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Why Everyone’s Talking About Salt and Pepper Diamonds

Q: Are salt and pepper diamonds real natural diamonds?

Yes. Salt and pepper diamonds are 100% natural diamonds formed deep within the Earth, just like traditional white diamonds. Their distinctive appearance comes from the black and white inclusions—such as carbon spots, feathers, or mineral traces—that developed over millions to billions of years during their growth. These inclusions aren’t flaws caused by damage or treatment; they’re part of the stone’s natural formation and contribute to its unique beauty.

Q: What gives salt and pepper diamonds their signature look?

Salt and pepper diamonds are defined by a mix of black and white inclusions that create a speckled, smoky, or galaxy-like effect. No two stones will ever look the same. Some have bold, high-contrast markings, while others have a soft, misty pattern. Because these diamonds tend to be more opaque, cutters have more freedom with shape and silhouette, which is why you often see them in unusual cuts—shield, hexagon, kite, or rose-cut styles.

Q: Are salt and pepper diamonds durable enough for everyday wear?

Absolutely. Although the surface appearance differs from traditional white diamonds, salt and pepper diamonds have the same chemical structure and hardness—meaning they are still a 10 on the Mohs scale. They are just as durable and suitable for engagement rings and daily wear. As with any diamond, choose a secure setting and have your jeweler periodically check the prongs and overall condition.

Q: Are salt and pepper diamonds more affordable than white diamonds?

Yes. Because they fall outside the traditional clarity scale, salt and pepper diamonds are typically more accessible in price. Their inclusions do not diminish their beauty—in fact, they are the entire point—so buyers can often get a larger, more visually striking stone for a fraction of the price of a high-clarity white diamond. Their affordability is one reason they’ve gained popularity among modern couples who want something bold and meaningful without sacrificing size or style.

Q: Do salt and pepper diamonds come in different colors?

They do. While classic salt and pepper stones feature white and black inclusions, some diamonds lean darker and create a moody gray look, while others appear almost icy white. These categories overlap with other types of heavily included diamonds, such as icy white diamonds (filled with feathery white inclusions) and gray included diamonds (filled with darker mineral inclusions). Each type has its own character, but all share an organic, one-of-a-kind appearance.

Q: How do I choose the right salt and pepper diamond?

Because each stone has a unique pattern, the best thing you can do is look at your options closely. View the stone in different lighting, watch videos when shopping online, and check the retailer’s return and inspection policies. Pay attention to how the inclusions are distributed—some people prefer an evenly speckled stone, while others love high-contrast bursts or galaxy-like clusters.

Q: Do salt and pepper diamonds get a grading report?

Yes, though grading may differ from traditional white diamonds. A reputable retailer or dealer should disclose the stone’s origin, treatments (if any), carat weight, cut shape, and overall quality. Even though these diamonds fall outside the classic clarity scale, they are still evaluated and appraised like all natural diamonds.

Q: Why choose a salt and pepper diamond for an engagement ring?

Salt and pepper diamonds appeal to people who want a piece of jewelry that feels personal, expressive, and unlike anything else. They’re perfect for anyone who values individuality, modern design, and the raw beauty of nature. Their durability and more approachable price point only add to the appeal, making them a compelling and stylish alternative to traditional white diamonds.

These gems can be some of the most surprising, beautiful, and, believe it or not, affordable diamonds Mother Nature has produced.

By Grant Mobley, Updated: December 15, 2025

Salt and pepper diamonds are one of the most fascinating—and often misunderstood—categories of natural diamonds. As someone who’s spent most of my career helping people make informed decisions about jewelry, I believe these unique stones deserve a closer look. With their bold, one-of-a-kind appearance and accessible pricing, salt and pepper diamonds are quickly becoming a favorite among collectors and modern brides looking for something truly individual.

Meet the Expert

Grant Mobley is the Jewelry & Watch Editor of Only Natural Diamonds.
He is a GIA Diamonds Graduate.
He has over 17 years of jewelry industry experience, starting with growing up in his family’s retail jewelry stores.

