Updated October 18, 2026 · by Enzo, founder of Laveran Paris
Key takeaways
- A black diamond is a real diamond (pure carbon, 10 on the Mohs hardness scale), colored by a dense concentration of graphite inclusions. Its gemological name: carbonado, or "Fancy Black" in the trade.
- Its price depends mainly on its origin: natural and untreated (the rarest and most expensive), natural and treated, or lab-grown diamond (the most affordable). The 4Cs do not apply.
- At Laveran, black diamonds are made to order, with a quote at your appointment. Our lab-grown diamond jewelry starts at €632 (earrings) and €880 (solitaire), in 18k gold or platinum at the same price.
A black diamond is a diamond in every sense: pure carbon like a white diamond, but made opaque by thousands of tiny graphite inclusions that absorb light. Natural and untreated, it is one of the most expensive black stones; treated or lab-grown, it becomes far more affordable. At Laveran Paris, black diamonds are made to order on quote, and our lab-grown diamond jewelry starts at €632. This guide answers the most common questions: its name, its price, its meaning, its origin, how to recognize a real black diamond, rough or cut, and how to wear it.
Contents
- What is a black diamond?
- What is a black diamond called?
- How much is a black diamond worth?
- How much does diamond jewelry cost at Laveran?
- How can you tell a real black diamond?
- How can you recognize a rough black diamond?
- What does a black diamond mean?
- Where do black diamonds come from?
- Which black diamond jewelry should you choose?
- FAQ
What is a black diamond?
A black diamond is a diamond whose color comes from a very high density of dark inclusions (graphite, sometimes hematite) spread throughout the stone. Its composition is the same as any diamond: crystallized pure carbon, with the same hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. What changes is how it handles light: where a white diamond sends light back in flashes, a black diamond absorbs almost all of it.
In practice:
- It is opaque: you cannot see through it, and it shows no colored "fire."
- Its shine comes from its surface: a well-polished black diamond has a metallic, almost mirror-like luster on its facets.
- It is more sensitive to impact than a white diamond: its inclusions and, for carbonado, its structure of aggregated micro-crystals make it harder to cut and more fragile under a sharp knock.
Black diamonds come in three forms you should tell apart when buying: natural and untreated, natural and treated (a grayish or heavily included diamond darkened by heating or irradiation), and lab-grown diamond, also called synthetic diamond.
What is a black diamond called?
In the trade, a black diamond is called a "Fancy Black Diamond"; in gemology, the most enigmatic natural variety is called "carbonado." This Portuguese word means "carbonized" or "burned," a nod to its coal-like color and porous structure. Portuguese prospectors gave it this name in Brazil.
Beware of misleading names: a "black stone" sold in a jewelry store is not necessarily a diamond. Onyx, black spinel, black tourmaline, jet and hematite look similar from a distance, but have neither its hardness nor its luster.
How much is a black diamond worth?
The price of a black diamond depends first on its origin, then on its carat weight, the evenness of its color and the absence of cracks. Unlike white diamonds, the 4Cs (carat, color, clarity, cut) do not apply: clarity means nothing for an opaque stone.
| Type of black diamond | How it is obtained | Price level |
|---|---|---|
| Natural, untreated (carbonado, natural Fancy Black) | Original black color, proven by a gemological lab certificate | Highest: rare and sought after by collectors |
| Natural, treated | Heavily included natural diamond, darkened by heating or irradiation | Far more affordable; the most common in jewelry |
| Lab-grown diamond | Diamond created in a laboratory, black through inclusions or treatment | Affordable, with consistent color from stone to stone |
What raises the price, at equal weight:
- Intense, even color, with no gray, brown or greenish areas. Stones are often graded from A to AAA on this intensity.
- No cracks, chips or scratches on the surface, which are very visible on an opaque, polished stone.
- Carat weight: large natural untreated stones are rare.
- A certificate stating the origin (natural or lab-grown) and any treatment.
Per-carat prices listed online vary enormously from one seller to another, because they often mix treated and untreated stones: always ask which one you are buying.
How much does diamond jewelry cost at Laveran?
At Laveran Paris, black diamonds are made to order: the price is confirmed on quote, in our showrooms or by video call. For reference, here are the actual prices of our white lab-grown diamond jewelry, checked on October 18, 2026, in H/VS2 quality:
| Piece | Diamond weight | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Montaigne round earrings | 0.50 carat total | €632 |
| Vendôme half-eternity band | 0.30 carat total | €696 |
| Montaigne round solitaire | 0.30 carat | €880 |
| Montaigne round pendant | 0.30 carat | €880 |
| Rivière bracelet | 1 carat total | €1,400 |
| Montaigne round solitaire | 1 carat | €1,744 |
These prices are the same in 18k white, yellow or rose gold and in 950 platinum: at Laveran, platinum costs the same as gold. Our white diamonds are IGI or GIA certified with no fluorescence, and cost up to 80% less than a natural diamond. Made to order in 2 to 3 weeks, free engraving, installment payments with Alma.
Planning a piece with a black diamond? Ring, wedding band, pendant or earrings: an expert will advise you in one of our 11 showrooms or by video call, and give you a quote for your made-to-order black diamond. Book an appointment →
How can you tell a real black diamond?
Only a certificate from a gemological laboratory proves that a black stone is a diamond, and whether it is natural, treated or lab-grown. A few clues can still help you spot an imitation before you consult a professional, for example at a gemstone shop.
Color
A fine black diamond has an even, intense, deep color. Be wary of gray or brown tints. Under very strong light, on thin edges, some treated black diamonds show a very dark green tint: this is a sign of treatment, not of an imitation.
