In the dimly lit corners of the abandoned library, a vortex of swirling colors arose, crackling with energy and potential. From this maelstrom, Midnight Sparkle appeared, her eyes shining with fierce determination and a hint of mischief. The air around her shimmered with an otherworldly brilliance as she took in the forgotten books and dusty shelves, each a repository of untold knowledge waiting to be unleashed. With a flick of her wrist, she summoned glowing orbs of light, illuminating the shadows and unveiling the mysteries within. It was time to harness the power of the past and reshape her destiny.
How is Black Diamond (Natural and Lab) Cut?
Black diamonds undergo a cutting process similar to that of white diamonds, with some key differences. Rather than enhancing brilliance, the focus is on showcasing their unique traits and optimizing light absorption.
A master diamond cutter assesses the inclusions in the stone, deciding whether to use a step cut, a brilliant cut, or a mix of both. A brilliant cut features eight faces, twelve edges, and six vertices, preserving significant carat weight. Conversely, a step cut results in a square or rectangular shape with eight parallel lines running along the stone’s length and width. Due to the hardness of black diamonds, choosing the appropriate cut is crucial.
What is the Black Diamond Cutting Process?
The process of cutting black diamonds is methodical and can be divided into five main steps:
Planning
This initial stage is critical as it dictates the stone’s eventual outcome, including shape and size. Diamond cutters use their expertise alongside computer software to map out the rough stones to minimize loss.
Cleaving
In this step, the rough stone is split into separate pieces, typically using mechanical saws or contactless lasers.
Bruting
This phase transforms the separate diamond pieces into round stones by placing them on a spinning axle and grinding them against each other, also known as girdling.
Polishing
This two-step process shapes the round stone into a diamond with smooth, reflective facets, prepping it for brillianteering, where the remaining facets are added.
Inspecting
This step checks if the stone meets the required specifications, resembling grading. If not, the stone is sent back for additional polishing.
What is Black Diamond Used For?
Black diamonds are versatile and used in various forms of jewelry, such as engagement rings, necklaces, pendants, and earrings. They gained significant popularity in the last decade, particularly for engagement rings, due to celebrities flaunting them at high-profile events.
What are the Types of Cuts for Black Diamond?
There are numerous shapes and three primary cuts for black gemstones, each highlighting its unique features. The cutting types are step cut, brilliant cut, and a combination of both.
Step Cut
Longer and more rectangular, step cut stones like emerald and Asscher cuts are popular. Emerald cut black gemstones transition the traditional mirror effect to a more subdued, reflective glow.
Brilliant Cut
Brilliant cut diamonds have a cone shape, creating an illusion of light bouncing around. Black diamonds absorb light rather than reflecting, with a round cut featuring 58 facets to accentuate a black gem’s mesmerizing, yet gentle, glow.
Mixed Cut
The mixed cut combines the best attributes of step and brilliant cuts, with princess and cushion cut black diamonds being popular choices, effectively hiding inclusions and maximizing beauty.
What are the Factors When Deciding How to Cut Black Diamonds?
When determining how to cut black diamonds, the stone is meticulously examined to highlight its natural beauty and color saturation. Similar to white diamonds, black diamonds are not uniformly one color; hence, heat treatment is also a vital step in the process.
Does Black Diamond Have Inclusions?
Yes, black diamonds, or carbonados, feature inclusions. These inclusions, generally microscopic concentrations of graphite, magnetite, hematite, or native iron, contribute to their dark color. The cleavages and internal fractures darkened by graphitization account for their black, brown, or olive-green hues.
What are the Most Popular Shapes for Black Diamond?
Selecting a black diamond shape boils down to personal preference, but some shapes are more favored than others. The round cut is renowned for its unique twist on a classic form but tends to be pricier due to higher wastage during cutting. Ideal for a timeless appeal, a round cut black diamond engagement ring is a popular choice.
The princess cut, a square cut, underscores the black diamond’s distinctive glow, concealing flaws and inclusions effectively. It’s perfect for those wanting to highlight the stone’s unique allure. Artful Bracelets offers popular shapes such as round, princess, oval, and pear cut black diamond engagement rings in settings of white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold.
