Colored and Black Diamonds Explained

Quick answer: Colored diamonds (called "fancy color" diamonds) come in yellow, pink, blue, green, brown and black, among others. They are graded by hue and intensity, from Fancy Light to Fancy Vivid. Black diamonds are opaque and prized for a bold, dramatic look. Natural fancy colors can be extremely expensive, while lab grown and treated colored diamonds, plus colored moissanite and sapphires, make these looks affordable. For daily wear, all of these stones are durable.

Color adds personality to jewelry. Here is how colored and black diamonds work.

Fancy Color Intensity Grades

Popular Colors

• Yellow (canary): sunny and the most common fancy color.
• Pink: romantic and highly sought after.
• Blue: rare in nature; striking in lab grown form.
• Black: opaque with a glossy, metallic luster.
• Champagne and brown: warm, earthy tones.

Shown: Black Bezel Pear Cut Lab Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring

Black Diamonds Explained

Black diamonds get their color from dense inclusions such as graphite, which make them opaque. They do not sparkle like white diamonds; instead, they have a mirror-like luster. They look striking in bezel settings and paired with white diamond accents. Read black diamond engagement rings.

How Colored Diamonds Are Made

• Natural: trace elements (nitrogen for yellow, boron for blue) or structural changes.
• Lab grown: the same elements added during growth, or post-growth treatment.
• Treated: natural or lab diamonds color-enhanced by heat or irradiation.

Always ask whether a colored stone is natural, lab grown or treated. See fancy color lab grown diamonds.

Colorful Alternatives

Sapphires (blue, pink, yellow) and colored moissanite offer rich color with excellent durability at friendlier prices. Read moissanite color grades.

Colored Jewelry at Ivevar

We handcraft colored and black diamond jewelry, plus sapphire and colored moissanite pieces, in our Surat workshop. Every piece ships worldwide with free shipping and 30-day easy returns. Browse fancy color lab diamond rings.

Shop Colored and Black Stone Jewelry

Black Bezel Pear SolitaireShop NowBlack Pear Diamond RingShop NowFancy Yellow Cushion RingShop NowSapphire Diamond EternityShop NowColored Chevron RingShop Now

Swipe to see more → | View fancy color rings

Frequently Asked Questions

Are colored diamonds real diamonds?

Yes. Natural, lab grown and treated colored diamonds are all real diamonds.

Why are black diamonds black?

Dense inclusions such as graphite make them opaque.

What is the most popular fancy color?

Yellow.

Are colored lab diamonds cheaper?

Yes, far cheaper than natural fancy colors.

Do black diamonds sparkle?

They shine with luster rather than sparkle.

The Bottom Line

Colored and black diamonds bring personality to jewelry. Know the intensity grades, ask about origin and treatment, and choose the color you love.

Related Guides

• Colored engagement rings
• Fancy color lab grown diamonds
• Colored gemstone fine jewelry

Author Bio

Aumsri Pradhan

Founder, Ivevar Luxury

---

Aumsri Pradhan is the founder of Ivevar Luxury, a Surat-based fine jewelry brand that designs and handcrafts lab grown diamond and moissanite jewelry in its own workshop. She leads the brand's design and customer experience, from engagement rings and bridal sets to custom pieces made to each client's story. Through the Ivevar blog, she shares practical guidance on lab grown diamonds, moissanite, diamond grading and ring design to help buyers choose with confidence.

View author profile ›