Are you looking for a fascinating, original stone? The black diamond is a gemstone that inspires fascination and curiosity. Since the 1990s, the black diamond has grown steadily in popularity. Several celebrities have even fallen under its spell. Black diamond engagement rings, black diamond wedding bands, black diamond earrings, black diamond bracelets…: the jewelry possibilities are many.
Maison Laveran offers a line of sustainable lab-grown diamonds for beautiful, environmentally friendly and ethical jewelry.
Come discover our beautiful lab-grown diamondsDo black diamonds really exist?
When we think of diamonds, we usually picture their brilliance and dazzling transparency. Yet the black diamond is very real. Natural and lab-grown diamonds come in other colors, including black, a lesser-known, sumptuous and mysterious specimen.
Unlike traditional diamonds, the black diamond stands out for its deep, intense color. Although it is less common than white diamonds, the black diamond has grown in popularity in recent years, becoming a distinctive choice for jewelry and collections.
On a wedding band, an engagement ring, earrings, a necklace and more, the black diamond can be paired with white diamonds or worn on its own. Maison Laveran's bespoke lab-grown diamond jewelry design allows personalization tailored to each person's preferences. The black diamond creates a striking, crisp contrast on white, rose or yellow gold jewelry.
What is the black diamond called?
On the market, the black diamond's trade name is "Fancy Black Diamond." But the most enigmatic black diamond is the one known as "carbonado." The term comes from the Portuguese "carbonado," meaning "carbonized" or "burned," a reference to its dark color and crystalline structure.
The black diamond symbolizes protection and strength, and suits men's and women's jewelry alike.
What is a black diamond worth?
Because of its rarity and mysterious origin, the natural black diamond is among the most expensive gemstones in the world.
The criteria for estimating the price of a black diamond
The value of a black diamond depends on several factors, such as its size, quality, shape and rarity. However, the 4Cs rule (carat, color, clarity and cut) does not apply to black diamonds.
Unlike white diamonds, for which clarity and color are key criteria in determining price, black diamonds are graded on the intensity and uniformity of their black color. This rare gemstone is graded on a scale from A to AAA.
Any cracks or scratches also affect the price of a black diamond.
The price of a natural black diamond
Large, high-quality black diamonds can command considerable prices on the gemstone market. Indeed, since it is smaller than other types of diamonds, its price per carat can range from €1,000 to more than €10,000.
A two-carat black diamond can cost between €500 and €3,400, while the price of a three-carat black diamond can range from €1,500 to €10,000.
The price of a treated black diamond
The "treated black diamond" is a more economical alternative to the natural stone. This gemstone is obtained by irradiating a pink diamond, a white diamond or a diamond of another color.
The price of one carat of treated black diamond can range from €100 to €140.
The value of a lab-grown black diamond
Lab-grown black diamonds cost much less than natural black diamonds. Nevertheless, it is important to tell the real from the fake so you are not taken in by charlatans.
Come discover our carefully selected lab-grown diamondsHow to recognize a real black diamond
Recognizing a real black diamond takes expertise and careful examination. Here are a few details to check in order to identify a genuine black diamond. Although an expert's eye is often needed for definitive authentication, there are several clues that even a well-informed amateur can spot. Before diving into these specific details, it is important to note that consulting a professional at a gemstone shop remains the most reliable way to obtain genuine certification. These experts have the tools and in-depth knowledge to assess the nature and quality of a black diamond accurately. However, for those who want to build their own understanding or carry out an initial assessment before consulting an expert, the rest of this article presents several key points to examine.
The color of the black diamond
A black diamond should have a uniform, intense and deep color. Be wary of stones that show gray, brown or other undesirable tints.
The opacity of the black diamond
This rare gemstone is opaque as well as porous. The black diamond shows neither iridescence nor sparkle.
The luster of the black diamond
Although a black diamond does not reflect as much light as a white diamond, it should still show a certain luster and a subtle glow when exposed to light.
The black diamond is a porous aggregate of tiny graphite or hematite inclusions and diamond microcrystals. It glows from within.
The black diamond's certificate of authenticity
When you buy a black diamond, be sure to ask for a certificate of authenticity issued by a reputable gemological laboratory. This document guarantees the origin and authenticity of the stone.
For Maison Laveran's lab-grown diamonds, the certificate number is laser-inscribed directly on the stone to ensure traceability.
Enjoy the diamond experience in our showroomA few simple ways to recognize a real black diamond
Breathe on your black diamond: if fog appears on it, you have a fake diamond.
Scratch a piece of glass with the point of the black diamond: if a mark or line appears, you have a real diamond.
Where does the black diamond come from?
The disputed origin of the black diamond
The precise origin of the black diamond is still a mystery to scientists. However, it is thought to have formed in specific geological regions, such as Brazil and Central Africa, following meteorite impacts. Two other theories address the origin of the black diamond.
According to some researchers, the black diamond formed under pressure within the earth. This gemstone is said to be the result of an organic transformation of carbon.
The last theory about the origin of the black diamond involves the explosion of a supernova, whose debris is said to have scattered across the Earth.
Some scientists claim that it formed between 2.6 and 3.8 billion years ago. Others, however, claim that the black diamond formed 100 million to 1 billion years ago.
The discovery and first uses of the black diamond
Between the 18th and 19th centuries, black diamonds were first discovered by the Portuguese in Brazil, who named them "carbonado." For many years, the black diamond was considered an ordinary stone because its color was likened to that of coal.
The black diamond was thus used in the forests to cut wood before being brought back to Europe. Carbonado was used to drill through rock for the Panama Canal in 1905. In 1860, the black diamond was used to drill rock for mining operations.
Famous black diamonds include the 202-carat Black Star of Africa, which disappeared in the 1970s. There is also the 312.24-carat Spirit of de Grisogono and the 160.18-carat Table of Islam diamond.
Natural black diamonds are found only in recent alluvial deposits in the Central African Republic and Brazil. The largest black diamond found to date weighed 3,167 carats.
The first uses of the black diamond in jewelry
Jewelers only took an interest in the black diamond from 1990 onward. Its dark color pairs perfectly with rhodium-plated silver or gold rings. In general, however, the black diamond is set in white gold to create a magnificent engagement ring.
In Italy, the black diamond is said to have the power to strengthen a couple's relationship.
