For centuries, colorless and clear diamonds have dominated the diamond jewelry industry and market. These traditional diamonds have been used in various types of jewelry, including rings and bracelets. However, because the diamond market is constantly evolving, and new trends emerge regularly, this has begun to change. One new trend that is displacing traditional diamonds is the rise of the salt and pepper diamond, which have gained recognition for their exceptional and breathtaking appearance. While salt and pepper are commonly known as seasonings used in cuisines since ancient times, diamonds with this name have only recently been embraced as gemstones. Initially, these diamonds were considered outcasts due to their distinctively unique and “contaminated” appearance. Jewelers often refused them because no one would buy them; how would they begin to explain to their customers why the diamonds were “tainted?”
In recent times, there has been a significant shift in perspective towards a salt and pepper diamond. Like a phoenix these diamonds have risen from the ashes of disregard to being showered with adulation. They are now being incorporated into a wide range of jewelry pieces, such as pendants, rings, bracelets, earrings, and more. Even engagement rings are adopting this natural diamonds in their designs, as many brides seek a departure from traditional standards and desire a ring with its own distinct aura and character. Jewelers no longer have to explain anything; the beauty of the diamonds speaks for itself.
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Traditional Diamond VS Salt and Pepper Diamond: Do the 4Cs of Evaluation Apply?
When it comes to diamonds, whether it is colorless or salt and pepper varieties, there is a wide range of variation. Despite sharing a similar formation process, the quality and characteristics of these diamonds differ noticeably.
The 4Cs (color, clarity, cut, and carat) commonly used to evaluate the quality of colorless diamonds can also be applied to describe a salt and pepper diamond. However, the grading standards and judgments established for colorless diamond do not accurately apply to salt and pepper diamond because they were not made for them. When it comes to colorless diamonds, the more expensive ones, which are considered the higher grades, are the flawless diamonds. However, for the S&P diamonds, the inclusions present in them will not make them poor quality if we go by the 4Cs.
While the 4Cs can still provide some understanding of these natural diamonds, there is currently no existing grading report specifically designed for these diamonds, but let’s give it a shot:
Clarity:
In the case of colorless diamonds, clarity is used to distinguish between good and poor quality diamonds based on the number and visibility of inclusions, with a higher number indicating lower quality. However, this criterion does not apply to a salt and pepper diamond, as inclusions are defining characteristics of these diamonds.
Color:
The presence of black inclusions in a salt and pepper diamond determines the visible color of the diamond. The color can range from colorless to milky to grey, depending on the number of impurities present. The amount of impurities heavily influences the overall look and charm of the diamond.
Cut:
The cutting technique for these diamonds aims to enhance the appearance of inclusions and patterns within the stone. This approach differs significantly from the traditional cutting of diamonds, which focuses on maximizing brilliance. Diamond cutters do not prioritize brilliance when cutting a salt and pepper diamond, as it is naturally reduced due to the presence of inclusions.
For a salt and pepper diamond, popular cuts include shapes such as oval, round, pear, kite, coffin, hexagon, and rose cuts. Raw or rough S&P diamonds have also gained popularity in the market, often used in rustic and bohemian settings to emphasize the stone’s natural appearance with minimal human intervention.
Carat:
Customers can consider larger sizes of a salt and pepper diamond even with a limited budget, as these stones are affordable and readily available. Unlike what obtains with traditional diamonds, the prices of salt and pepper diamond does not increase exponentially with an increase in the weight of the carat. For instance, a 4-carat salt and pepper diamond can be found for about $2,000, while a colorless diamond of 4-carat typically costs about $47,000 F SI1.
Who is a Salt and Pepper Diamond Perfect for?
Salt and pepper diamond is not for everyone. They are typically favored by a specific segment of the population. These diamonds appeal to customers who are seeking a diamond that is unique and unconventional. They are for people who want to depart from the more common choices such as colorless or fancy colored diamonds. Opting for a salt and pepper ring allows customers to explore a wide range of design options and select the one that best suits their personal taste.
One advantage of these diamonds is their relatively affordable price compared to colorless diamonds, which often have exorbitant values. By choosing a salt and pepper diamond, customers have the opportunity to stand out while remaining unconcerned about others’ opinions or judgments regarding their choices.
Since a salt and pepper diamond is filled with inclusions and impurities, customers and brides who appreciate imperfections and value the natural process of gem formation should seriously consider salt and pepper diamond rings. These rings align perfectly with that description. Additionally, they offer an ethical choice, along with durability. As a result, eco-friendly individuals who prioritize both aesthetics and environmental consciousness often desire salt and pepper rings.
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With their inclusions and impurities becoming defining characteristics, S&P diamonds offer a fresh perspective on diamond evaluation. The diamond industry is undergoing a remarkable transformation with the emergence of the salt and pepper diamond, making traditional diamonds less popular. As they are now captivating the hearts of those seeking a departure from the norm, you may want to jump on the bandwagon. Who knows? salt and pepper diamonds may just be the future.
