Best Black Materials for Durable & Engravable Rings

Question
Hi, I'm trying to figure out what type of material to choose to have a black ring made but I don't know what would be best. I'd like a material that is black, durable, scratch resistant and low maintenance but can still be marked/engraved with symbols and characters. Can you recommend anything particular and reasons why it would be good?

Thank you very much :)

- Jason

Answer
You want a whole ring carved from this material? Most of the gemstones I specialize in are too durable to have something etched into them, though I do not know for sure. Your best bet is something called gagate or jet. It isn't a gem, but is fossilized coal. It is much softer on the hardness scale at around 2-4 then onyx (your next best bet) at 6. Since it  is soft, it could possibly be made into a ring, but wouldn't be as durable. You may want to consider a synthetic material instead, which I have no knowledge of. If your looking for a silver band that can be etched safely instead, you might consider getting a black spinel gem to put on it. It is the best looking black gemstone in my opinion, and is very durable at an 8. Here's a few pictures http://www.gemhut.com/bkspinel.htm

Hope I helped!