Salt & Pepper
Let’s explore one of my favorite alternatives to the classic, flawless round brilliant cut diamonds that have dominated the engagement ring industry for generations. While I do love an excellently proportioned timeless diamond with its perfect facets and mind boggling sparkle, I have to profess my love for the wildness and individuality that a salt and pepper diamond has to offer.
Salt and pepper diamonds are diamonds that have so many inclusions/imperfections that they can no longer be graded on a normal clarity grade scale. The inclusions are made up of various minerals that got trapped in the carbon as it underwent its transformation a few billion years ago. I particularly appreciate diamonds that have specks of copper oxides or other minerals that bring a hint of warmth or opalescence to the stone.
Note: The word ‘inclusion’ more pleasantly describes internal textures and specks that would also be described as ‘internal flaws’ on the diamond clarity scale.
Why choose S&P?
Heavily included diamonds used to be considered undesirable, and were therefore discarded, or used solely in machine/tool manufacturing. As they have become more appreciated for their unique beauty, the diamond industry has cut down on material waste. Because of this, they are considered to be more eco friendly.
I proudly source my diamonds from Misfit Diamonds. They are dedicated to transparent sourcing/documentation throughout the diamond’s journey from mine to maker. They specialize in ‘imperfect’ diamonds of all shapes, sizes, and colors conscientiously sourced in Canada, Australia, and Africa.
Salt and pepper diamonds are significantly less expensive than their high-clarity counterparts. You can instead put your funds toward choosing a diamond in an interesting shape, and play with size, depth, and texture. No two included diamonds are the same, and that in itself is a beautiful thing.
