The Spellbinding Stories of Black Gemstones

In the world of fine jewelry, few things capture the spirit of mystery and gothic beauty more perfectly than black gemstones—timeless, powerful symbols that have enchanted collectors, designers, and jewelry lovers for centuries.

Whether you're a bride-to-be designing an alternative wedding set, a client with singular style who wants their jewelry to match, or simply somebody who is fascinated with the histories and hidden meanings of gems, read on to learn about different types of black gemstones and to look at some InBloom Jewelry projects that tap into their dark romance.

Black Diamonds

Black diamonds—one of toughest forms of diamond—were first discovered in Brazil, where Portugese immigrants named them "carbonados." Once thought to hold the secrets of the cosmos, black diamonds are still believed to bring courage and emotional balance to their wearers today. Their shadowy luster and unconventional beauty make them the perfect choice for those who embrace individuality and bold style. They are a popular gem with InBloom Jewelry clients who want to add a gothic edge to their engagement and wedding jewelry.

Onyx

This dark-as-night variety of agate has been used throughout history for jewelry, art, and ceremonial objects alike. In Ancient Egypt, onyx was used in protective amulets, while the Greeks and ancient Romans used it to carve cameos, and believed it gave its wearers courage. Onyx's popularity was renewed with the Victorian mourning jewelry craze, and then again during the Art Deco era due to its sleek appearance. Symbolizing grounding and self-control, this rich black stone adds drama and depth to any setting—from sleek modern rings to vintage-inspired pendants.

Black Moissanite

For those who love a midnight hue yet crave extra shine, moissanite is the gem for you. Although it was first mined from a meteorite in the early 19th century, today it is easier to come by due to lab creation technology. Black moissanite offers an unmatched mirror-like shimmer that always catches the light in an unexpected way, reminding us that even in darkness, there’s always beauty to be found. It's also insanely durable, so this unique gemstone is perfect for heirlooms-to-be that will stand the test of time.

Black Rutile

Are you a fan of moss agate? Meet its goth cousin. This smoky quartz has black inclusions that give it a unique, salt-and-pepper look. Looking into a black rutile is like gazing into the branches of a haunted forest, or a spill of sparkling black glitter on a pane of glass. This fascinating stone is a symbol of finding strength in struggles, clarity in difficult times, and protection from harm. Like black diamonds, rutilated quartzes like this one were used in jewelry, decorative arts, and ceremonial objects in ancient Egypt and Greece. In the 20th century, it became popular again for its unique and mesmerizing look and remains a perfect choice for alternative jewelry today.

Salt and Pepper Diamonds

Somehow these dazzling diamonds have historically been overlooked in favor of other gems, but they have gained popularity in recent years. These unique, perfectly imperfect stones are constant reminders of the beauty found in imperfection and authenticity, especially in one's romance. Because of this, they have become a favorite for those designing engagement and wedding rings, and for those who like their gemstones to come with a raw, unconventional edge.

Interested in designing a piece of your own with a unique gem like black diamond, rutile, moissanite, or onyx? Schedule a complimentary Discovery Call to chat with one of our InBloom Jewelry designers to explore the possibilities. And don't forget to visit our article on Sapphires & Alternative Design to learn about other exciting alternative gemstone options for your custom jewelry.