Black Spots on Diamonds: Understanding the Intricacies of Engagement Rings
Diamonds are often hailed as the ultimate symbol of love and commitment, but how often do we stop to consider what lies beneath their glittering surfaces? One aspect that occasionally perplexes engagement ring enthusiasts and potential buyers alike is the presence of black spots or inclusions within a diamond. Today, let’s dive into the intriguing world of diamonds, explore what causes these imperfections, and create a space for you to share your thoughts and beautiful engagement rings!
What Are Black Spots?
Black spots on diamonds are typically caused by inclusions — small imperfections within the stone. These can be anything from carbon impurities to other minerals trapped in the diamond as it forms deep within the Earth. While some inclusions are barely noticeable, others can create more prominent dark spots, affecting the diamond’s overall appearance and value.
Are They Bad?
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Value and Quality: While black inclusions can detract from a diamond’s sparkle, they don’t always diminish its worth. Some buyers might even find their uniqueness appealing! It’s essential to balance personal preference with budget when choosing a diamond.
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Cut and Clarity: A diamond’s cut significantly influences how inclusions appear. A well-cut diamond can mask inclusions, allowing it to sparkle brilliantly despite some imperfections.
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Personal Preference: Beauty is subjective — some may prefer a flawless stone, while others might appreciate the character that inclusions bring. It’s about finding the right balance for you!
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Craftsmanship: Rings designed with unique settings might help highlight a diamond’s beauty while minimizing any flaws.
Show Off Your Rings!
Now that we’ve touched on the subject of black spots, we invite you all to join the conversation! Whether you own a flawless diamond or one with character (or both!), sharing your engagement ring is a wonderful way to connect.
- How did you choose your ring? Did the presence of inclusions influence your decision, or were you drawn to its unique features?
- What do you love most about your ring? Is it the cut, clarity, or setting?
- Are you considering future purchases? Let’s discuss what you’re looking for!
Join the Community!
Feel free to share photos of your engagement rings below! Let’s celebrate each other’s choices and experiences, and perhaps you’ll discover helpful insights or inspiration for future purchases. Remember, every diamond has a story — what’s yours?
Keep Learning!
As we showcase our beautiful rings, let’s also continue to learn together. If you have questions about diamonds, gemology, or ring settings, ask away! This community is here to support each other in our journeys, whether we’re expressing love or exploring the captivating world of engagement rings.
Let’s spark a discussion and shine a light on the gorgeous detail that makes each engagement ring unique! 🌟💍

diamond beats metal in hardness any day of the week. those are visible inclusions that were probably covered by the original prongs. thats my best guess
Are you sure they’re not inclusions? I don’t see how a jeweler could ruin a diamond unless they chipped it and they don’t look like chips.
Those are inclusions. If you get the diamond certificate you can likely see the clarity description to confirm the grade and what to expect.
Do you have a laboratory report on the diamond? These appear to be crystal inclusions, possibly the same inclusion reflected from one side to the other at the angle the photo was taken. This would likely be an Si1 or Si2 with crystal as the grade setting inclusion. (Listed first under the stone plot.). Nothing the jeweler would have done would cause this type of inclusion to appear. It is likely the inclusion was covered by an original prong and made less obvious. There is always a possibility, though unlikely, that this is not your stone. Diamonds occassionaly get inadvertently switched on a jewelers bench. But it can be verified by the report, especially if it is laser inscribed. You need to have a conversation with the jeweler asap.
This is a VVS2 diamond. The IGI report only lists one small, internal inclusion. Both of these inclusions are external and have depth to them. They weren’t visible in the original video of the diamond, they only showed up after I sent the diamond back to have the prongs changed from tab prongs to claw prongs
You need to use a loop to read the serial number on your diamond to make sure that they gave you the same diamond back.
Take it to a different jeweler. Ask them to look. Have them read back the laser inscription and match it to the report.
My grandmother had a diamond with an inclusion in her wedding ring.
Its my favourite diamond in our small family collection of jewellery. Its so clearly hers, it has a story to it. The rest are just diamonds and could be replaced without us knowing. But not that one.
It would be psychically impossible to add inclusions into a diamond. (Laser can penetrate but can’t add material)
If this ring is a VVS2 then someone has done a switcharoo with your stone. Definitely check the diamond certificate!
Try some acetone- looks like a permanent marker has been used on the diamond!
The diamond was swapped.
Or
Was this diamond graded already set in a ring? Maybe they didn’t see the inclusions behind the previous prongs. Which to me doesn’t make sense because those are big and dark they would’ve shown from the side. An can easily be seen from the naked eye.
I wouldve put this as an si2 or i1. Diamond.
Definitely not a vvs2
I don’t think those are inclusions.
It’s likely polishing compound stuck under the prongs. Take it back and ask them to give it a thorough cleaning. These spots will disappear.
Ah the beauty of natural diamonds❤️ these are inclusions and are typically common in diamonds graded a SI (slightly included) or lower.
These are likely carbon spots from when the diamond was forming.
Could have switched the diamond … could also just be typical IGI … IGI overgrades diamonds to give them a higher value … that’s why places like Kay’s and Jared’s (both owned by the same company) use them over GIA.
Did they switch the diamond out by mistake?
There’s a good chance that they’re index marks from when the stone was previously mounted. My wife’s engagement ring was made by a jeweler who lacked attention to detail and didn’t clean the marker off after he had set and then reset the stone. Like a previous post mentioned, hit it with some acetone and they will disappear if it’s marker.