Black diamonds also known as carbonado diamonds are interesting variants of the normal diamond that are famous for their black colour and the presumed extra-terrestrial origin. In contrast, black diamonds have an opalescent deep dark shade and therefore lack the kind of sheen that is associated with clear diamonds. It has now been used commonly in contemporary jewellery especially in engagement ceremonies and weddings because of its uniqueness.
Black diamond however unlike the white diamond, obtains its colour from the presence of graphite as well as other minerals formed within the particular stone. These inclusions allow the stone to pass through light, not reflect it hence the dark and opalescent nature of the stone. Because of the colour, they have been used for rings other than the traditional white diamond and those catered for engagements or weddings go for this product.
Black diamond is also defined by another characteristic – it is polycrystalline. The solid form of black diamonds is different from that of white diamonds whose structure is single crystal; black diamonds are made of many small crystals joined together. Their polycrystalline shape makes them greater than traditional diamonds while they are often more brittle and porous.
If you are interested in something unique, then black diamonds can be combined with other gems, for example, clear diamonds or synthetic diamonds in a wedding band or an engagement ring. With such being the case, they come as individual pieces of jewellery or even as part of a set with other valuable stones; this kind of jewellery is ideal for individuals who love the touches of modernity, not to mention the harshness of existing jewellery designs.
There is much to learn about the origin of black diamonds, and not much is known. Most black diamonds are mined in Brazil or the Central African Republic, unlike the normal diamonds which are mined in South Africa, Russia or Australia. They are not as common as gold or some of the other metals mainly because of this, which makes them all the more appealing when it comes to engagement rings and wedding bands.
Some scientists claim that black diamonds were brought to the Earth through meteors, while others opine they are resistant to asteroids. For terrestrial or extraterrestrial origin, black diamonds have the element of mystery and exclusivity That is why they are much rarer than other diamonds.
Although black diamonds are classified as natural diamonds, cultured, or synthetic diamonds that have captured tremendous attention over the last few years, are virtually ubiquitous in engagement rings, wedding bands, as well as men’s wedding bands. Synthetic Gems are genuine Gems that are manufactured using technological procedures to produce hardcoded genuine diamonds that possess physical qualities that are indistinguishable from that of the naturally produced diamonds but that are budget-friendly. Lab-created diamonds are favourable to sustainability and ethical customers mainly because they are produced with less harm to the environment than mined diamonds.
Here at Marlow’s Diamonds, we have a collection of both natural and lab diamonds, setting them in all styles, from traditional to newer fashion. From a conventional Solitaire Engagement Ring with a white diamond or black diamond, or a Contemporary Engagement Ring with a lab-grown diamond, Marlows is ready to assist you.
Our men's wedding bands are also available in various styles so men out there can find one that suits them best.
Due to their striking dark looks, black diamonds are rising in popularity as top-end accoutrements in engagement and wedding rings and men’s wedding bands. As a result, they are perfect for anyone who would wish to go for a different design than the standard clear diamond. Black diamonds are particularly amazing when they are set alongside white diamonds or even cultured diamonds, in that they bring a sense of classic enhancement to the jewellery.
Conventional engagement rings are for regular couples while for the extreme and unique couple, black diamond engagement rings are the best. It can be used as a center stone in an engagement ring or as a side stone on a wedding band, and looks unique and bespoke, as so many people do not have any customization for their wedding bands.
Marlows Diamonds has always focused on providing both natural diamonds and diamonds grown in a laboratory. We showcase numerous all-black diamond creations so you can locate the most suitable ring as per your energetic propensity. Marlows has exciting mixed combinations of white and black diamonds if you wish to go for the traditional and trendy look of white diamonds or the daring look of black ones.
Established well over 50 years ago in the diamond business, Marlow’s is well recognized for excellent manufactured diamonds sourced without violating any human rights. We still have independent consultants on our team who are ready to conduct detailed engagement and wedding ring appraisals for insurance. With classic lab-created diamonds or exquisite black diamonds, our appraisals set your mind at ease, guaranteeing that the insured value of your valuable possession is accurate.
Black diamonds are excellent if you are looking for something rather different from the regular white diamond. Due to such a mysterious background and their appearance of being dark, together with the growing option of lab diamonds, there is an even more ethical option for jewellery.
You’ll find a wide range of black diamond and lab-created diamond jewellery, ensuring there’s something for every taste and occasion.
Whether you’re searching for the perfect diamond ring, we have an extensive selection of designs that combine elegance, innovation, and timeless beauty.
Some of the most common Q&A's
Usually not. Most black diamonds on the market are treated stones, which are far less expensive than white diamonds of comparable size. Natural fancy black diamonds are the exception and can command significant prices, but these are rare and clearly distinct from treated stones.
Yes. Black diamonds are genuine diamonds composed of the same carbon crystal structure as any other. Their colour comes from dense concentrations of inclusions, typically graphite, that absorb light rather than reflecting it back through the stone.
They do. Value is determined by colour evenness, surface finish, origin and carat weight rather than the standard 4Cs grading. Natural black diamonds with consistent colour and verified origin are increasingly sought after by collectors and designers who favour a bolder aesthetic.
Natural black diamonds, particularly carbonados, are genuinely rare. They are found only in Brazil and the Central African Republic. The treated black diamonds that make up most of the market are far more common, so origin matters considerably when rarity is the point.
A treated one-carat black diamond typically retails between £200 and £800 in the UK. A natural black diamond of the same weight starts considerably higher, often from £1,500 upward, depending on colour consistency and documentation of its natural, untreated origin.
No, Treated black diamonds are significantly cheaper than white diamonds of comparable size. The exception is natural fancy black diamonds, which are rare enough to command strong prices. For most jewellery purposes, black diamonds offer a bold look at a lower cost per carat.
No. All diamonds score 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making them scratch-resistant to everything except another diamond. Black diamonds can be more brittle internally due to their polycrystalline structure, so sharp impacts carry slightly more risk of chipping than with white diamonds.
Many do. Around 25 to 35 percent of diamonds fluoresce under ultraviolet light, most commonly producing a blue glow. Black diamonds rarely fluoresce because their dense inclusions absorb light rather than interacting with it. Fluorescence is recorded on GIA grading reports for white diamonds.
Natural black diamonds form in the earth's mantle with heavy mineral inclusions that absorb light. Carbonados, a distinct type, are polycrystalline and found only in two regions worldwide, with some researchers suggesting an extraterrestrial origin. Treated black diamonds are white or grey diamonds darkened through irradiation.
