Black Diamond Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide

In Sex and the City 2, Mr. Big finally put a ring on Carrie’s finger—a 5-carat black diamond Itay Malkin ring set in 18-karat white gold to be exact. With the words, “Because you’re not like anyone else,” Big gave all Carrie Bradshaw worshippers the green light to think outside the diamond box when it came to their engagement rings. And we couldn’t help but wonder…does a black diamond engagement ring measure up to a classic white diamond? Absolutely!

Brides are always looking for bold ways to showcase their style, and if breaking with tradition is your thing, you may want to consider an edgy black diamond ring. Black diamonds are chic, a bit mysterious, a little bit rock ‘n’ roll, and impossibly cool. They’re also a good value. Want to learn more about the history of black diamond rings and what you need to know when selecting one? Read on for our comprehensive guide.

What Is a Black Diamond?

Simply put, a black diamond is a super-included diamond; it has so many inclusions that it appears as a black gemstone. While colorless diamonds with fewer inclusions are considered rarer and more valuable, a black diamond is prized for the higher number of inclusions it has. “Black diamonds are traditionally much less expensive than a colorless diamond,” says diamond expert Anna Jay. Whether it’s in a classic solitaire, surrounded by a white diamond halo, set in trendy rose gold, or sprinkled along a simple band to lend some cool factor to your wedding-day bling, we’re totally crushing on black diamond rings.

Pros and Cons of Black Diamond Rings

A pro of a black diamond is that the price per carat is significantly less than that of a colorless or fancy colored diamond. However, they’re much more susceptible to damage than their colorless counterparts. “This is because black diamonds are actually made up of hundreds of tiny fractures, which give them their color,” says Jay.

You should bear this in mind when considering a black diamond for an engagement ring (or consider a treated black diamond instead). A treated black diamond is a grayer stone that receives a high temperature and pressure treatment to turn it black. They have a similar look to natural black diamonds but are less costly.

How to Care for a Black Diamond Ring

“Black diamonds do not require as much cleaning as colorless or fancy colored diamonds,” Jay says. Their color is “naturally metallic in nature so they will continue to sparkle even with wear.” Avoid typical diamond cleaning techniques, such as ultrasonic or steamer. “These machines can actually damage or break your black diamond,” says Jay. The best tool you can use to clean black diamonds is a “soft-bristled toothbrush and warm, mild soapy water. Think dish detergent—it cuts through grease and oils from your skin just as well as it does on dishes.”

Like other diamonds and fine jewelry, avoid wearing your black diamond engagement ring if you’re involved in hands-on activities, such as working in the yard, moving furniture, or doing construction. Black diamonds are more susceptible to fracture than regular diamonds. Dry with a soft cloth and store in a fabric-lined jewelry box.

Get ready to lust after these 17 black diamond engagement rings.

What to Look for in a Black Diamond Ring

How can shoppers tell if a black diamond is high quality? “I would encourage the buyer to ask for a Colored Diamond Report from the Gemology Institute of America (GIA). When making a large jewelry purchase (like an engagement ring), I always advise my clients to ask for GIA reports for their center stones (or any diamond larger than .5ct) to verify its characteristics and ensure its quality,” Jay says. While some black diamonds are naturally black, many are often gray and treated to change the stone to a dark black color. “A GIA report will explain whether the diamond has been treated to enhance the color (lowering the value) or is natural (increasing the value).”

• How much should a customer expect to pay for a black diamond? “Treated black diamonds are less expensive than natural black diamonds and more common—half-price or even less,” Jay says. “If a colorless diamond is $8,000 per carat, then you can expect a black diamond to be $4000 per carat…or less.”

• What are some suggested settings for a black diamond? “You can set your black diamond in any manner you like,” says Jay. “Before you think about setting, you should consider what your budget is for your ring. This number will dictate both your carat size and setting.”

• What metals pair well with a black diamond? “I love black diamonds set in white gold or platinum—the contrast of the colors really makes them pop,” Jay says.