What are Salt and Pepper Diamonds?

Salt and pepper diamonds, with their distinctive hues and designs, are gaining traction as the preferred choice for engagement rings. Previously perceived as imperfect diamonds, their signature smoky appearance is shaped by natural inclusions within the stone, resulting in captivating speckles and a unique mottled finish. These diamonds are now emerging as a coveted alternative to the conventional white diamonds, with many women drawn to their one-of-a-kind attributes over the more standard look of traditional white diamonds.

Rise in Popularity

These "jolie laide" diamonds, initially embraced by a niche audience, have witnessed a notable rise in popularity in the past half-decade. Kirsten Dunst is a prominent admirer, donning a dazzling yellow gold engagement ring that showcases a magnificent prong-set oval salt and pepper diamond, enveloped by a constellation of tinier round stones.

The diverse hues of salt and pepper diamonds span from deep blacks to crystalline whites, making them adaptable to a myriad of jewellery styles and metal bases. Given their distinct character, it's not surprising to see these diamonds more commonly embedded in the contemporary choices of white or rose gold over the classic yellow

Benefits of Choosing a Salt and Pepper Diamond Engagement Ring

Not only do salt and pepper diamonds offer a unique flair compared to traditional white diamonds, but they also provide greater value. You can get a significantly larger gemstone for the same price, as salt and pepper diamonds are more affordable than their pure white counterparts. So, if you're prioritizing stone size for your engagement ring, a speckled diamond makes an excellent choice.

While some high-end diamonds can set you back substantially, an equivalent salt and pepper diamond is available for just a fraction of that price. Lilia Nash jewellery prioritises ethical sourcing, using only fair trade and conflict-free stones procured directly from responsible mines and gem dealers. This ensures that your diamond isn't just beautiful, but also ethically sourced.

Lilia Nash Salt and Pepper Diamond Ring Collection

1 of 5

Characteristics of Salt and Pepper Diamonds

Most diamonds feature some kind of flaw, and more noticable flaws in a white or coloured diamond affect the value of the gemstone. Salt and pepper diamonds include many different types of flaws including graining, bearding, clouding, small cracks inside the diamond, pinpoints, wisps and even other crystals growing inside the gem.

It's those imperfections that create the stunning mottled effect that salt and pepper diamonds have. A single flaw may be damaging to a diamond's appeal but a great many flaws in a single stone creates a beautiful overall effect.

Unlike regular diamonds,  salt & pepper diamonds are not judged as much by their colour, clarity and carat weight. They tend to be chosen because of their individual appearance and suitability for use in any given jewellery design. If the diamond is beautiful to you and it fits the design, then it's the perfect diamond for the ring.

Just like with their perfect cousins, these diamonds can be cut in a variety of ways to enhance the natural beauty of the stone. If you'd like to find a particular shape, stone cut, colour or size - Lilia can find it for you!

Which Diamond Should I Choose?

There's a lot more choice available when it comes to choosing a salt and pepper diamond engagement ring because of the vast array of shades and colours they come in. You could choose an almost black diamond or the very palest speckled grey and white.

When it comes to choosing your diamond, consider the colours and shapes that you like the most and use them as a reference point for finding your statement stone. We have a small selection of diamonds in stock and available to be set in our engagement rings or a bespoke ring design, but we're also able to source them depending on your personal preference. Contact us for more information or take a look at the salt and pepper diamonds we currently have in stock.

Bespoke Salt and Pepper Diamond Engagement Rings

Lilia has a small number of sat and pepper diamonds in stock, ready to be set in a unique bespoke engagement ring. You can choose one of her existing stones or she can find the perfect fair trade, conflict free diamond to set in your new ring.

  • Choose the shape & cut
  • Choose the size / carat weight
  • Options for various budgets, with pay by instalment available
  • Wide range of colours and styles, from icy white to almost jet black
  • Choose the style, setting, metal and finish for your ring band
  • Be inspired by one of Lilia's existing engagement ring designs, or create something new using your ideas
  • Order in any UK, US or EU ring size
  • Lilia Nash bespoke engagement rings take between 6-8 weeks to be made, hallmarked and dispatched.

Want to know more? Contact Lilia using the the form below and she'll help you design the perfect diamond ring.

In Stock Salt & Pepper Diamonds - Lilia Nash Diamond Catalogue

1 of 5

Resizing and Payment Plans

We know that buying a ring as a gift can be difficult, especially if you're not sure of the exact size. Most Lilia Nash rings can be adjusted up to 3 sizes larger or smaller, so that you can gift your ring with confidence.

When it comes to paying for your ring, we offer interest-free payment options so you can split the cost of designing your ring. Just let us know when you contact us if you'd like to arrange a payment plan, your ring will be dispatched to you once the final payment is made.

Find out more about choosing the ring size and other engagement ring purchasing advice below.

They Said Yes! Get 10% off Wedding Rings

Many congratulations on your engagement! And thank you choosing a Lilia Nash engagement ring. Send us your proposal pics and receive a voucher for 10% off your wedding rings. Terms apply.

  • Good quality photos only please
  • Only the purchaser of the engagement ring can apply for the discount
  • The voucher is non-transferrable (if transferred an invoice for the 10% shortfall will be issued or order cancelled)
  • The voucher can only be used once, and only for wedding rings
  • The voucher only be used on made to size or in stock wedding rings from our main collection, not bespoke orders
  • By sending us your photos, you are agreeing to allow us to use the images on all our social media channels and website
  • We will confirm receipt of the photo/s and will supply the discount code via email

Send photos to: enquiries@lilianashjewellery.com

Contact form