Opacity and luster
A black diamond is opaque and shows no iridescence or colored fire. Well polished, however, it has a bright, almost metallic luster that onyx or black glass cannot match.
The certificate
Ask for a certificate from a recognized laboratory stating the origin and any treatment. For Maison Laveran's lab-grown diamonds, the certificate number is laser-inscribed on the stone for traceability. More methods: how to tell a real diamond from a fake.
At-home tests, with caution
- The fog test: breathe on the stone. On a diamond, the fog clears almost instantly; if it lingers for several seconds, the stone is probably an imitation.
- The glass test: a diamond scratches glass, but so do other stones (quartz, spinel, tourmaline). This test can rule out a plastic or glass imitation, but never confirm a diamond. It can also chip a fragile stone: avoid it on fine jewelry.
How can you recognize a rough black diamond?
A rough black diamond looks like a small, dark, matte, irregular pebble, very different from the cut stone: only a lab analysis can confirm that it is a diamond. Rough carbonado has a porous, sometimes grainy surface and a coal-like look. Other rough black diamonds often have a clearer crystal shape (an octahedron with rounded edges) and a greasy luster.
Be wary of cheap "rough black diamonds" sold online or while traveling: many are hematite, black tourmaline or glass. Before buying, ask for a gemological analysis.
What does a black diamond mean?
The black diamond symbolizes strength, protection and self-confidence. Its color, rare for a diamond, also evokes mystery and understated elegance. It suits men's and women's jewelry alike.
- In love: in Italy, the black diamond is said to strengthen a couple's bond. Some choose it for an unconventional engagement ring.
- In crystal healing: it is associated with grounding and inner strength. These beliefs come from tradition, not proven properties.
- In style: it creates a crisp contrast on white, yellow or rose gold, alone or paired with white diamonds.
To learn more about other colors: lab-grown colored diamonds.
Where do black diamonds come from?
A still-debated origin
Natural carbonado black diamonds have only been found in alluvial deposits in Brazil and the Central African Republic, and scientists still debate their origin. Several theories coexist:
- formation linked to meteorite impacts;
- formation in the Earth's crust, from organic carbon transformed under pressure;
- an extraterrestrial origin, with fragments from a supernova explosion.
Depending on the study, it formed 2.6 to 3.8 billion years ago, or between 100 million and 1 billion years ago.
From industrial tool to fine jewelry
Discovered in Brazil by the Portuguese between the 18th and 19th centuries, carbonado was long considered worthless because it looked like coal. Its hardness made it a tool: it was used to drill rock in mines from 1860, then to dig through rock for the Panama Canal.
Famous black diamonds include the Spirit of de Grisogono (312.24 carats), the Black Star of Africa (202 carats, missing since the 1970s) and the Table of Islam (160.18 carats). The largest rough black diamond ever found weighed 3,167 carats.
Jewelers only took a real interest in it from the 1990s. Since then, its popularity has kept growing, driven by engagement rings and men's jewelry.
Which black diamond jewelry should you choose?
Black diamonds are mostly worn in rings, wedding bands, earrings and pendants; for a ring worn every day, choose a setting that protects the stone.
- Engagement ring: as a solitaire for a bold look, or as a center stone surrounded by white diamonds for contrast. Start from a setting like the Montaigne solitaire or our full collection of lab-grown diamond engagement rings.
- Wedding band: paved with black diamonds, or alternating black and white. Very popular with men: see our men's wedding bands.
- Earrings and pendants: less exposed to knocks, ideal for a black diamond worn every day.
- Metal: white gold or platinum for crisp contrast, yellow or rose gold for a warmer look. At Laveran, platinum costs the same as 18k gold.
Care: clean the stone in warm soapy water with a soft brush, and take off your ring for sports or DIY. At Laveran, polishing and prong checks are free for life, as is resizing.
FAQ
Do black diamonds really exist?
Yes. A black diamond is a real diamond, made of pure carbon with a hardness of 10, colored by graphite inclusions. It exists in nature (treated or untreated) and as a lab-grown diamond.
How much does a black diamond cost?
It depends on its origin: natural untreated black diamonds are the most expensive, while treated natural and lab-grown black diamonds are far more affordable. At Laveran, black diamonds are made to order on quote; our lab-grown diamond jewelry starts at €632.
Are black diamonds rare?
Natural untreated black diamonds are rare: carbonado has only been found in Brazil and the Central African Republic. Most black diamonds sold in jewelry stores are treated or lab-grown.
What is a black diamond called?
In the trade, a "Fancy Black Diamond." The porous natural variety is called carbonado, from the Portuguese for "carbonized."
What does giving a black diamond mean?
It symbolizes strength, protection and a solid commitment. In Italy, it is said to strengthen a couple's bond.
Do black diamonds sparkle?
They do not sparkle like white diamonds, because they absorb light. But well polished, they show a bright, almost metallic luster on every facet.
Natural or lab-grown black diamond: which should you choose?
Natural untreated stones mainly appeal to collectors. For jewelry, a lab-grown diamond offers the same hardness, consistent color and a much gentler price. Also compare with other stones: lab-grown diamond vs. moissanite.
Can I order a black diamond ring from Laveran?
Yes, made to order. Book an appointment in a showroom or by video call and we will give you a quote. Free, insured, hand-delivered shipping, 30-day returns and a lifetime warranty.
Dreaming of black diamond jewelry? Book an appointment in one of our 11 showrooms or by video call: we will show you the stones, settings and metals, and you will receive a quote for your made-to-order black diamond.
