They’re Really Pretty, but What Exactly are Salt and Pepper Diamonds?

The classic image that is brought to mind by the word diamond is that of a white, round, brilliant cut stone. But there is so much more to explore.  Enter salt and pepper diamonds, a distinct category of gemstones distinguished by their obvious inclusions. But what are salt and pepper diamonds and why are they gaining popularity as an alternative to a traditional diamond?

What Are Salt and Pepper Diamonds?

Salt and pepper diamonds are named for their speckled appearance which somewhat resembles a mix of “salt” and “pepper”. These diamonds are characterized by numerous and obvious inclusions. Traditionally, inclusions are undesirable in a classic diamond but for a salt and pepper diamond they are very much desired. These inclusions, often black or white, “pepper” the diamond’s surface.

What are the Inclusions in Salt and Pepper Diamonds?

The inclusions that can been seen within a salt and pepper diamond are the same sorts of inclusions that could potentially be found in a classic diamond. It’s just that in a salt and pepper diamond they are visible to the naked eye. Inclusions can be made of various materials, including other minerals, crystals, or even small particles of diamond material itself. Below we go through some inclusions that can be found in diamonds.

Crystals

These are small mineral crystals trapped within the diamond during its formation. They can appear as tiny spots or specks inside the diamond.

Feathers

Feathers are fractures within the diamond that resemble tiny feathers or cracks. They can vary in size and visibility.

Clouds

Clouds are clusters of tiny pinpoints or crystals within the diamond. When clustered together, they may create a cloudy appearance within the stone.

Needles

Needle-like inclusions are long, thin crystals that resemble needles. They can vary in color and size.

Indented Naturals

These are parts of the original diamond crystal that remain embedded within the finished diamond. They can appear as small, flat areas on the diamond’s surface.

Internal Graining

Internal graining is caused by irregularities in the diamond’s crystal structure during its formation. It can appear as lines, streaks, or patterns within the diamond.

More Salt or More Pepper?

Each salt and pepper diamond is unique. They are also quite variable in appearance. Some salt and pepper diamonds can be almost black with inclusions and others quite transparent but with a few flecks of pepper. The inclusions can also be quite evenly distributed so that from a distance the diamond actually looks grey.

In these two rings from our shop below we can see the variation we discussed above clearly in the center diamonds. We can also see that the inclusions in the salt and pepper diamonds in the halo are distributed evenly so appear grey.