You can often find jewelry with black diamonds in the windows of jewelry stores. This stone looks luxurious when cut in white gold or platinum in combination with other diamonds and is extremely popular among lovers of statement jewelry. But just a few decades ago, the jewelry world knew almost nothing about black diamonds.
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What is a black diamond and its history
The exact origin story is unknown. Information about black diamonds first appeared in Brazil and Africa. According to one hypothesis, a supernova explosion occurred, after which meteorites with this gem fell to the ground. According to another theory, the stone came to the surface of the earth during a volcanic eruption.
The gem was introduced into the world of fashion by designer Fawaz Gruosi. He bought nondescript minerals at a low price and created jewelry from them. The novelty quickly became known, and the price of the stone increased 20 times. To this day, the De Grisogono brand is considered a trendsetter in jewelry with black diamonds.
Black diamond refers to several options:
- remaining as waste after processing high-quality gems - diamond chips;
- polycrystalline porous mineral – carbonado;
- single-crystalline mineral with impurities - pique.
An example of what a raw mineral and jewelry with it looks like:
Price
Unlike clear ones, the price of a black diamond is influenced not by four, but by three factors: weight, color and cut. A ray of light is not reflected from the surface and is not refracted in the faces, so for the crystal to “shine”, it is not the shape of the cut that is important, but the number of polished areas. Thus, the drop-shaped black diamond “Amsterdam” has 145 facets, in contrast to the standard 57-58 for this type of cut.
The price per carat of GIA-certified pique ranges from $1000-1500 to $3000, and “name stones” are valued even more. At an auction in 2001, “Amsterdam” was sold for $344,837, that is, more than $10,000 per carat! A certified diamond is more expensive than one of equal parameters, but not certified.
The price of a high-quality carbonado diamond reaches $500-600 per carat; average quality stones made from color-changed diamonds cost about $150 per carat. Small stones are valued at $10-20 per carat.
Deposits and types
A black diamond is a rare stone. Very few deposits have been discovered:
- Brazil;
- Central Africa.
Low-quality minerals are cut in India, and high-quality diamonds are cut in Belgium, Italy, and Israel.
The color of the mineral is created by impurities (graphite, magnetite, hematite) that are included in the composition. Carbonado and pique are used to create exclusive jewelry.
Carbonado
The carbonado mineral is considered a technical diamond. It has a semi-crystalline structure. Upon magnification, a porous structure is revealed. The composition contains inclusions of graphite, magnetite, and hematite. Sometimes there are impurities of nitrogen, hydrogen, and boron. Characteristic is charcoal black color.
Pique
The difference between pique and carbonado is its monocrystalline structure, which is identical to transparent diamond. The gem contains impurities of graphite and other compounds. The rich black color appears due to the refinement of the stone with X-rays and ultra-high temperatures. A cut pique diamond is classified as a fancy colored natural diamond.
There are not only black shades, but also gray, brown, and greenish.
How to spot a fake
Let us clarify: fancy stones, that is, cut pique, are offered only at auctions. Jewelry stores offer processed carbonados (they are cheaper than transparent ones).
There are three methods to give diamonds a natural black color to increase their value: irradiation, firing, and painting. The first time the stones take on a dark, rich green hue. High firing temperature (second method) turns coal into graphite.
Black brilliant
You can identify the origin as follows:
- Examine the stone against the light under an LED lamp: the piqué is opaque, smoky or deep gray. The tinted fake is distinguished by its brownish or green color. In opaque crystals, the shade of color is concentrated at the tip of the edges.
- In treated minerals, graphite inclusions are concentrated just below the surface of the stone, creating a black tint. Dispersion throughout the volume means the natural origin of the stone.
- Under a tenfold magnifying glass, the color of the piqué is uniform; the treated crystal exhibits spotting, variegation, and iridescence of shades.
- A reliable way is to test a sample for electrical conductivity. For transparent and natural black crystals it is the same, but for processed ones it is different. This method is available to specialists.
