around. The decoration looks elegant and sophisticated, and at the same time it is universal, perfectly fitting into any female look and harmoniously combining with any items of a modern wardrobe.

Cross with black diamonds

One of the popular types of pendants decorated with expensive stones is the gold women's cross. Previously, such an accessory was exclusively a symbol of belonging to the Catholic or Orthodox religion, but now it is increasingly worn regardless of religion. Yellow or white gold with black diamonds looks stylish, catchy and bewitching; such jewelry will transform any female look.

If you decide to give a cross with a black diamond to your loved one as a gift, you should know some points in advance. From an esoteric point of view, the mysterious and bewitching black diamond has strong magical properties, but the church is wary of such things. Therefore, you should not give such jewelry for baptism or with other religious meaning.

Ring with black diamond

A woman's ring with a black diamond has a particularly luxurious and catchy appearance, creating the image of a lady, a mistress. This decoration looks bright and massive, it will not allow your hands to go unnoticed. A ring made of either white or yellow gold with one or more impressively sized black stones in the center looks beautiful.

Necklace with black diamonds

An integral part of the evening look of a luxurious and status woman has always been expensive jewelry with precious stones, emphasizing sophistication and dignity. A special place is occupied by products with black diamonds, such as necklaces. Which look unique, bewitching, attracting the gaze of others to a beautiful woman’s neck. Modern options can be either laconic in a minimalist style or flashy, massive, with several stones.

There are a lot of variations in the design of modern necklace models, but the central element in them is a large, mesmerizing black stone. One of the popular ideas is a thin, elegant chain made of white or yellow gold with a laconic wide ring decorated with black diamonds. Another design option that is popular is a necklace in the form of a rope, the entire length of which is decorated with miniature stones, and the price of such a product will be very high.

Stud earrings with black diamonds

For those who value laconicism and practicality in their look, without neglecting a luxurious and stylish look, earrings with a black diamond in the form of studs can be an ideal option. Such jewelry can look different - both miniature stud earrings with one or several black stones and a more catchy design with a variety of decor variations are popular.

Compatibility with other stones

Since a black diamond is associated with the fire element, it must be combined with “fire” gems. The ideal combination is diamonds of different colors. As a rule, black stones are combined with transparent or colored ones.

It is better not to combine dark diamond with minerals that are associated with the elements of water or earth. Fire and water will destroy each other and harm their owner; fire and earth also conflict, which negatively affects a person’s well-being.

Important! When choosing successful combinations, you need to take into account many nuances, so it is better to contact a professional astrologer or lithotherapist.

Where is it used?

Black diamonds are widely used in jewelry. Such jewelry looks elegant and original.

Gold or platinum is usually used as a frame. Combine a dark diamond with white or yellow crystals.

Gold studs, bracelets, chokers or necklaces with black diamonds look truly luxurious. Recently, it has been very popular to give engagement rings with dark gems as a symbol of eternal love and fidelity. A diamond engagement ring is most often set in white or red gold.

On sale you can find men's jewelry with dark gems. These can be original rings, cufflinks, pendants, crosses, bracelets, etc. A ring made of white gold with a black diamond looks gorgeous. Such decoration reflects the status of its owner and indicates good taste.

This is interesting! Fawaz Gruosi, the head of the Grisogono jewelry house, is considered the “father” of black diamonds. The designer became interested in pique diamonds when they were still cheap. Gruosi was fascinated by the mysterious beauty of gems and created an entire collection with them, which became a huge success. After this, the cost of black diamonds increased 20 times.

