Learn a bit about the value of black diamonds.

There are many speculations that black diamonds are not real diamonds but yes, they are the real deal. All diamonds are crystallized carbon, which is a result of the application of intense heat and pressure to the black carbon. As this valuable gem appears in various colors such as yellow, pink, blue, green, gold, colorless or white, why not in black? Actually, black diamonds are just very dark green ones which appear inky black because of the effect of light on it.

As it is, diamonds are very valuable because they are revered for their brilliance and timelessness. They are also the hardest naturally occurring stone in the world. On the other hand, the value of a black diamond depends on a lot of factors. The interplay of these factors provides the value of this gem at any given time.

Popularity and Demand
Before, these distinctly colored gems were used only for industrial purposes because they are hard to cut. But the elegance of this rare gem caught the fancy of jewelers. With the aid of promotions, they established that black diamonds are unique, distinct and rare. Jewelers, enthusiasts and the entire market took notice which consequently increased the popularity of this stone as jewelry pieces. This contributed to the surge in demand which naturally raised its value.

Uniqueness and Flaws
These dark gems are really known as carbonados because they are found with diamond crystals called carbonados. Just like the other diamonds, they are made from carbon atoms. However, it also includes hydrogen in its make up which led others to speculate that they were formed in an area with high hydrogen content specifically the outer space. This increases the interest and the speculation of rarity for this stone.

Also, while white diamonds are made of a single crystal, black ones are composed of millions of tiny crystals. Because of this, inclusion and deposits of sulfides in between the crystals provided the dark tint. However, they are also responsible for the flaws and cleavages within the stone which makes it harder to give it a smooth polish. The fewer cavities the gem has, the more expensive it becomes. This type of diamond can also be found on only two continents, in Central Africa and in South America, specifically in Brazil.

Finding prices for black diamonds can be difficult, as much of whats sold is very unique so this reflects the artistic value of the jewellery in addition to the value of the black diamond. What follows is a price chart from a wholesale black diamond dealer located in Antwerp, Belgium, the world capital for the diamond trade, but to truly find the going rate for black diamonds, your best bet is to follow this link, which will give you some true market values.

Black Diamond Price Chart

0.01 carat…….$1

0.05 carat………$2

0.10 carat……….$6

0.15 carat………$11

0.20 carat…….$16

0.25 – 1/4 carat……..$29

0.30 carat……..$68

0.40 carat…….$104

0.49 carat…….$127

0.50 – 1/2 carat…..$205

0.75 – 3/4 carat……$386

0.90 carat…….$630

1.00 carat……$1225

1.50 carat……$2213

2.00 carat……$4320

3.00 carat……$11340

4.00 carat……$19140

5.00 carat…..$33500

Four C’s of Diamonds
The standard of evaluating the value of diamonds is through what they call the four C’s or on the basis of Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat Weight. Cut is the stone’s polish and proportion. These black diamonds usually have a 16-facet cut although seldom are round and have angles and flat surfaces. Clarity on the other hand is concerned with the absence of flaws or chips and cracks that are visible to the eye and Color is about how the distinct color is distributed evenly in the stone. A diamond with a glossy surface with less internal flaws has a higher value. Carat refers to the weight of the gem. The heavier it is, the higher the value it commands. A black diamond is heavier than the other diamonds thus, even if two stones will have the same carat, the black one will look smaller.

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