Black Diamonds

The Popularity of Black Diamonds
Over recent years black diamonds have become very popular. Their rise in popularity dates back to 1996 when a Swiss jeweller called Fawaz Gruosi started the trend with a highly successful collection of jewelry which were set with black diamonds. The symbolic meaning of the color black is authority and power.

Black Diamonds
What exactly are Black Diamonds? Diamonds can occur in nearly any color, though yellow and brown are by far the most common. "Black" diamonds are not truly black, but rather contain numerous dark inclusions that give the gems their dark appearance. This diamond is a member of the Carbon family and is the hardest substance known. The word Diamond is derived from the Greek word "adamas" which means "hardest metal" reflecting the property of the stone. Diamonds with a detectable hue other than yellow or brown are known as colored diamonds. If the colour is strong enough, a stone may be referred to as a fancy colored diamond by the trade. There are Natural fancy color diamonds and Synthetic Color Diamonds. For more information on any of these subjects please refer to the Index.

Symbolism & Meaning of Black Diamonds
The traditional properties closely associated with diamonds  are action, passion, and energy. Jewelry containing diamonds are believed to enhance relationships, increasing inner strength and provide the wearer with balance, clarity and abundance. It is believed that wearing jewelry containing a diamond will focus the energies of the precious gemstone through the gem. The symbolic meaning of the color black is authority and power.

Diamonds are Forever...
An Impartial Guide to Diamonds

Names of Famous & Rare Black Diamonds:
There are several famous rare black diamonds

• Black Orlov (aka Orloff)) or Eye of Brahma
The Amsterdam Diamond
• Gruosi diamond
• Korloff Noir
• Table of Islam

The Gruosi Diamond
The black Gruosi diamond is named after the jeweller Fawaz Gruosi. The black Gruosi diamond was cut in 1998 from a rough diamond weighing 300 carats which originated in India. The Gruosi is the largest heart shaped black diamond in the world, which after the cutting process weighed 115 carats.

Rare Black Diamonds - The Black Orloff
One of the most famous and rare black colored diamonds is the Black Orlov (aka Orloff) which was acquired by the Russian Princess Nadia Vyegin-Orlov (aka Orloff) in the 1850's.

Rare Black Diamonds - The Table of Islam
The Table of Islam black diamond has a square emerald cut and weighs 160 carats. Little more is known about this diamond

Rare Black Diamonds - The Amsterdam Diamond
The black Amsterdam Diamond was first exhibited in 1973 at D. Drukker & Zn., Amsterdam

Rare Black Diamonds - The Korloff Noir
The Korloff Noir is and 88 carat stone which is reputed to bring good luck to the owner.

Black Diamonds in Jewelry
Black diamonds in jewelry is becoming extremely popular especially for engagement rings and as solitaires. Black diamond earrings, bracelets, necklaces and of course engagement rings and eternity rings are the most popular types of jewelry. In 1477 Mary of Burgundy became the first known recipient of a diamond engagement ring given to her by the Archduke Maximilian of Austria and the history and tradition of the engagement ring began.