Last Updated on July 15, 2023
When it comes to inclusions, black spots are one of the most common and noticeable blemishes found within natural diamonds.
While black spots are common, there are a few key components that must be taken into consideration before buying a diamond with a black spot.
Here’s a look at what to know before buying a diamond with black spots.
Contents
What Are Black Spots?
Black spots are a common inclusion found in natural diamonds.
Black spots occur during the natural diamond formation process and are created by pockets of uncrystallized carbon.
Because black spots occur inside of the diamond, they cannot be polished or buffed away.
While black spots may be unsightly and can impact the appearance of a diamond, they don’t affect the diamond’s structural integrity.
In fact, removing a black spot can reduce the structural integrity of the diamond and lead to an increased risk of chipping or damage.
Dark spots aren’t always noticeable but the placement and prominence of dark spots on a diamond should always be considered before purchasing the diamond.
Should Dark Spots be Removed?
While removing dark spots is possible, the process is often costly and results in decreased structural integrity.
This is because removing a dark spot within a diamond involves drilling a microscopic hole through the diamond in order to reach the black spot.
Laser drilling creates a small hole from the surface of the diamond toward the black spot. Once located, heat or acid is funneled down into the hole to burn away the black spot.
Afterward, fracture filling occurs, which involved filling the canal with a clear glass-like substance.
While the black spot will be gone, the structural integrity of the diamond will be reduced and the risk of fracturing or chipping will increase.
Removing the black spot may also impact the brilliance and color of the diamond.
Hiding Black Spots
Because removing black spots comes with so many risks, it’s recommended to try to hide the black spots on a diamond.
There are a few ways to hide black spots on diamonds, including:
Cover-Ups
One option to hide a black spot is to cover it with metal prongs or a ring setting.
Metal prongs can disguise a black spot, while a bezel setting can effectively hide a black spot that’s located near the edge of the diamond.
Covering a black spot may not always be an option, especially if the black spot is located in the center of the diamond.
Additionally, if the diamond has multiple black spots, it may be challenging to cover all of the black spots with prongs or a setting.
However, cover-ups are a good option for black spots located near the edge of the diamond.
Invest in Clarity
Another option to avoid black spots is to invest in a diamond with a higher clarity grade.
Most diamonds with black spots are graded as SI2 or lower.
Avoiding these clarity grades will ensure that your diamond doesn’t have visible dark spots.
