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Monthly Archives: June 2014

Jun
23
2014

18k White Gold Black Diamond Panda Bear RingAre black diamonds real diamonds?

What are black diamonds?

What’s all the fuss about black diamonds?

Do black diamonds come from out of space?

Who wears black diamond engagement rings?

What’s the difference between black diamonds and white diamonds?

 

 

Zebra Design 18k White Gold Black Diamond Bangle Bracelet from: Heavenly TreasuresZebra Design 18k White Gold Black Diamond Bangle Bracelet
from: Heavenly Treasures

Diamonds are carbon based crystals, which were formed under great pressure from organic or inorganic carbon. Typically diamonds were formed far underneath the earth’s crust and brought to the surface by means of volcanic activity. It is also believed that the impact of an asteroid can form diamonds as a result of the impact with the surface. The formation of diamonds is believed to be approximately 3 to 4 billion years ago.


Large Black Diamond Panda Bear Pin in 18k White Gold
Large Black Diamond Panda Bear Pin in 18k White Gold

A diamond reflects and refracts light in similar fashion to a prism, which accounts for the fire-like flash and sparkle characteristics. Diamonds are not all typically the same colour, however the most valuable diamonds are considered to be the white variety. Diamonds considered less valuable can be treated with heat or radiation to darken the colour or improve its uniformity. In this way any diamond can be made to appear dark or even black.


Inside and Out Black Diamond Hoop Earrings in 18k White Gold
Inside and Out Black Diamond Hoop Earrings in 18k White Gold

Diamonds are the hardest natural substances found on earth and as a result, has the effect that no other natural material can scratch them. This makes them so popular for their use in Jewellery. A true black diamond, however, is not the same as the traditional diamond described above. It is similar in that it was created from carbon put under immense pressure, but differs in some key aspects.

 

Who loves Black Diamond Jewelry in the USA?

Black Diamond Jewelry in the USA

A black diamond, also called a Carbonado (Portuguese for black), has a polycrystalline structure and is more porous as opposed to the solid piece white diamond. As a result the black diamond is more brittle yet is harder than the white. This also makes the black diamond harder to cut into shapes commonly used in white diamonds.

The impurities contained in the black diamond, absorbs light, causing the dark colouration and therefore lacks the lustre that makes its white counterpart attractive. Until recently, the black diamond was not commonly used in jewellery, because of its comparatively unimpressive appearance. In most instances, however, the diamonds used in jewelry is a normal diamond that is treated in order to darken its appearance. This is done because the diamond of a suitable size may not be of the desired clarity or consistency according to the value scale and as such is considered less valuable in its natural form when compared to the the top valued diamonds.

 

14k White Gold Black Diamond Snake Ring from: Heavenly Treasures
14k White Gold Black Diamond Snake Ring

from: Heavenly Treasures

 

Where are black diamonds found?

Where do black diamonds come from?

White diamonds are mostly found in igneous rock, which was brought to the surface of the earth by volcanic activity. In contrast the black diamond, is found in alluvial deposits only in Brazil and the Central African Republic, as opposed the relative wide distribution of the white diamond.

The limited distribution of the black diamond makes it in effect much rarer than the white diamond, yet the most alluring aspect of the black diamond may be the mystery surrounding its origins.


18k White Gold Black Diamond Frog Ring – $2,795.00
18k White Gold Black Diamond Frog Ring - $2,795.00 from: Heavenly Treasures
from: Heavenly Treasures

There are various theories hypothesized as to the beginnings of the black diamond. These include:

  • Formation within a star which exploded within a supernova and rained down onto earth billions of years ago by means of meteorites.
  • Shock metamorphism subsequent to meteorites impacting earth.
  • Creation upon impact on earth by an asteroid, as is the case with certain normal diamonds.
  • Radiation via fission of uranium and thorium.


18k White Gold Black Diamond Spinning Sphere Pendant and Necklace
18k White Gold Black Diamond Spinning Sphere Pendant and Necklace

The most popular theories favour the extra-terrestrial alternatives as a result of the differences in structure and composition of these two types of diamonds coupled with the fact that evidence suggest that the only two known locations where black diamonds are found were once joined, before they were separated via continental drift. This supports the theories of either localised meteor showers in this area or a massive asteroid impacting earth.

 

Black Diamond