The Story Behind the Stone: Black & Right

Seasoned diamond collectors have long known what the majority of consumers are beginning to realize. Diamonds come in colors. Of course colorless or ‘white’ diamonds are composed of carbon. Natural color diamonds occur when trace elements are introduced in their formative stage.

One of the more upscale ‘color’ diamond choices today is black, which technically is not really a color, is it? Microscopic elements within the crystal lend a deep lustrous black tone to the stone. Scientists tell us that black diamonds are likely the oldest diamonds in existence. They are thought to result from a meteoric impact on earth some 3 billion years ago. But it’s their glamorous mystique that draws jewelry lovers to the black beauties.

Innovative jewelry designer Todd Reed is an early adapter of the inky sparklers. “Black diamonds are often heat-treated to intensify their color, but almost all of our black diamonds are naturally colored,” he shares. “I think any woman can wear a black diamond. My clients tend to love diamonds so much that they are looking for something super-unique that no one else will have. Or they really don’t like diamonds at all but are strangely attracted to the subtle exquisite nature of these stones.” Todd finds black diamonds are also gaining momentum with bridal jewelry.

Naples, FL-based Marissa Collections tempts its clientele with sumptuous black diamonds available in its tony showroom. Marissa Hartington, owner of Marissa Collections states: “Black diamonds appeal to women who already own traditional white or canary diamonds. It’s an unconventional approach and a modern way of wearing diamonds, especially during the day. They have amazing brilliance that is understated and neutral; allowing them to work with the client’s existing jewelry and wardrobe. I personally love the mystery of black diamonds.

“Customers today are much savvier about jewelry,” she continues. “As a result, we have a gemologist on staff and all of our stylists have taken gemological courses. Black diamonds are a current industry trend; they are also valuable. The price will often reflect this.”

Jewelry aficionados craving something distinctive find that black diamonds tick all the boxes required for a lavish signature stone.

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Award winning trade journalist and gemologist Diana Jarrett is a Registered Master Valuer Appraiser and a member of the Association of Independent Jewellery Valuers (AIJV). She’s a popular speaker at conferences and trade shows. Jarrett writes for trade and consumer publications, online outlets, her blog: Color-n-Ice, and www.jewelrywebsitedesigners.com. Contact her at info@dianajarrett.com, visit her website at www.dianajarrett.com, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter (Loupey).