An 888.88-carat natural black diamond, known as Infinity, was publicly unveiled for the first time during the Dubai Diamond Conference 2026. The diamond, classified as ‘Fancy Black’, was presented by Diamond Trading NV, a company based in Antwerp, Belgium, that focuses on the global sourcing, trading, and distribution of rough diamonds. The secure transportation of the diamond to the event was managed by Brink’s, a firm specialising in security and cash management, which ensured that the diamond was transported under stringent security measures.

Historical Significance of the Diamond

The diamond has a notable history, originating from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It began its journey as a rough stone weighing 1,138 carats, acquired by Andrew Coxon on behalf of De Beers in 1975. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) examined this rough crystal and, in 2013, recorded it as the largest single-crystal natural diamond it had assessed at that time. Following a meticulous cutting and polishing process that took place between 2022 and 2024, the rough stone was transformed into the finished 888.88-carat Infinity diamond, which is now owned by Diamond Trading NV. Nearly 49 years elapsed from the acquisition of the rough stone to the completion of the polished gem.

During the conference, Daniel de Belder of Diamond Trading NV discussed the diamond’s unique characteristics. He explained that it is a black diamond, showcasing features that reflect the eruptive process it underwent when it was brought to the surface from depths of 150 kilometres. He noted that the shaping of the diamond was adapted to respect its natural form, rather than attempting to conceal the dramatic traces of its journey from deep within the earth.

Understanding Black Diamonds

Black diamonds, also referred to as carbonado diamonds, are natural diamonds that exhibit a black or dark grey appearance due to the presence of numerous tiny mineral inclusions, fractures, and structural irregularities. These characteristics cause light to be absorbed or scattered, resulting in an opaque appearance. Unlike traditional colourless diamonds, which are valued for their brilliance, black diamonds possess a unique aesthetic that is distinct. Their colour can be attributed to inclusions of various minerals, including graphite, pyrite, or hematite.

Natural black diamonds are rare and can be found in various locations worldwide. In contrast, black diamonds available in the jewellery market may have undergone treatments to enhance their colour or may be synthetically produced in laboratories. According to the GIA, natural black diamonds form deep within the Earth’s mantle, at depths ranging from 150 to 800 kilometres beneath the surface.

Unlike other diamonds, which are evaluated based on the 4Cs—colour, cut, clarity, and carat weight—black diamonds do not adhere to these grading standards. The GIA states that due to their typically opaque nature and heavy inclusions, black diamonds are not assigned traditional clarity grades applicable to transparent stones. Furthermore, as black diamonds do not exhibit tonal or saturation differences like coloured diamonds, they are simply given a single colour grade: Fancy Black.

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