There will always be an appeal to diamond solitaire engagement rings. The modern Portland-area couple, however, is looking for something unique.
It doesn’t matter what style you’re looking for, we’ve got it (and we love it). Over the last few years, however, there has been one trend that has been gaining popularity: salt and pepper diamonds.
What are salt and pepper diamonds?
A “salt and pepper” diamond is one that contains a mixture of black and white inclusions, creating a speckled, silky appearance.
Diamonds contain small imperfections called inclusions. There are many different shapes and sizes of these inclusions, and they can be black, white, or another color.
Inclusions are present in nearly every diamond, but they’re often so small they can’t be seen with the naked eye. As well as being large and visible, salt and pepper diamond inclusions also affect the diamond’s overall appearance in an attractive and unique way.
The look, shape, and size of salt and pepper diamonds
We’re sure you’ll notice right away as you browse our collection of salt and pepper diamonds that each one is incredibly unique. There’s a lot of character in these diamonds!
APPEARANCE & STYLE
Diamonds with a salt and pepper appearance have a wild, simplistic, and mysterious appearance. Smoky and modern, these rings are appealing to those who like to stand out from the crowd and don’t conform to the norm. They are perfectly suited to modern-day Portlanders.
Inclusions can make some diamonds appear speckled, while others won’t. Some of them will be dark and moody, and others will be lighter with just a few tiny specks. Some will look nearly completely gray.
Diamonds of this type are certainly eye-catching, but simply because less light can be refracted through their silky interior, they don’t sparkle as brightly as their crystalline cousins. Its mottled appearance makes it look dull, but when exposed to the right light, it takes on a shiny, sparkly appearance.
SHAPE & SIZE
Similarly to traditional diamonds, salt and pepper stones are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. They are, however, mostly cut into rose shapes.
Rose cuts have been around since the 1500s and feature a large surface area. Salt and pepper diamonds typically benefit from this technique, because it helps showcase their brilliance.
Your vision will be perfectly matched with a salt and pepper ring from our collection. You can also choose from a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes if you’re interested in a custom-designed ring.
7 key characteristics of a salt and pepper diamond
Wild and raw
Mysterious
Simplistic yet sophisticated
Versatile
Speckled
Smokey
Silky
Are salt and pepper diamonds valuable?
By now, you’ve probably heard us talk about how diamonds are graded on their 4 C’s:
Cut
Clarity
Color
Carat
Despite being diamonds, salt and pepper diamonds are appealing because of their rough-cut, wild, and raw style. As a result, diamond grading is inherently thrown out the window. But that doesn’t mean this type of diamond can’t be valuable. In fact, it can be quite valuable. A salt and pepper diamond is still a diamond, after all, and diamonds are incredibly rare and precious.
In spite of this, salt and pepper diamonds tend to be less expensive than a highly sought after flawless white diamond for couples who are price-conscious.
In spite of its beauty and durability, this creative diamond is affordable for those with a tighter budget.
Salt and pepper diamonds are eco friendly
In addition to their eco-friendliness, salt and pepper diamonds also appeal to many Portland couples. Due to their low mining requirements and shorter mining time, these diamonds are far less taxing on the environment than regular diamonds.
How to wear a salt and pepper diamond ring
It is impossible to wear a salt and pepper ring in one particular way. We have many clients who wear these rings everyday as casual rings, too. These rings have become very popular as engagement rings.
Salt and pepper diamonds will fit any type of occasion due to their unique look and personality. As a simple stackable band or as part of an engagement ring, they can be combined with other diamonds or gemstones for an elegant and sophisticated look.
A reason for the popularity of these rings is their versatility!
Tips for choosing a salt and pepper ring
There are so many different salt and pepper diamonds that it is impossible to choose just one.
To see your options in person, we recommend coming to our store. When choosing a ring, compare the differences between stones and try them on.
The process of assisting clients in choosing salt and pepper rings is one of our favorite activities – we enjoy explaining the history and characteristics of each diamond, as well as curating a collection of diamonds that fits your personality, needs, and vision.
Whether you want a custom design or a pre-made one, our team will guide you through every detail – from picking out the stone to choosing the material for the band – and give you all the time you need.
