What are Salt and Pepper diamonds?
Salt and Pepper Diamonds feature a speckled appearance caused by black and white inclusions.
In fact, many buyers consider them a unique and alternative choice for diamonds.
Typically, diamond value derives from a lack of inclusions. We apply lower values to diamonds with heavy inclusions.
Conversely, Salt and Pepper diamonds owe their beauty to a heavy concentration of marks.
Every diamond differs. Inclusions act as a blueprint. Each diamond features a pattern of unique marks.
Shield cut salt and pepper diamond in tweezers.
Salt and Pepper diamond colours
Most diamonds of this type appear as great colour diamonds.
Besides inclusions, all diamonds have specific colours. We grade diamonds on the whiteness scale ranging from D to Z.
In fact, most salt and pepper diamonds appear grey to brown. But, the true colour grade can be difficult to assess.
We grade diamond colour (whiteness) by looking at a diamond sideways on a white background.
We classify salt and pepper diamonds as I3 in clarity. But, in this instance, the inclusions create the natural beauty of each stone.
Mineral inclusions speckled throughout the body of the diamond give a characteristic appearance. For example, Graphite, Haematite and Amorphous Carbon.
Hardness and durability
All diamonds are ranked 10 on Mohs Scale. But, unlike clear diamonds, low-clarity diamonds are more fragile. In fact, many have surface fractures. Or nicks and chips on the edge of the stone.
Numerous inclusions make a diamond prone to fracture. At the same time,, a shallow cut is less resistant to knocks and blows. For this reason, choose a ring set with a secure design for your diamond.
Diamond cuts and shapes
The cut of a diamond can enhance brilliance. Symmetry, cut, polish and clarity all play a significant role. For example, brilliant facets add sparkle. Conversely, step cuts provide less sparkle.
But, most salt and pepper diamonds lack these attributes. Therefore, don’t choose this type of diamond if you favour brilliance and sparkle.
Unlike traditional white diamonds, the passage of light is less significant for Salt and Pepper diamonds.
Shallow diamond cuts, such as the Rose Cut diamond and Shield-cut, allow light to pass straight through the diamond. As a result, clear diamonds look lifeless—much like an open window.
For this reason, heavily included diamonds work well for shallower diamond cuts.
One of the benefits of flatter diamond cuts comes from the big spread of the diamond. For this reason, buyers received a visibly larger diamond for their chosen carat weight.
A shallow cut gives the diamond the appearance of size compared with brilliant-cut diamonds.
Cutters choose a wide range of interesting shapes for salt and pepper diamonds. For example, shield cuts, rose cuts and hexagonal cuts.
Hexagonal cut diamond shape.
Galaxy diamonds
Galaxy diamonds are black diamonds with white inclusions. The name suggests the appearance of a galaxy within the stone.
Galaxy diamonds are a unique variety of Salt and Pepper diamonds. They provide an unusual choice for jewellery.
Our example below shows a round brilliant-cut diamond with scattered white inclusions through a dark grey or black diamond. But many other shapes exist, such as the galaxy diamond engagement ring with a shield-shaped diamond as featured in our bespoke ring gallery.
Galaxy diamond with white starry inclusions
How much do Salt and Pepper diamonds cost?
Salt and Pepper diamonds demand lower prices compared to traditional white diamonds. In fact, they make an affordable alternative to other types of diamonds. Expect to pay a few hundred pounds for a one-carat salt and pepper diamond compared to a traditional white diamond.
Salt and Pepper engagement rings.
There are two style suggestions for Salt and Pepper diamond rings. Firstly, many designs centre on the diamond itself styled into a solitaire setting.
Or, we suggest adding high-colour, precision-cut white diamonds around the stone for contrast and sparkle. Or, contrast a darker centre diamond with side stones.
Yellow gold and rose gold make great choices. Furthermore, a brushed or satin finish adds to the handcrafted look of a bespoke ring. Other metal choices include white gold or Platinum.
A bespoke Salt and Pepper diamond engagement ring with a crown of white diamonds. The ring featured a brushed metal finish in 18-carat yellow gold with claw-set diamonds.
This type of ring design deviates wildly from the traditional diamond engagement ring many people associate with a proposal.
Adding your diamond to a ring
We regularly add existing diamonds into new ring mounts. Clients contact us for new settings for old diamonds. Or new settings for diamonds sourced elsewhere.
We design, create, craft, set and finish rings from start to finish.
Our bespoke design service provides the perfect solution.
If you require extra help when choosing a salt and pepper diamond, please contact our team.
See our video below for an example of a yellow-gold diamond ring. We matched our white diamonds to the main diamond. Our designers added a knife edge to the shoulders of the ring. Finally, the ring was completed with a satin finish.
Further to our usual metal choices, we create many ring designs from ethical Fairtrade Gold sets with ethical diamonds.
Shield cut salt and pepper diamond engagement ring
Diamond Certification
Most diamonds of this type do not include a certificate. A diamond report verifies the details of a diamond or gemstone.
Reputable certificates come from well-known, recognised diamond grading organisations. For example, GIA, IGI or HRD.
Owing to the low clarity grade, few diamond merchants certify diamonds.
Furthermore, a report would never refer to salt and pepper within its description.
About Mark Johnson
My name is Mark and I'm founder at Serendipity Diamonds. By day you'll find me working in our showroom—in a variety of roles. My work (which I love) ranges from photographing jewellery, to writing blog posts and helping clients with my colleagues Drina, Emily and Debbie.
