Diamonds come in a variety of colors, but sometimes you will see one with unusual spots. These are called “black spots” and they occur when the diamond’s color is not pure enough to create any other type of hue.
Diamonds are a symbol of wealth and success. They represent something valuable to someone, which makes them highly sought after.
They also come in many different colors, shapes, and sizes. However, nobody knows exactly how they form!
If you encounter a diamond with black spots located on its surface, it means that there was an air bubble or flaw during formation.
If it’s inside the stone then it could have been from debris left behind when forming.
It can even be from an inclusion where another mineral made its way into the stone during its formation.
Are Black Spots In Diamonds Bad?
No. Diamond black spots are not an issue at all. Compared to other imperfections that can easily weaken a diamond, black spots are pretty much harmless.
They are a natural part of the stone made up of a similar material as the diamond, but with a different color.
The only issue with these black spots is that they tend to take away the visual appeal of a diamond.
Do Black Spots Impact The Clarity Grade Of A Diamond?
The most essential aspect in determining a diamond’s quality on the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) scale is clarity. The clarity of a diamond is determined by the number, size, and location of inclusions — or how brilliant the stone is overall.
A black spot is one of the most undesirable inclusions, as it may be seen without magnification. Because of their apparent contrast, black carbon flaws can damage the quality of a diamond as determined by the GIA.
For black spots that can only be seen with a 10x magnifying glass, the negative influence is less severe. On the other hand, if it may be viewed without any magnification, the diamond will not sell at a premium.
A diamond with many minor flaws, such as a white twinning wisp that may be recognized only by using high magnification, will almost certainly have a higher GIA quality grade than one with only one flaw that can be seen without the use of equipment.
Can You Remove Black Spots In Diamonds?
Is it necessary to eliminate black carbon specks from diamonds? It’s understandable why people want them gone, but is it a good idea? No, but there are techniques for decreasing the appearance of black spots and in some situations eliminating them. But they come at the cost of the diamond’s structural integrity.
It’s not possible to just smooth or polish out black spots, which are known as inclusions since they appear on the inside of the diamond. The diamond’s surface must be broken, and cracks or holes are inevitably produced, resulting in the gem’s fragility.
Laser drilling is the most common method for removing these black spots. A laser drill is used to create a tiny hole through the dark spot. Heat or acid is then fed through this aperture, which causes the black spot to burn away.
The blank area where the black spot used to be is now visible. These holes (no matter how full they are) represent vulnerabilities in the diamond’s protection. The diamond may fracture and splinter if it is struck too violently or at an angle.
This is generally followed by a procedure known as fracture filling, in which the empty area and tunnel are filled with a transparent, glass-like substance. Because the foreign material has different properties than diamond, it can influence the stone’s color and luster.
The result of a black spot treatment is a lower-quality gem. It’s not something to take lightly because of the long-term harm it may do. The change also affects the stone’s quality, since it isn’t pure when drilled into or filled with manmade material.
Ways To Make Diamond Black Spots Less Visible
If you’ve decided that trying to get rid of a black spot in your diamond is not the best option, there are a few techniques to reduce the appearance of these pesky carbon flaws while preserving the stone’s integrity. Check out these ways below.
Clean The Diamond
You can clean the diamond yourself with a kit or a cleaning solution. This can make a significant difference in its clarity. You can even hire a professional to clean it for you. Dirt and grime that cover the stone’s surface make it much more difficult for light to enter. A filthy diamond will look dull, and the black spot will stand out even more.
A clean diamond will offer you that perfect sparkle and reflect light more effectively. Its bright appearance may be distracting, as can small flaws when viewed from a distance. There’s nothing to hide the flaws unless there’s glitz to distract attention away from them.
Cover The Diamond With A Bezel Setting Or Prongs
This method is dependent on the inclusion’s position, so it will not work for all diamonds, especially those with black marks in the dead center.
If the fault lies closer to the stone’s edge, you might be able to conceal it with the bezel or prongs of your setting. Diamonds can be turned to fit into your chosen setting, which can help you save money on a lower clarity stone.
A flaw in a diamond would go unnoticed unless it is removed from its setting and examined. Keep in mind that this ruse works both ways when purchasing gems that have already been set, such as engagement rings or other jewelry.
Consider Upgrading The Diamond
It’s always feasible to improve the clarity of your diamond by paying an additional fee. The grade of a diamond that has visible black spots normally graded as “I clarity” or less.
An “SI clarity” stone is one with only these flaws visible using a jeweler’s loupe (their specialized magnifying glass).
Finding a flawless diamond is very difficult. They do exist, but if a diamond appears to be perfect without the use of any optical instruments, is it worth the extra money? That’s one of the questions you must consider when you’re out shopping for a diamond.
Conclusion
Black spots in diamonds are undesirable, yet inevitable. They are formed when the diamond has been exposed to high concentrations of nitrogen or boron.
Luckily, you can remove these black spots in various ways, although they may still not appear entirely clear after treatment.