Black diamond rings are beautiful to behold; even more so when they are combined with colorless diamonds, white sapphires, or any other precious gem that makes for a stunning contrast. Black are found mostly in Brazil and have been around for quite some time, although they recently are gaining in popularity as celebrities and others are finding them to be edgy and unique. When you are choosing any of the large variety and sizes of black diamond rings that are available it is important to consider the same "4 C's" of diamond quality that you would consider when choosing any diamond. They are color, clarity, carat, and cut.

Color

People are discovering (unlike how they felt years ago) that a black stone is a real diamond. They are crystallized carbon, just like colorless diamonds. The darkness of black diamonds comes from tiny cracks throughout the stone that contain graphite or sulphides. It could also be caused by changes that happen when a near-white diamond is subjected to very high temperatures. A diamond that comes out of the ground that is naturally dark is rare and therefore more expensive.

Most diamond rings, necklaces, bracelets and pendants are treated by exposing them to high heat. There is nothing wrong with doing this and a treated stone is often of a better quality. If you feel like you have to have a black stone that has not been treated, be certain to look for one that is advertised as untreated or GIA Certified (Gemological Institute of America).

Clarity

Clarity refers to how clear a diamond is, but with a black stone clarity refers to the stone's luster and making sure that it has no surface chips or cracks. Black rings and other types of black diamond jewelry should have a glossy, sparkling surface. Triple A is the best rating grade.

Carat

Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. Depending on what size you are looking for, you could purchase a one-half carat black ring or a two carat black diamond or larger. Bear in mind that black diamonds are heavier than traditional diamonds, so a one carat black diamond will look smaller than a colorless one carat diamond.

Cut

The cut of diamond refers to the stone's proportions and polish, not to its shape. Most of the time black diamonds have a simple cut of sixteen facets and their surface should be smooth with no cracks. When a diamond is mined from the earth, it simply looks like a piece of glass. So the diamond is cut with precise facets (or tiny polished faces).

Before purchasing diamond rings it is also important to consider the setting. These rings are already stunning to look at but when set with white gold or yellow gold, the brilliance of the blend is elegant and beautiful. If you are in the market for a ring that is non-traditional and that will make a dramatic and powerful statement, black diamond rings could be just what you are looking for!