Black diamond sizing help!

[ConfusedBoyfriend]

Hi everyone, new member here. My girlfriend has decided she wants a black diamond solitaire engagement ring. No stores around here carry them, so I have to order online.

1. Who should I order from?
2. How do I tell how big the stone is? I know carat is weight not size, so I''m confused. I don''t want to get her a tiny stone but I can''t afford anything huge either! What is the average diameter of a 1/2 carat round cut black diamond for example?

Thanks

 

[neatfreak]

Better start reading...there is a big difference between cheapo black diamonds (which are horrendus quality stones with tons of inclusions that are I believe irradiated to make them black but are very cheap) and REAL black diamonds. And of course a big price difference. You want to focus on the millimeter size of the stone, this chart should help you.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/jewelry/?popup=common,actual-diamond-size

 

[stone-cold11]

5.1c Natural Black, RB $12750
2.22c Natural Black, Shield shape? $3450

These are the only 2 natural black I found on the fancy diamond site.

Good Luck.

 

[susiegrneyes]

Check out fancydiamonds.net. They have a large selection of natural black diamonds.

 

[stone-cold11]

Large? I only found 2, as I have listed above.

 

[ConfusedBoyfriend]

Whoa those are WAY out of my price range. She is not a jewelry expert by any means, so I have NO problem getting here one of the "treated" black diamonds. 12 grand? Wow. I was hoping to stay under $1,000.

 

[oldminer]

Black diamonds, treated and natural color, can be very affordable. a 1/2 carat round stone runs about 5mm in diameter although the diameter varies and the depth increases or decreases. Since brilliancy is a non-issue with opaque gems, it is of far less importance how we''d normally grade the cut if it were to be transparent, yet you still want to get something which is symmetric, well polished and reflects nicely. Avoid open feathers and open blemishes to a great extent.

You may not find many listed on the Internet, but they are not all that uncommon. You might have to go to a retail store..... Face to face can be okay if you do some research first.

 

[Sharon101]

Date: 10/9/2008 10:55:58 AM
Author: ConfusedBoyfriend
Whoa those are WAY out of my price range. She is not a jewelry expert by any means, so I have NO problem getting here one of the 'treated' black diamonds. 12 grand? Wow. I was hoping to stay under $1,000.

I have a feeling that due to the scaresness of these black diamonds (in shops etc...not rare per say) that nobody would be able to tell the difference anyway!!!! I would definately get the treated ones!!!!!! Congrates on your engagement. I think the black diamond choice is very unique and original so enjoy. I think that we will see more black diamonds (stones) creep into jewellery designs in the future!!!!