What Are Salt and Pepper Diamonds? Everything You Need to Know About Natural Diamonds with Heavy Inclusions
These gems can be some of the most surprising, beautiful, and believe it or not; affordable diamonds mother nature has produced.
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.
Diamonds Beyond the 4Cs
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,
Other Included Diamonds That Share the Spotlight
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 Salt and Pepper Diamonds?
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 Beauty in Imperfection
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.
