A black diamond engagement ring may be a fitting option if you desire a unique and dramatic
alternative to a traditional diamond engagement ring. At AW jewelry, we have many options for
you to create a black diamond engagement ring that will stand out above the rest.
How is a Black Diamond Engagement Ring Created?
Black diamonds are sometimes referred to as carbonado diamonds. The black shade of a black
diamond engagement ring is caused by inclusions within the structure of the diamond.
Inclusions are natural characteristics that happen to diamonds during formation.
With colorless diamonds, noticeable dark inclusions lower the value and beauty of a diamond.
But with fancy black diamonds, dark inclusions give them their dramatic, gothic hue that so
many people love.
Fancy colored diamonds are graded differently than traditional colorless diamonds. Colorless
diamonds are valued for their brilliance, while fancy colored diamonds are valued for their
colorful hues.
Many fancy colored diamonds are formed due to chemical impurities or defects in the crystal
lattice that cause them to appear various colorful hues. A black diamond engagement ring sets
itself apart from other fancy colored diamonds because the inclusions cause its dark hue.
Famous Black Diamonds in History
Black diamonds, like other fancy colored diamonds, have had their place in history and in the
present.
Perhaps the most famous black diamond is the Black Orlov. This 67.5 carat black diamond was
said to have been stolen from a statue of the Hindu god, Brahma. This earned its other
nickname, the Eye of Brahma. For this reason, it was said to bring a curse to whomever
possessed it. Since then, the Black Orlov has graced the hands of several private collectors and
made various appearances in exhibitions.
The Gruosi Diamond is a black diamond weighing 115.34 carats and was named after Fawaz
Gruosi. He was the founder of De Grisogono, a luxury Swiss jeweler. He discovered the rough
black diamond in the Central African Republic. It was then cut into a heart shape and set into a
ring.
The Spirit of De Grisogono is the largest cut black diamond in the world, weighing in at 312.24
carats. In its rough state, it was around 587 carats. Like the Gruosi Diamond, this substantial
black diamond was mined in the Central African Republic and cut by De Grisogono. It was then
set in a white gold ring with 702 white diamonds.
The Amsterdam Diamond is a black diamond weighing 33. 74 carats. It was discovered in the
1970s and cut into a pear shaped stone. It was sold at Christie’s auction house for a record-
breaking 352,000 at the time.
While the exact details of the origin is unclear, The Black Star of Africa is one of the largest
black diamonds in history. It weighs 202 carats and is believed to have come from Africa. Unlike
other famous black diamonds, this one was not faceted but instead cut into cabochon shape. It’s
domed appearance and flat back made it one of the most striking black diamonds in history.
Celebrities with a Black Diamond Engagement Ring
If you fancy yourself a unique black diamond engagement ring, you’re not the only. Many
celebrities have shared your affinity for the dramatic black diamond ring.
Famous tattoo artist Kat Von D was given a black diamond engagement ring from musical artist,
DeadMau5, also known as Joel Zimmerman. The engagement ring featured a black diamond
center stone with a set of skulls on either side, incorporating a split shank with smaller black
diamonds set in the band.
Carmen Electra was given a round cut black diamond engagement ring from musician Robert
Patterson. It has a halo of white diamonds surrounding the black diamond center stone and
smaller white diamonds set in the band.
Shenae Grimes, known for her work on 90210, was given a black diamond engagement ring
from Josh Beech. This black diamond engagement ring also featured a halo of white diamonds
surrounding it.
Although not a black diamond engagement ring, singer and actress Hilary Duff has been seen
wearing a black diamond eternity band. This ring would be a fantastic wedding band to go
alongside a black diamond engagement ring.
Black Diamond Engagement Ring vs Salt and Pepper Engagement Ring
When thinking about a black diamond engagement ring, it’s likely you’ll come across salt and
pepper engagement rings too. They are similar to black diamond engagement rings, as their
appearance is caused by dark inclusions too. Some salt and pepper diamonds look like gray
diamonds that have a smoky appearance caused by black and white inclusions. Not all salt and
pepper diamonds have a smoky background. Many of them may appear more colorless with
black and white inclusions. Black diamonds, on the other hand, are almost always a dark color
without white inclusions. Black diamonds may appear very dark brown or even the deepest
green.
Natural Black Diamond Engagement Ring or Treated Black
Diamond Engagement Ring?
A natural black diamond engagement ring is a ring whose black hue has not been enhanced.
Natural black diamonds are very rare and fetch higher prices than treated black diamonds and
lab grown black diamonds.
The majority of black diamond engagement rings have been treated and enhanced to present a
more opaque look. These are generally more affordable, especially when seen in fashion
jewelry.
A black diamond engagement ring may be enhanced by irradiation or heat treatment. Both of
these processes can darken the diamond to appear black. The average person may not be able
to tell if a black diamond is treated vs natural, but gemologists are able to identify it using
different tests and observations.
How Expensive is a Black Diamond Engagement Ring?
Compared to other fancy colored diamond engagement rings, a black diamond engagement
ring is generally less expensive. However, the price of black diamond engagement ring is
determined by many factors such as diamond shape, carat weight, ring setting, origin, brand,
and cut quality.
Our jewelers at AW Jewelry are able to work with you on price for a one-of-a-kind black
diamond engagement ring. If you have a budget, we will do our best to provide a general
outlook on what type of black diamond engagement ring may suit you. From there, you are able
to decide if that is the type of engagement ring you want.
Best Metal for a Black Diamond Engagement Ring?
A black diamond engagement ring can look beautiful in many different metals. Black diamonds
are considered a cooler color, so cooler metals are said to complement them best. In this case,
platinum and white gold would be excellent options.
But if you want a more striking appearance for a black diamond engagement ring, you might
consider a warmer metal such as yellow gold or rose gold. These metals may give your black
diamond engagement ring a more vintage look with dramatic flair.
Create the Perfect Black Diamond Engagement Ring with AW Jewelry
When you create a black diamond engagement ring with AW Jewelry, you have everything you
need to have a one-of-a-kind engagement ring. Our black diamonds are able to be cut in a
variety of different diamond shapes, and not just the traditional ones. Mix and match your metals
or select your favorite. Bring in your own inspiration or let us lead the way to create the perfect
black diamond engagement ring you’ve always dreamed of.