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?The largest diamonds in the world? . Throughout the history of mankind, diamonds have been objects of universal admiration and attracted the special attention of noble people. . We present to your attention the 5 largest diamonds in the world. . 5th place: Spirit of Grisogono. The world's largest black diamond weighing 312.24 carats (62.4 grams). The stone, unique in its beauty and purity, originally weighed 587 carats. The jeweler studied the diamond for more than a year before giving it a beautiful rose shape. Now the Spirit of de Grisogono diamond is set in a white gold ring, inlaid with 702 small transparent diamonds weighing a total of 36.69 carats. . 4th place: Cullinan II. A colorless emerald-cut diamond weighing 317.4 carats (63.5 grams), the second largest diamond from the famous Cullinan Diamond, the largest in human history. The giant crystal weighing ❗3106 carats was named after the owner of the mine where it was found. The best cutter in Europe divided the Cullinan into 2 large, 7 medium and 96 small diamonds of exceptional purity. The Cullinan II Diamond adorns the crown of the British Empire. . 3rd place: Incomparable. Golden yellow diamond weighing 407.48 carats. The diamond originally weighed 890 carats. The diamond was first put up for sale at Christie's in 1988, where it was purchased for €12 million. In 2013, the unique diamond was set in a rose gold necklace inlaid with 91 diamonds. . 2nd place: Cullinan I or “Big Star of Africa”. The colorless diamond, weighing 530.2 carats, is the largest piece of the Cullinan diamond. The diamond was presented as a gift to the British King Edward VII. Now the “Great Star of Africa” is located in the Tower of London and is crowned with the scepter of the British monarch Edward VII. . 1️⃣th place: Golden Anniversary. A yellow-brown diamond weighing 545.67 carats. Before cutting, the diamond weighed 755.5 carats. Processing the stone took two years and in 1990 a diamond of amazing beauty appeared to the world. In 1997, the diamond was presented as a gift to the King of Thailand on the 50th anniversary of his reign - the golden jubilee - this event served as the basis for the name of the diamond.

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Black diamond comes out into the world

Diamonds with impurities were not in demand in the jewelry market until the Italian jeweler Fawaz Gruosi drew attention to them. At that time, a black diamond did not have much value and was so cheap that the jeweler was able to purchase a whole batch of stones. Among them was a black diamond weighing 587 carats, which was mined in Central Africa. Gruosi worked on the stone for a year. As a result, in 2002, the Paris Museum of History saw the light of an incredible size ring with a black diamond “Spirit of de GRISOGONO” (after cutting the stone began to weigh 312.24 carats), which became the symbol of the jewelry house.

Fawaz Gruosi is the first jeweler to pay attention to the black diamond

The ring was encrusted with 702 transparent diamonds, which served as a luxurious setting for the largest black diamond in the world. Look at the photo - it’s hardly possible to imagine a stone even larger, right? Thanks to the jeweler, the price of diamonds increased 20 times, and black diamonds began to appear everywhere in the collections of famous jewelry houses.

Price

The value of crystals depends on many criteria. The most valuable pique gems, which are certified by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America). The most expensive ones include registered copies, which are sold only at auction.

Jewelry stores usually sell jewelry with carbonado. The price of crystals ranges from 20 to 600 dollars per 1 carat. The cost depends on the type and quality of the nugget.

Prices for jewelry with black diamonds:

1. Rings – from 15,000 rubles.
2. Earrings – from 15,000 to 20,000 rubles.
3. Bracelet – from 16,000 rubles.
4. Brooch - from 12,000 rubles, etc.

Large diamonds can cost up to $1,000 per carat.

Black diamond - what kind of stone is it?

The origin of the black diamond is as mysterious as itself. For a long time it was inexplicable. One theory is that it is of extraterrestrial origin due to the fact that it contains hydrogen. According to scientist Joseph Garay, the black diamond stone is nothing more than a meteorite rock that has been transformed over billions of years into hard, unique diamonds. There is another authoritative opinion that says that a black diamond is the most common diamond, which contains graphite or iron.

Even among connoisseurs of luxury jewelry, many cannot answer the question of whether there are black diamonds unambiguously. The fact is that this stone is very rare, which explains its high cost compared to other, more common types of diamonds. The black diamond is found only in Brazil and the Central African Republic.

Types of Black Diamonds

This type of diamond is very rare and little known, and for many it is a mystery whether black diamonds exist in nature, or whether they acquire an unusual appearance as a result of special processing. This type of stone is natural, and it comes in two types:

1. Carbonado. The stone is a polycrystalline formation, formed from small minerals welded together in a fine-crystalline base. The dark color of the stone is given by iron compounds and graphite. This structure makes it harder than regular diamond. Carbonado looks like a black, opaque stone.
2. Natural black diamond is closer in its properties to conventional jewelry stones. It is a black single crystal, which is the result of inclusions of graphite. Jewelers include dark gray, dark blue, and brown diamonds, the color of which is close to black, to this type of stone.

It would seem that black color is very unambiguous and monotonous, but this is not the case with a diamond - diamonds can have a wide variety of unique shades, which also affect its value. And although a black diamond does not have the radiance that characterizes most stones, products with it look luxurious and elegant.

How much does a black diamond cost?

