When it comes to diamond shopping, the majority of people rapidly reduce their options down to a white diamond. It is the most popular hue and is often pictured as the typical diamond in an engagement ring by many people.
The fact is that many diamond merchants have more to offer than only white diamonds, and in past few years, the demand for black diamonds has grown as customers consider the stunning, dramatic appearance of a dark diamond.
By comparing the major qualities, such as structure, pricing, shapes, durability, and other factors of black diamond vs white diamond, we want to help you make an educated decision about which one is appropriate for you.
What Are Black Diamonds?
There are so many inclusions in a black diamond that it gives the gem a black appearance. Inclusions, which appear as dark spots on the diamond’s inside, are common in white diamonds, but when they cover the entire diamond, they make it black.
Diamonds that fall into this group are termed fancy colored diamonds, and they include blue, yellow, and pink diamonds. Black diamonds are real diamonds, although they have a distinct appearance from the typical colorless ones.
What are two black diamond types?
The first type is referred to as natural black diamonds. During the creation phase, they transform from white to black. Mineral inclusions such as graphite, pyrite, and hematite are abundant, and they extend throughout the gemstone which gives a metallic appearance to a black diamond.
Since there was no sort of treatment or cleaning is done on them, and since they’re very rare, black diamonds demand a high price.
The second sort of black diamond is referred to as treated diamond. These diamonds are not truly black by origin; they are white diamonds that have been loaded with stains and impurities on the inside. The white diamonds are subjected to a low-pressure, high-temperature treatment to get the black hue.
It is safe to conclude that these diamonds are of an inferior grade. Due to the advent of treatment procedures and their widespread usage in cocktail jewelry, these diamonds are becoming increasingly scarce.
They’re also significantly less expensive than their black earth-mined equivalents.
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What Are White Diamonds?
White diamonds look colorless due to the absence of inclusions in their crystal structure. Diamonds of this type are considered a classic style, and the most precious ones are colorless in nature.
While moving down the GIA color rating from D (colorless) to Z, you will see greater undertones of yellowish and brown, to the degree where you would no longer consider it to be a white diamond. The majority of mined diamonds are white, and the color grade of a diamond is defined by the amount and kind of inclusions present.
Any white diamond with black particles distributed throughout it is still termed a colorless gem, regardless of how it was created. It will, however, not receive as high a grade on the GIA clarity scale.
Contrasting Black And White Diamonds
When deciding between a black diamond and a white diamond, it’s critical to weigh all of the relevant factors before making a purchase. Even though black and white diamonds have a certain resemblance, they each provide a distinct look and design that might be the correct fit for you.
Origin
White diamonds may be found in any part of the globe, although they are more abundant in certain areas, such as Australia, Asia, South Africa, and South America.
Since many of these white diamonds are of poor quality, tiny, and full of inclusions, the demand and price of high-quality white diamonds continue to be quite high. The Argyle Mine in Australia holds the title of being the world’s greatest source of white diamonds, and diamonds in general.
Contrary to popular belief, black diamonds are not often found in conventional diamond-mining regions, with the majority of discoveries coming from Brazil and Central Africa. This decreases the chances of uncovering a black diamond while simultaneously increasing its value.
Treated black diamonds can, of course, be obtained from any place, as long as the base material is a white diamond with imperfections.
Structure
The structure of black and white diamonds is similar. They are both generated when high pressure is applied to carbon around 100 miles beneath the surface. The mineral is carried from the depths of the Earth to the surface, where it is then mined.
The structure of black and white diamonds differs in that black diamonds include a graphite inclusion that white stones do not, and some black gems are thought to have fallen to the Earth as meteorites.
Black diamonds may include white or gray inclusions that make them one-of-a-kind. Because of their crystal structure, black diamonds absorb the majority of the light that penetrates them.
White colorless diamonds, on the other hand, reflect the light that reaches the diamond in the most brilliant way possible, depending on the purity of the cut.
Color
The most visible distinction between black and white diamonds is their color. White diamonds are evaluated according to the GIA scale, which indicates where they lie between absolutely colorless and having a pronounced yellow or brown hue.
Because the black color is caused by the unusual crystal structure of these stones, the traditional grading criteria used for white diamonds do not apply to black diamonds.
In contrast to other fancy hues like pink or red, black gems only exist in one – fancy black color. The intensity grade of those other hues, such as fancy light, fancy dark, or fancy deep, is used to define them.
Although the intensity of black diamonds is not rated, some have deeper tones than others. Before purchasing a diamond, you should always study it in person or in a high-resolution photograph to determine the strength of the hue.
You may like a completely black diamond or one that is a shade or two darker. Black diamonds are offered in a variety of tones at many diamond stores.
Clarity
The black hue of the gem is not attributed to low clarity (although the clarity of a black stone is typically graded low) it is important to note that the clarity ratings that are applied to white diamonds are not applicable when evaluating black diamonds.
