The Ultimate Guide to Salt and Pepper Diamonds

The Authenticity of Salt and Pepper Diamonds

We should probably start at the top: What is a salt and pepper diamond? There can often be confusion about whether salt and pepper diamonds are real diamonds, but they definitely are. Formed just like any other natural diamond, deep within the Earth, salt and pepper diamonds are known for their black and white inclusions you’ll find scattered throughout, which give them a more opaque look in tones of black and gray.

Like fingerprints, these inclusions mean that no two diamonds are ever exactly alike. The fun part? You can find salt and pepper diamonds in a myriad of different shapes, sizes, and colors. From white with black inclusions to soft grays to champagne hues or deep graphite. There’s something for everyone, and your diamond will never look like anyone else’s.

The Price of Salt and Pepper Diamonds

It may seem obvious to assume that because salt and pepper diamonds are heavily included they would be dramatically cheaper than a higher clarity traditional diamond. But that’s not exactly how it works. The price of traditional diamond pricing is determined by multiple factors. This can include cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. However, salt and pepper diamond pricing is more based on demand. As demand for these unique stones goes up — typically when they start to trend — pricing rises too.

Pricing will also be affected by a salt and pepper stone’s potential for more unique inclusions, color, or shape. You know, since there is a much wider and more apparent range than in traditional diamonds. So are salt and pepper diamonds more affordable than a traditional diamond? Typically, yes. However, they’re kind of their own separate category and should only be compared to other similar diamonds.

The Value of Salt and Pepper Diamonds

When purchasing any diamond, one of the biggest questions people have is whether a diamond will hold its value over time. But does this even apply to salt and pepper diamonds?

Well, diamonds do hold some value, sure. But unless you’re buying museum-worthy diamonds or shopping the auction houses (fancy!), you’re likely purchasing a diamond for its meaning, rather than as a serious cash investment. In that light, any diamond (including salt and pepper) will lose retail value the moment you purchase it. This is why buyback pricing is lower than retail. Simply put, the company buying it has to resell it and mark it back up in order to make it profitable.

The same holds true of salt and pepper diamonds. They may not hold as much buyback power as traditional diamonds because the market is more volatile. However, you’re probably purchasing it because you love it, want to wear it, or want to give it to someone you love. Which, darling, are all the right reasons

The Symbolism of Salt and Pepper Diamonds

Diamonds, in general, have been symbolic of everything from invincibility to everlasting love since humans first began handling them centuries ago. But what do salt and pepper diamonds symbolize? Well, it could be any number of things. Their unique inclusions and coloring can represent the imperfections and individuality of your relationship. Or, they could be a lifelong reminder of the beauty of your uniqueness. Looking for a symbol of resilience and strength? Look no further than salt and peppers! These babies are formed under intense pressure after all.

Tips for Shopping for Salt and Pepper Diamonds

Salt and pepper diamonds have a lot of pros: their affordable price tag, their unique look, some super gorgeous shapes… but they have cons too. One of the biggest downsides of a salt and pepper diamond is that really nice ones can be tough to find. Yes, despite the fact that they’ve been having a moment for several years now. 

Long the fodder of the handmade jewelry marketplace, salt and pepper diamonds are now showing up across the fine jewelry counters of, well, everywhere. But that doesn’t mean each one you see is worth a second glance. 

Here’s a few tips on what to look for so you get the most salt and pepper for your money:

Get your mind out of the brilliance gutter

Salt and pepper diamonds don’t come in your standard diamond shapes and sizes. Most often, you will find them as rose cuts—a flatter diamond that shows off more size for your money (bonus!) but lacks that traditional brilliant sparkle. Bummer, right? Not necessarily.

See, the more included a diamond is, the less light it’s going to reflect anyway. Those inclusions get in the way of light bouncing straight into and out of the stone. Because traditional brilliant cutting techniques are very difficult and expensive, it doesn’t make much sense to waste the time and energy on creating brilliant cuts that aren’t going to be, well, brilliant, right? Plus, all that brilliance would distract from the super cool inclusions that you’re paying for anyway.

Shorty get low

Besides being drop dead gorgeous anyway, rose cut diamonds have another big plus side. Due to the shallow nature of a rose cut, it makes for a super low profile engagement ring setting. Which is great if you’re active or don’t like snagging your favorite sweaters. Salt and pepper diamonds can often be set quite low on the hand and look spectacular in a bezel, which offers extra protection from, well, life, and also adds a touch of shine and glamor to the super-natural look of the stone.

Speaking of protection

Salt and pepper diamonds have a lot of inclusions, obviously, and those inclusions can make a diamond a bit more fragile than other diamonds. Look for a diamond that doesn’t have surface-reaching inclusions, which can create nooks and crannies for dirt to get stuck in, be more difficult to clean (careful with the ultrasonic!), or lead to more chance for diamond breakage from an accidental blow.

Find a great jeweler

They’re not traditional diamonds, so salt and pepper diamonds are a bit hard to find at a traditional jeweler. But find a trusted jeweler to help you source the perfect salt and pepper diamond and they’ll basically be your new BFF. Oh, and don’t expect a diamond grading report, because GIA doesn’t grade salt and pepper stones. These unique diamonds are all about their special look, sultry nature, and symbolism. Not their traditional appeal.