Black never goes out of fashion, and this season it’s taking a prominent place in fashion trends, especially in jewelry.
Black diamonds. Black pearls. Black spinel. The love of black-color gems and jewelry ranges from the most affordable to the most luxurious, and for good reason. It’s incredibly versatile. It’s the color of sophistication and elegance. It’s both edgy and timeless.
The surge in the popularity of black diamonds can be traced back to Carrie Bradshaw of Sex & the City whose eclectic style influenced many women during the show’s six-year run. The black diamond engagement ring she received in the movie spinoff, Sex and the City 2, may have very well started the trend for this black gem.
While not Carrie Bradshaw’s five-carat black diamond ring from the film Sex and the City 2, many brides-to-be to look for something untraditional like this black diamond platinum ring.
Image courtesy of Platinum Guild International.
Black diamonds get their color either naturally or by treatment. Naturally colored black diamonds have black material like graphite, lining numerous inclusions (internal clarity characteristics), cleavages, and fractures.
Treated black diamonds are diamonds that have been exposed to radiation in a laboratory to change their color. These irradiated black diamonds are typically a very dark green color, but appear black to the eye. A GIA Identification Report is recommended when purchasing a black diamond; it will tell you if the diamond is natural or synthetic, and whether it was treated.
This cultured black pearl necklace is the perfect accessory for an elegant night out. Courtesy of Assael International.
Natural black pearls are one of the most rare and coveted gem materials, and make a dramatic and elegant statement. The majority of black pearls on the market are cultured pearls. Others are dyed black or irradiated, which typically results in a bluish-gray to greenish-black color. Because they can be challenging to distinguish, the GIA Pearl Identification and Pearl Classification reports can be helpful in identifying any detectable treatments.
When making a new pearl purchase, the GIA 7 Pearl Value Factors can help you find quality pearls.
Black spinel is a popular – and less expensive – option if you want to turn heads. Other black gemstones include: onyx, ebony wood, jet, and black jade.
These award-winning earrings by GIA alumnus Anil Maloo of Baggins are a beautiful example of the range of color in pearls. The pair features two akoya pearls, two white South Sea pearls, and six Tahitian pearls set in 14k white gold with 2.42 carats diamonds.
Earrings by GIA alumnus Anil Maloo of Baggins.
Pandas in black and white diamonds are even rarer than the real ones. This diamond, black diamond, jade, and black onyx brooch by Ricardo Basta is unique – and showcases the craftsmanship of the designer.
Panda in black and white diamonds. Courtesy of Ricardo Basta.
Kara Ross’ The Maze locket evokes the work of contemporary architect Frank Gehry, famed for his use of bold, clashing shapes in his buildings. Ross accomplishes the same look with a Mother of Pearl shell, black sapphires, and silver. It is a mosaic of organic elements that has an unexpected iridescence.
Kara Ross Maze locket. Courtesy of Kara Ross.
Do you own any black gemstones? Would you wear a black engagement ring like Carrie Bradshaw? Let us know if this trend has made its way into your jewelry wardrobe!
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