Indulge Your Black Diamond Fantasy

(updated June 24, 2025)

A black diamond engagement ring makes a statement like no other--bold, unconventional, and dripping with mystery. 

With its opaque beauty and mirror-like luster, this rare gemstone speaks to a love story that breaks tradition. At Krikawa, we celebrate the extraordinary--and black diamonds are a stunning way to do just that!

Why should I have a black diamond in my engagement ring or wedding band? 

A black diamond combines the brilliance of a faceted diamond with dark romantic love. It a great choice for engagement or wedding rings if you want to celebrate how unique and different you are! Whether you're drawn to their cosmic origins or captivated by their edgy aesthetic, black diamonds offer an unforgettable twist on the classic engagement.

Set in a white metal, such as platinum, the deep black hue creates a striking juxtaposition. If you're seeking a ring that doesn't blend in with the crowd, green gold with Black diamond creates a lush, earthy feel. Against rose or yellow gold, the contrast is warm and sultry. Imagine channel-set diamonds eternity style around your band or sleek black diamonds pave-set in a field or combined with white diamonds for a dynamic, modern aesthetic. For the boldest of hearts, a black diamond center stone in your custom engagement ring makes an unforgettable statement! At Krikawa, we specialize in designing alternative bridal jewelry, and a black diamond centerpiece adds undeniable drama and depth. Whether you're designing a traditional solitaire, a modern three stone engagement ring setting, a men's engagement ring, or a one-of-a-kind fantasy ring, black diamonds open up a world of creative possibilities.

What shapes are black diamonds available in?

The most popular cut for black diamonds is faceted round brilliant cuts, which maximize the stone's luster and sparkle. You can also find large black diamonds for center stones in a wide range of shapes: Princess, Oval, Pear, Marquise, and Emerald cuts. 

More rare, but still available are Rose Cut Black diamonds, which are perfect for vintage-inspired or boho-chic designs. Some currently popular shapes that are extremely rare to find in black diamond are cushion and geometric hexagon center stones. As the popularity of unique stones expands, we hope to see even more diversity in available black diamonds cuts.

What makes a diamond black?

Diamonds can be found in nature in many different colors, including black. Unlike traditional white diamonds, which are prized for their clarity, black diamonds are noticed for their heavy inclusions--primarily graphite. The majority of black diamonds available are not a true black but are opaque and extremely dark due to the visible graphite deposits in the stone. The inclusions give black diamonds their distinctive color and unique surface texture.

Natural black diamonds are found in only a few locations worldwide. They tend to have a smokier luster and may appear slightly less opaque. Treated black diamonds are more common. When a heavily included white or gray diamond or natural black diamond is treated through high-temperature or irradiation processes, the blackness is color-enhanced, transforming these opaque gems into jet-black gems with a mirror-like surface. The majority of small black diamonds that are set into rings are color enhanced. In other words, they’re not pure black to start with but are heat treated or irradiated so that they turn darker than they are naturally.

Can I Add Black Diamonds To Any Ring?

Absolutely. Every Krikawa engagement ring, wedding band, or men's ring can be customized with black diamonds, whether you're looking for bold center stones or subtle accents. Just email us using this form for a quote, and a design consultant will let you know what's currently available in the shape and size you need.

Some of our favorite black diamond ring ideas include:

• Setting tiny black diamonds as the eyes in our dragon wedding ring for a piercing, mythical effect.
• Using black diamonds in the center of each blossom on a flower engagement ring or a diamond accented floral wedding band for elegant contrast.
• Incorporating black diamonds to accent a pattern, such as the wild giraffe ring pattern in our wildlife rings.
• Choosing a black marquise center stone--a rare, regal twist on the classic elongated diamond in a custom Marquise shape engagement ring.
• For dainty, minimalist settings, a black diamond adds a whisper of shadowy glamor either as the center stone or as accent stones in a petite diamond engagement ring without overpowering the design.

No matter your style, our expert team will help you craft a ring as unique as your love story.

Are black diamonds affordable?

Yes--black diamonds tend to be more affordable than white diamonds, especially when color-enhanced. Even natural black diamonds--depending on clarity and size--are typically much less expensive than white. You can find a stunning 1.50-2.00 carat black diamond for a fraction of the cost of a similarly sized colorless stone. This makes them a fantastic choice for those seeking larger statement stones without sacrificing quality or style. Shown below is a 1.62 carat round black diamond, which was priced below $1,200!  Call us at 1-888-KRIKAWA to quote other sizes or shapes!
 

Are black diamonds naturally that color or are they treated?

Most black diamonds on the commercial market are natural diamonds, mined from the earth, that have been color enhanced, or treated, to deepen the color.  Black diamonds also occur naturally, so natural untreated black diamonds are available.  There tends to be a little less opacity in a natural black diamond; you can see into it.  They are incredibly fascinating! 

 

How durable are black diamonds?

A black diamond is just as hard as a white diamond. It registers a 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, meaning it’s the hardest material on earth and incredibly durable for daily wear. However, due to the inclusions that give them their unique, dark color, Black diamonds can be more brittle than white diamonds. What this means is that Black diamonds are more likely to chip than a white diamond. They may be more prone to chipping if struck at the right angle. That said, they’re still an extremely hard and excellent stone for everyday wear and outperform many other gemstones in terms of wear resistance. The surface will not abrade or wear down the way softer stones do. When properly set and cared for, a black diamond ring will last a lifetime and beyond. Read more about the characteristics of black diamonds here.
 

Where are black diamonds from?

Black diamonds were originally discovered in Brazil during the 1800s by the Portuguese, who called them "carbonados." In addition to Brazil, they have also been found in the Central African Republic. Recently, scientists have claimed that--unlike white diamonds, which are formed inside the earth--some black diamonds may have been created in outer space, arriving on earth as asteroids!* Check out my other article on The Origin of Black Diamonds.

*National Science Foundation. (2007). Diamonds from Outer Space: Geologists Discover Origin of Earth's Mysterious Black Diamonds [Press release]. Retrieved from http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=108270.