Another factor that makes a black diamond very desirable is its cost, which is several times higher than other, more popular types of diamonds. The price is due, first of all, to the fact that the stone is very rare - only in two countries can it be mined. The second, no less important factor influencing the price is the processing features of black diamond. The stone is a very high hardness and porosity stone - only recently have jewelers learned to cut them with little loss. The price of a high-quality black diamond reaches $500-600 per carat.

Criteria for evaluation

The cost of a black (and any other) diamond depends on the following parameters:

1. Cut.
2. Degree of transparency. The more transparent the stone, the higher its price.
3. Purity. If there are defects (cracks, inclusions), the cost of the crystal decreases.
4. Weight in carats.
5. Color.

Few people know which is more expensive – a black or a white diamond. The most valuable are considered to be completely transparent specimens, which are extremely rare.

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What does a black diamond look like?

What a black diamond looks like depends on its origin and structure. Ideally, this is a stone that has retained the inherent shine and some transparency of a diamond. However, most stones that are used to make jewelry are completely opaque and resemble hematite or obsidan in appearance.

Seeing a real black diamond that has not been artificially colored is quite problematic - most of these stones are in private collections. You can only see them at exhibitions and auctions, but these stones change owners quite rarely.

How to spot a fake

To increase the value of low-grade stones, they are fired, irradiated or coated with a layer of paint. You can recognize them in the following ways:

1. Look at the stone under the LED lamp: natural piqué has a smoky tint, while artificial stone is greenish or brown.
2. Look at the crystal under a magnifying glass that magnifies 10 times: the piqué has a uniform color, while the counterfeit is spotty.
3. Check the gem for electrical conductivity: this property does not change in a natural stone, but it is not developed in a fake. However, to implement this method, special devices are required.

Important! If you are going to buy a large, expensive exhibit, be sure to contact an expert. This method is the most expensive, but true.

How to wear and care

A black diamond goes well with a business or evening look. Men can wear it with rings, cufflinks, and tie studs. This will make your daily business look more stylish and expensive.

Women can complement a formal dress or pantsuit with neat, elegant jewelry. Large items will be the highlight of an evening look.

In order for a black diamond to retain its beauty for a long time, you need to provide it with care:

1. Carry out ultrasonic cleaning twice a year.
2. Clean the crystal every 4 to 6 weeks using soapy water and a soft toothbrush. After cleaning, rinse the stone and wipe with a dry cloth.
3. You can also clean the gem with ammonia mixed with water (1:3). Immerse the gem in liquid for 20 minutes, brush, rinse, and dry.
4. Do not use abrasives or aggressive chemical solutions for cleaning.
5. Store jewelry in separate boxes or bags.

Choose storage areas with average temperatures and normal humidity levels.

Stone care

Diamond jewelry is cleaned with a mixture of three parts water and one part ammonia. Also prepare a soft bristle brush and a glass container.

• briefly place the ring, earrings or pendant in hot water to soak the item from grease and plaque;
• dip it in the cleaning solution and leave for an hour;
• wipe the stone with a brush at different angles;
• dry and polish it with a piece of suede or lint-free cloth.

Products with fancy stones, openwork trim and small details are preferable to be cleaned by specialists. A solution of ammonia with water will restore the shine of the stone, but may harm the alloy from which the jewelry is made.

Main conclusions

Black diamond is the choice of extravagant, self-confident and noble people. The exact origin of the stone is unknown, but it is believed that it may have come from space or kimberlite pipes. This mineral is the hardest, but brittle, which greatly complicates its cutting. There are 2 types of black diamonds – carbonado and pique.

The second gem is considered the rarest and most expensive. The cost of a crystal depends on the cut, clarity, weight, and color. The mineral has strong healing as well as magical properties. The stone is most suitable for fire signs.

Black diamond is very popular when creating men's jewelry, although there are also many fans of jewelry with a mysterious crystal among women. You can recognize a fake using an LED lamp, magnifying glass or an expert. To preserve the beauty of a stone, you need to provide it with proper care.

Share your experience of wearing a black diamond and leave feedback in the comments.

Physicochemical characteristics

The physical characteristics of the stone are determined by the porous structure and inclusions of graphite, hematite and magnetite. Their combination gives opacity, blackness, and increased strength.

Black diamonds

The stone is compared with outwardly similar minerals: black smooth specimens imitate obsidian, gray porous specimens resemble pumice. The raw material is difficult to polish and cut. The properties of carbonado black diamond are more in demand by industry.