Technologists have created an artificial black carbonado diamond. The process involves high pressure using nickel as a catalyst.
Properties of stones
Black diamonds have similar properties to regular ones. It is believed that gems have the ability to heal and prevent nervous and mental illnesses. The stones impart determination, courage and confidence to the owner’s character.
Physicochemical characteristics
The structure of black diamond corresponds to classic colorless diamonds. Gems of the highest quality have virtually no voids inside.
Basic physical and chemical properties:
- Color: from light smoky to rich black, charcoal.
- Transparency: opaque, may partially transmit light.
- Gloss: matte.
- Structure: solid or porous.
- Hardness: 10 on the Mohs scale.
- Density: 3.47–3.55 g/cm. cube
The iron admixture creates magnetic properties. The stone is quite fragile due to its porous structure; moreover, it reflects light only on its edges. Therefore, among jewelers it is believed that the gem is difficult to process.
Watch an educational video about the stone and its properties:
Magic properties
Black diamonds are credited with mystical properties. Which is not surprising, since people have long believed in the extraterrestrial origin of the mineral.
It is recommended to “tame” the gem over several months: charge it with positive thoughts and desires. Having become accustomed to the wearer's aura, the stone will have double its strength.
Magical properties of the stone:
- the gem enhances love feelings;
- strong-willed qualities develop: determination, self-confidence;
- meaning in life, new goals and aspirations appear, a person strives for self-improvement and success;
- protects its owner, protects from the evil eye and damage;
- reflects the negative influence, returning it to the one who directed it.
The gem has different effects on its owner depending on some features of wearing:
- The ring is an amulet if worn on the ring finger of the left hand. Gives aristocracy, promotes achievement in professional activities.
- The combination of a black diamond with gold develops strength of character and courage.
- The maximum power is possessed by those stones that come into contact with the wearer’s skin.
Keep in mind that the stone bestows positive properties only on those who acquired it honestly. If the stone is stolen, then the forces will turn against the thief.
The combination of a black diamond is possible with other gems of the Fire element. The best option is to combine it with white or colored diamonds. Many jewelers like to combine diamonds with rubies, sapphires, and pearls.
It is not recommended to combine the elements Fire-Water and Fire-Earth, as mutual destruction or suppression of energy will occur. The gem does not combine with topaz.
What zodiac signs is it suitable for?
In terms of zodiac compatibility:
- The stone is indifferent to Virgos and Scorpios - it will not have any influence.
- A black diamond can set Gemini on the wrong path and create disturbing thoughts.
- Not recommended for Aquarius and Pisces.
- Cancers and Capricorns will achieve great success.
- Aries, Sagittarius, Leo, thanks to the stone, will strengthen their active energy.
- Taurus and Libra will be favorably influenced.
Medicinal properties
Black diamonds are also credited with medicinal properties. It is recommended to be used as an auxiliary method in the treatment of the following diseases:
- nervous system disorders;
- psychological trauma;
- addiction to alcohol, tobacco, drugs, games;
- infectious diseases;
- diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- helps to recover from colds, injuries, bruises;
- improves hearing.
Jewelry with minerals and their care
A black diamond looks most advantageous when framed in white gold or platinum. The chic is emphasized by other types of diamonds placed nearby.
Rings, tie pins, and cufflinks with a black diamond will help a man to emphasize his style and create a respectable image.
A combination of jewelry with a chic evening outfit (if it’s a social event) or a business suit (if it’s a business meeting, professional setting) will help a woman create an extravagant, eye-catching look.
Large stones in the product are acceptable for parties, and small, neat stones are suitable for everyday life. Exotic rings are suitable for extraordinary individuals.
Black diamonds are not picky and resistant to damage. You need to clean a diamond using ammonia. Dilute ammonia with water in a ratio of 1:3, lower the stone there for a few minutes, remove it, brush with a soft brush in different directions and rinse with water. After this, dry with a soft cloth, preferably suede.
Who is suitable according to their zodiac sign?