Black diamond inclusions are far more extensive than white ones, making comparison difficult at best. But it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to the clarity of each one. Make sure that no evident flaws can be seen in black diamonds before purchasing one. Inclusions might detract from the perfect black color desired by those who purchase black diamonds.
The best white diamonds feature inclusions that can only be seen with a microscope. Each grade lower than perfect implies a greater prevalence of inclusions in their clarity, according to the GIA.
A diamond with an SI1 clarity grade is the best option for an eye-clean stone.
Related Read: Do SI Diamonds Pass Diamond Tester?
Durability
When weighing the pros and drawbacks of black and white diamonds, don’t forget to take durability into account. The presence of big inclusions, especially along the diamond’s edges, often raises concerns about the diamond’s potential to break.
Since inclusions may cause weak spots in a stone, a natural black diamond with imperfections is less enduring than a white one without them. Diamond cutters are aware of this difference and must be extra cautious while cutting black diamonds.
On the contrary, white diamonds that have been processed to become black are generally just as durable since the treatment does not add those weak spots.
However, since both black and white gemstones are given a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, you only need to be concerned about endurance if either is subjected to a significant amount of pressure. A remedy to this issue is to put the gem in a sturdy setting that is capable of withstanding the damage.
Light Performance
A diamond’s ability to disperse light is a highly sought-after feature, as customers want their jewelry to dazzle and sparkle.
For white diamond comparisons, the cut is the most significant aspect. When all other factors are identical, a stone with an excellent cut will reflect light more effectively than the one with a poor or middling cut.
Differences among black and white diamonds regarding light performance are visible. The reason is that the crystal composition and inclusions in a black gem do not reflect light, they absorb it.
The sparkle of white diamonds is created by capturing light and then reflecting it outward through the table. Due to their brilliance, they are the most popular form of a diamond. White round diamonds with GIA gradings of “very good” or “excellent” will have some of the most brilliant glints.
Related Read: Do Black Diamonds Reflect Light And Sparkle?
Shape
The shapes of black diamonds are identical to those of white diamonds. This is because lasers are frequently used to shape rough diamonds.
When it comes to choosing a shape, you may choose from a variety of options, including round, pear, and cushion. While round is the most common form for each, Princess, Asscher, and oval are also becoming more popular.
Settings
Both black and white diamonds can be set in a variety of different ways. Three-stone and halo settings for black stones are common choices, nevertheless, there is no right or wrong answer.
Platinum or white gold are the ideal metals for the band based on the way they contrast with the black gemstone. When it comes to white diamonds, the most preferred setting is a prong and solitaire. With four or six prongs, a single white stone is securely kept in place in this timeless design.
Related Read: Platinum Vs. White Gold: Which One Is Better?
A bezel setting is the second most common type of setting. For further security, metal is wrapped around the diamond, covering all of its edges and holding it in place. Even though it is considered the most stable setting, it does encompass a larger area of the diamond than prongs do.
If you’re looking for something different, a tension setting is a good option. It works with both black and white diamonds. When the diamond is held in place by the curved edges of the band, it appears to be hanging in mid-air. The drawback of this design is that no inclusions can be concealed, but the benefit is that no portion of the diamond is covered.
Certification
The GIA maintains two grading methods for white and black diamonds. White diamonds are rated according to the four Cs of cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, as well as several other characteristics. This includes features like symmetry and polish, brightness, and particular inclusions among others.
A typical grade report is not supplied to black diamonds. The GIA, on the other hand, reports on the origin and identification of colored diamonds. As with a white diamond, it gives information on whether the hue is natural or artificially enhanced.
The report also details the diamond’s color dispersion, so you can see if it’s equally spread or concentrated in a single location. Another point of difference is that the GIA does not evaluate black stones on the clarity scale. As black gems are frequently extensively included and opaque, clarity is not a criterion in judging their worth.
Read More: Diamond Grading Lab: Which Diamond Certification Is Best?
Cleaning
There are numerous similarities between caring for a black diamond and a white one. A toothbrush and a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent are all you need to clean your diamond. Use a polishing cloth to dry it off.
Steam or ultrasonic cleaners should not be used to clean black diamonds. All the inclusions in the stone make these devices prone to causing harm. Once or twice a year, you should get it professionally polished.
Conclusion
In a conclusion, let’s sum this up – black diamond vs. white diamond?
Although white diamonds are far more popular than black diamonds, this does not mean that you should go with the traditional way. While white jewels are a sign of rank and beauty, black diamonds are rare and a sign of elegance and wealth.
You need to be aware of all the distinctions between the two varieties and their distinctive clarity, structure, light performance, certifications, and more.
Whatever you choose to buy, make sure you begin your search with a trustworthy diamond store that includes a report from a reliable certifying agency.
The most crucial component of buying a black or white diamond is understanding precisely what you’re getting for your money by verifying the quality equals the price. Once you’ve found the perfect diamond, you’ll be able to wear it with pride for years to come.