I began working behind the counter at my family’s retail jewelry store as soon as I was tall enough to see over the counter, and went on to study diamonds at the Gemological Institute of America before moving into the jewelry manufacturing and design space.

Today, my focus is on education, helping both consumers and professionals navigate the world of natural diamonds with confidence. That’s why I believe salt and pepper diamonds, with their striking appearance and distinctive character, deserve a dedicated spotlight. Below, I’ll break down everything you need to know about these natural diamonds: what they are, what makes them special, and how to shop for one wisely.

Why Salt and Pepper Diamonds Break the Traditional Rules

Today, many jewelry shoppers are probably familiar with the 4Cs of diamonds; color, clarity, cut, and carat. These four characteristics help categorize diamonds. However, natural diamonds are unique like a fingerprint, and some have characteristics that aren’t always defined by traditional criteria.

Salt and pepper diamonds, in particular, throw the old rulebook out the window—which is what makes them so special. These gems can be some of the most surprising, beautiful, and, believe it or not, affordable diamonds Mother Nature has produced—specifically, the diamonds that fall outside of the conventional “clarity” scale.

Clarity measures the amount of “imperfections” or inclusions that occur naturally during formation, having a significant effect on the value of a diamond. Generally, the fewer inclusions in a diamond, the rarer and more valuable it is. This means many shoppers shy away from diamonds with inclusions. However, there are many types of heavily included diamonds that have gained popularity for their unique and fascinating appearance. These so-called imperfections are exactly what give salt and pepper diamonds their character.

What Makes Salt and Pepper Diamonds Unique

Salt and pepper diamonds are natural diamonds speckled with white and black inclusions. They may also be described as wild, raw, or even misfit diamonds. While the look may or may not be for everyone, there are many reasons to love them.

Every natural diamond is unique, but with salt and pepper diamonds, their rarity is obvious to the naked eye. No pattern of inclusions is the same, so they can all speak uniquely to an individual. Another bonus of salt and pepper diamonds is that they are more opaque than traditional white diamonds, so the cutter does not have to worry about perfect proportions to maximize light. This gives them more artistic freedom, and results in salt and pepper diamonds often being cut into unusual shapes,

icy white diamond — Icy White Diamond Courtesy of Misfit Diamonds

icy white diamond ring — Icy White Diamond Ring Courtesy of Porter Gulch

Included Diamonds Similar to Salt and Pepper

Icy White Diamonds

Another heavily included diamond is the icy white diamond. These are stones that are filled with white, feathery, or silky inclusions, giving them an icy, opaque look. These diamonds, just like salt and pepper diamonds, are natural and unique from one another. With them, you find the benefit of originality and a more raw or natural appearance similar to a diamond’s rough form.

Gray Diamonds

A dark standout in heavily included diamonds is gray diamonds. Full of similar feathery or silky inclusions like icy white diamonds, these are instead filled with dark color inclusions that change the appearance of the stone from white to light or dark gray. These are not to be confused with “fancy gray diamonds”, which are natural diamonds with very few inclusions whose color comes from nitrogen or boron atomic impurities. The “fancy gray” variety is much rarer and would cost significantly more. However, a gray included diamond can be an excellent option for a similar look without the high cost.

Why Choose a Salt and Pepper Diamond?

When shopping for an engagement ring, necklace, bracelet, or earrings, heavily included diamonds like these are perfect for those looking to step outside of the traditional box. Their unique patterns and moody tones have made them increasingly popular in engagement rings, especially among couples seeking something unconventional. And while they look edgy and alternative, they’re still incredibly durable—after all, they’re real diamonds.

They’re also far more accessible than flawless white diamonds. Because high-clarity stones are so rare and expensive, salt and pepper diamonds offer an opportunity to own a sizeable, striking diamond at a much more approachable price point.

Pro Tips for Buying Salt and Pepper Diamonds

Because each stone is so visually distinct, I always recommend seeing salt and pepper diamonds in person before buying. If you’re shopping online, make sure the retailer has clear return policies and detailed imagery or videos so you can get a true sense of what you’re purchasing. Many local jewelers are also happy to bring in a selection or even custom-design a piece around your chosen stone.