Astrologers have found that the stone suits several zodiac signs to varying degrees. His favorites are representatives of the element of Fire. But zodiac compatibility is not enough: the black mineral does not tolerate dishonesty. If this quality dominates, it is better not to count on the help of a magician stone.
| Zodiac sign | Compatibility |
| Aries | +++ |
| Taurus | + |
| Twins | + |
| Cancer | + |
| a lion | + |
| Virgo | + |
| Scales | +++ |
| Scorpion | + |
| Sagittarius | + |
| Capricorn | + |
| Aquarius | + |
| Fish | + |
(“+++” – fits perfectly, “+” – can be worn, “-” – is strictly contraindicated)
The most expensive black diamonds
We have collected 6 copies of the most expensive and famous stones:
Great Mogul
The 787-carat gem was first discovered in the Golconda diamond mines in 1650. Considered to be the largest diamond in India. After the “Great Mogul” treatment, the diamond took on the appearance of a bluish rose.
The stone was later lost during the Persian War, and since 1747 there has been no further evidence of its whereabouts. According to one version, the stone may have been transformed into another Orlov diamond known today.
Korloff Noir
“Korloff Noir” (88 carats) is recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest black diamond in the world (see the largest diamonds).
The history of the stone begins in Siberia, where the Korlov-Sapozhnikov family owned the gem. Later, due to revolutionary persecution, the gem was taken out of the country.
Since the forties, the stone began to migrate from one owner to another. Then Daniel Payaser became the owner, to whom the stone was given by his grandfather, a master of jewelry. In 1978, Daniel opened the Korloff jewelry house.
Interestingly, the owner was very fond of the gem and touched it in exceptional cases and only with gloves.
Brahma's Eye
“Eye of Brahma” or “Black Orlov” (67.5 carats). This black diamond is called the stone of the devil's death, because it is shrouded in many mysterious stories about the deaths of people who own it.
The origin story is unknown. There are several legends. According to one of them, an ancient monk took out an eye from a statue of the god Brahma. It was believed that God got angry and placed a curse on the gem. According to another legend, the diamond was kept by a Russian princess. After her death, the stone was divided into parts to remove the curse. But these legends were not confirmed, because no scientific facts were found.
In the 20th century, the diamond was displayed in New York unchanged. A little later they decorated it with a platinum necklace.
Then the diamond changed owners many times, whose fate ended tragically - in causeless suicides.
The most reliable story says that the stone acquired its name thanks to Count Orlov, who presented the gem as a gift to Catherine II.
The last time a stone in the form of a necklace was sold at auction was for $1,500,000 million.
Prince of Johannesburg
"Black Prince" or "Prince of Johannesburg" (101.99 carats). It is in 6th place among the largest black diamonds, the cost is estimated at $5,000,000.
Since 2007, “The Prince of Johannesburg” has been shown in the salon of the Louis XV jewelry house. Somewhat later, it was designed as a pendant on a diamond necklace and put up for sale.
Amsterdam
"Amsterdam Diamond" (33.74 carats). Eighth on the list of black diamonds. Named after the city of the same name on its 700th anniversary.
The story begins in 1970. The stone was first discovered in South Africa. At first it was considered unsuitable for processing, but one of the workers drew attention to it and showed it to a specialist, who determined its high quality.
The jewelry company D. Drukker & Zn purchased the stone in 1972 and displayed it in a display case.
The diamond is opaque and has a special shine. The structure contains graphite particles, which determine the unique color of the diamond. It is pear-shaped with twice as many facets as other pear-shaped diamonds (usually 57-58).
Later, the gem was decorated into an exclusive pendant jewelry: a black diamond “Amsterdam”, located in the very center, surrounded by small colorless diamonds (15 pieces) in the shape of a cushion.
In 2001, a gem removed from its setting was sold at auction in Geneva for a record price of $352,000. Today the stone is kept in Crown Jewels of Iran.
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 look: Aventurine - what properties it has, who it is suitable for and how to wear a dark blue stone
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.
