Things to know about the 4 C’s of Black Diamond Rings
Black diamond rings are objects of supreme beauty, which gets enhanced by several orders of magnitude if coupled with other precious gems like white diamonds or white sapphires that make for a stunning contrast. Found mostly in Brazil, black diamonds are known for quite some time now, though it’s only recently that they have caught the fancy of the rich and the famous as well as commoners alike who are drawn in to its edgy and unique characteristics. So if you find black diamond rings to be particularly appealing and are on the look out for one from among the large variety and sizes that are available, make sure you take into account the same “4C’s” of diamond quality as you would do for any other diamond. These “4C’s” stand for color, cut, clarity and carat.
- Color:
People are coming to terms with the fact that black diamonds are, after all, real diamonds, which is much unlike what they felt until a few years ago. These too are crystallized carbon, similar to colorless diamonds. The dark nature of black diamond is due to the numerous tiny crevices present throughout the entire stone that are filled with graphite or sulphides. Changes caused due to exposing a near-white diamond to extremely high temperatures can also be the reason for diamonds to acquire a darker hue. A black diamond that is retrieved from under the surface is a rarity, which in turn adds to its high costs. Jewelry made with black diamonds such as diamond rings, necklaces, bracelets and pendants are subjected to high temperatures, which isn’t a bad thing since treated stone often turn out to be of a better quality. However, if you still wish to have a black diamond that is not subjected to heat then make sure they are marked as untreated or comply with Gemological Institute of America or GIA Certifications.
- Clarity:
Clarity is an indication of how much a diamond is clear, though for black diamonds, it implies the diamond is devoid of surface chips or cracks. Black diamonds embedded in rings, or for that matter, any other jewelry should have a surface that is perfectly glossy and sparkling. The best rating grade in this respect would be AAA.
- Carat:
Carat is a measure of the diamond’s weight. You might purchase a one-half carat black diamond ring or one that weighs two carat or even more, which depends on the size of black diamond that you’re looking for. In this respect, what has to be kept in mind is that black diamonds weigh more than traditional diamonds and hence, a one carat black diamond looks smaller in comparison to a traditional diamond of similar weight.
- Cut:
For diamonds, cut refers to the proportion and polish of the stone and not its shape. In most cases, black diamonds are given just a simple cut of sixteen facets while the surface should be perfectly smooth with no cracks. Diamond in its crude form, when it is mined from the earth looks similar to a piece of glass. So it needs to be cut with precise facets, which are tiny polished faces.
It is equally important to consider the setting before purchasing black diamond rings since black diamonds, which are brilliant in their own rights, will have a more stunning and grand outlook when set against a contrasting metal like white gold or yellow gold. So if you are looking for ring, diamond engagement ring or wedding ring that is quite unconventional but can make a dramatic yet elegant style statement, black diamond rings are what you need to go for.