Keep in mind that even though these diamonds don’t fit the traditional clarity scale, they are still graded and appraised like all natural diamonds. A reputable source should always disclose treatment history, origin, and provide a grading report if possible.

Finding the Beauty in Imperfect Natural Diamonds

At the end of the day, salt and pepper diamonds challenge the idea that perfection equals beauty. Their visible inclusions are a reminder of the wild, natural process that created them—deep within the Earth, completely untouched by human hands.

If you’re someone who values individuality, story, and a little bit of edge, salt and pepper diamonds just might be your perfect match. They’re proof that in diamonds, as in life, sometimes the most beautiful things are the ones that are a little less polished.

FAQs: Salt and Pepper Diamonds

Are salt and pepper diamonds real natural diamonds?

Yes. Salt and pepper diamonds are 100% natural diamonds formed deep within the Earth, just like traditional white diamonds. Their distinctive appearance comes from the black and white inclusions—such as carbon spots, feathers, or mineral traces—that developed over millions to billions of years during their growth. These inclusions aren’t flaws caused by damage or treatment; they’re part of the stone’s natural formation and contribute to its unique beauty.

What gives salt and pepper diamonds their signature look?

Salt and pepper diamonds are defined by a mix of black and white inclusions that create a speckled, smoky, or galaxy-like effect. No two stones will ever look the same. Some have bold, high-contrast markings, while others have a soft, misty pattern. Because these diamonds tend to be more opaque, cutters have more freedom with shape and silhouette, which is why you often see them in unusual cuts—shield, hexagon, kite, or rose-cut styles.

Are salt and pepper diamonds durable enough for everyday wear?

Absolutely. Although the surface appearance differs from traditional white diamonds, salt and pepper diamonds have the same chemical structure and hardness—meaning they are still a 10 on the Mohs scale. They are just as durable and suitable for engagement rings and daily wear. As with any diamond, choose a secure setting and have your jeweler periodically check the prongs and overall condition.

Are salt and pepper diamonds more affordable than white diamonds?

Yes. Because they fall outside the traditional clarity scale, salt and pepper diamonds are typically more accessible in price. Their inclusions do not diminish their beauty—in fact, they are the entire point—so buyers can often get a larger, more visually striking stone for a fraction of the price of a high-clarity white diamond. Their affordability is one reason they’ve gained popularity among modern couples who want something bold and meaningful without sacrificing size or style.

Do salt and pepper diamonds come in different colors?

They do. While classic salt and pepper stones feature white and black inclusions, some diamonds lean darker and create a moody gray look, while others appear almost icy white. These categories overlap with other types of heavily included diamonds, such as icy white diamonds (filled with feathery white inclusions) and gray included diamonds (filled with darker mineral inclusions). Each type has its own character, but all share an organic, one-of-a-kind appearance.

How do I choose the right salt and pepper diamond?

Because each stone has a unique pattern, the best thing you can do is look at your options closely. View the stone in different lighting, watch videos when shopping online, and check the retailer’s return and inspection policies. Pay attention to how the inclusions are distributed—some people prefer an evenly speckled stone, while others love high-contrast bursts or galaxy-like clusters.

Do salt and pepper diamonds get a grading report?

Yes, though grading may differ from traditional white diamonds. A reputable retailer or dealer should disclose the stone’s origin, treatments (if any), carat weight, cut shape, and overall quality. Even though these diamonds fall outside the classic clarity scale, they are still evaluated and appraised like all natural diamonds.

Why choose a salt and pepper diamond for an engagement ring?

Salt and pepper diamonds appeal to people who want a piece of jewelry that feels personal, expressive, and unlike anything else. They’re perfect for anyone who values individuality, modern design, and the raw beauty of nature. Their durability and more approachable price point only add to the appeal, making them a compelling and stylish alternative to traditional white diamonds.