People used to think black diamonds were "garbage" stones. Seriously. Back in the day, the diamond industry largely ignored them, viewing the heavy inclusions that create that opaque, midnight look as flaws rather than features. But things changed. Now, princess cut black diamond engagement rings are basically the go-to for anyone who wants to ditch the traditional "clear rock" look without losing that sharp, geometric edge.
It's a vibe.
Most people walk into a jewelry store expecting the sparkle of a disco ball. With a black diamond, you’re getting something more like a pool of ink or a piece of polished volcanic glass. When you pair that aesthetic with a princess cut—which is that classic square shape with pointed corners—you get a ring that feels modern but somehow ancient at the same time.
The Weird Truth About "Carbonado" Diamonds
You might hear these stones called "Carbonados." That’s the technical term for natural black diamonds found in places like Brazil and the Central African Republic. Unlike white diamonds, which are single crystals, black diamonds are polycrystalline. They are composed of millions of tiny crystals stuck together. This makes them incredibly tough to cut. Imagine trying to saw through a knot of wood versus a straight grain; that’s the struggle a lapidary faces with these stones.
Because of this structure, finding a high-quality princess cut black diamond engagement ring is actually harder than finding a round one. Why? Because the corners of a princess cut are prone to chipping during the cutting process if the stone has internal stress. If you see a black diamond with perfectly sharp, crisp corners, you’re looking at some serious craftsmanship.
There is also a persistent rumor that black diamonds came from outer space. Some researchers, like Stephen Haggerty from Florida International University, have pointed out that Carbonados contain trace elements like hydrogen and nitrogen in ways that suggest a supernova origin. While it’s not 100% "settled science," the idea that your engagement ring might be a piece of a literal star is a pretty cool selling point.
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Natural vs. Treated: Don't Get Fooled
Honestly, most black diamonds on the market today aren't "natural" in the sense that they came out of the ground looking like coal. Many are actually low-grade white diamonds that have been subjected to high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) treatments or irradiation to turn them that deep, opaque black.
Does it matter?
Depends on who you ask. Natural black diamonds often have a "pitted" surface. They look a bit more raw. Treated diamonds are usually smoother and more uniform. If you’re hunting for princess cut black diamond engagement rings, you need to ask for a GIA or EGL certificate. If the price seems too good to be true—like, $500 for a 2-carat stone—it’s almost certainly a treated diamond or even a different stone entirely, like moissanite or spinel.
Why the Princess Cut Changes Everything
The princess cut was created in the 1960s and 70s, and it’s basically the "cool younger sister" of the round brilliant cut. It has 57 or 58 facets. On a clear diamond, those facets are there to bounce light back at your eyes. On a black diamond, the facets don't sparkle. Instead, they act like mirrors.
When you move your hand, the flat planes of a princess cut black diamond catch the light and throw it off in flashes. It’s a metallic luster. It’s subtle.
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Setting the Stone: Metal Matters
Black diamonds are moody. If you put one in a yellow gold setting, it looks vintage, almost Victorian. It’s very "Gothic Romance." But if you put that same princess cut stone in platinum or white gold, it looks like something out of a sci-fi movie.
- Rose Gold: This is the trendiest choice. The pinkish hue of the gold softens the "harshness" of the black stone. It’s a contrast that works for basically every skin tone.
- Black Rhodium: Some people go full "murdered out" and plate the entire gold band in black rhodium. It’s bold. It’s also high maintenance because that plating will wear off over a year or two and need to be redone.
- Halo Settings: Adding a "halo" of tiny white diamonds around the center black stone is the most popular way to make the ring pop. It creates a frame that highlights the square shape of the princess cut.
The Cost Factor (The Good News)
Here is the part everyone loves. Black diamonds are significantly cheaper than white diamonds.
While a high-quality, 1-carat colorless princess cut diamond might set you back $5,000 to $8,000, a natural black diamond of the same size might only cost $1,500 to $3,000. If you go with a treated stone, it’s even less. This allows couples to go much bigger on the carat weight without taking out a second mortgage. You can get a massive, 3-carat princess cut black diamond engagement ring for the price of a tiny "traditional" ring.
Durability and "The Myth of Indestructibility"
Diamonds are a 10 on the Mohs scale. We all know this. But remember what I said about the "polycrystalline" structure? Because black diamonds are made of millions of tiny crystals, they actually have lots of tiny fracture lines called cleavages.
They are tough, but they are also brittle.
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If you whack a princess cut black diamond against a granite countertop at just the right angle, it can chip. This is especially true for the corners of the square. If you’re someone who works with your hands or is generally a bit clumsy, look for a "V-prong" setting. This wraps the metal around the corners of the diamond to protect them from impact.
Making the Final Call
Choosing a ring is personal. If you’re looking at princess cut black diamond engagement rings, you’re already signaling that you don’t care about "The Four Cs" in the traditional sense. You aren't worried about "D-color" or "VVS1 clarity." You’re looking for a specific aesthetic.
Just make sure you see the stone in person or via high-res video before buying. Because they are opaque, every black diamond has a different "face." Some look like polished onyx, while others have a salt-and-pepper graininess to them.
Actionable Steps for Buyers
- Check the Surface: Look at the diamond under a jeweler’s loupe. Natural black diamonds often have tiny nicks or pits on the surface. If it’s perfectly smooth, ask if it’s been HPHT treated.
- Prioritize the Setting: Since the stone is dark, the metal does the heavy lifting for the ring's overall "vibe." Choose white gold for a modern look or rose gold for something warmer.
- Insist on Lab Reports: Even though black diamonds are cheaper, you still want a GIA report to confirm the stone is a real diamond and not a lab-grown simulant like cubic zirconia.
- Protect the Corners: Always opt for a setting that secures the four points of the princess cut. A bezel setting or V-prongs are the safest bets for longevity.
- Size Up: Since the price per carat is lower, this is your chance to get a larger stone than you otherwise could. A 1.5 or 2-carat black diamond has a presence that a smaller white diamond just can't match.
Black diamonds aren't a "fad" anymore; they’ve become a legitimate alternative for couples who value individuality over tradition. They represent something deep, unbreakable, and a little bit mysterious. As long as you understand the difference between natural and treated stones and take care to protect those sharp princess-cut edges, you’ll have a piece of jewelry that stands out in any room.
Expert Insight: When cleaning your ring at home, avoid ultrasonic cleaners if your stone is a "natural" Carbonado with many surface-reaching inclusions. The vibrations can occasionally stress those fracture lines. Stick to warm water, mild dish soap, and a very soft toothbrush. It’s simple, safe, and keeps that dark luster looking sharp.