Every ring tells a story, and a black diamond evokes a certain kind of dramatic beauty, with mystery and passion playing the lead characters.

Unique for their deep hue, and extremely rare (they’re found naturally in Central Africa and Brazil only) a black diamond will suit those looking to make a distinctive ring statement.

Let’s start with the basics. There are two types of black diamonds: natural black diamonds and treated black diamonds. Chemically speaking, a natural black diamond is a polycrystalline diamond with amorphous carbon and graphite. 

For non-scientists, this means that naturally formed black diamonds are filled with dark inclusions (a technical term for small imperfections in diamonds that are created from pressure and heat as they form), which give black diamonds their color. Interestingly enough, the body of many black diamonds can be olive grey, dark brown, or even colorless.  As they say, beauty lies in imperfections.

Now for the fun part, choosing your shape and style! Want something simple? Go for a small, round black engagement ring surrounded by a diamond halo. I’m partial to an elegant pear or princess cut shape, but the classic asscher cut, or royalty-inspired marquis black diamonds are also a lovely choice. 

Some of the most stunning creations pair a round or pear shaped black diamond with a white diamond pavé set in rose gold— or, consider a radiant cut black diamond flanked by two triangular white diamond stones, set in yellow-gold. The contrast of a bold, black diamond with a lustrous vintage-inspired rose gold or yellow gold setting make these both alluring options. 

Not to mention, you’d be on par with some hip celebrities who have recently gone to the dark side of diamonds: Christina McLarty, Shenae Grime, Carmen Electra and of course [the fictional yet fabulous] Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City 2.

For those who aren’t fully sold on a center black diamond, there’s always the option to place smaller black diamonds as side stones, or use them to adorn the shank of your ring. The combinations are truly endless, and when you start to consider your settings, the opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind black diamond engagement ring can be irresistible.

When it finally comes time to purchase an engagement ring, well, your fiancée is in luck, because these gemstones are typically less expensive than a white diamond. The average cost for a heat-treated black diamond is 1,400-$1,700, while a fancy black diamond typically costs between $3,000-$5,000. 

Furthermore, black diamond engagement rings are known to be resistant to wear and tear, making them extremely durable and long-lasting. This is especially good news for gals who try to do it all! To care for your black diamond stones, simply clean them at home with a damp cloth and mild soap, or take your engagement ring to your jeweler once a year.

We hope to have given you an informative background on these exquisite rocks, and know you’ll be the envy of all your friends with this unique diamond choice. On that note, happy ring shopping!