The term 'Carbonado' refers to black diamonds; they are believed to have formed in stellar supernova explosions. Apart from industrial purposes, black diamonds were considered by jewelers as worthless until recently; you should know this before you learn how to buy a black diamond. These days, black diamonds are being used to make engagement rings fashionably unique and are combined with LBD (little black dress) to make men's rings. But black diamonds are still more of an eccentric oddity in fashion.

•First, in order to buy the right black diamond, you need to explore as as many options as possible; try the net to check the best deals because they always vary

•Black diamond’s come under the category of fancy colored diamonds along with pink, green, blue and other colors; the 4Cs of a diamond do not apply to them.

•Colored diamonds has an exclusive grading system with GIA. One of these is the same as the usual diamond grading reports, it is called the GIA colored Diamond Grading Report; and the other one is the color-only report which gives the grade and nature of the diamond, this is called the GIA Colored Diamond Identification and Origin report. When you buy a black diamond, look for these reports.

•Check if the stone has undergone treatment; sometimes poor quality black diamonds are treated to enhance the appearance. Place a fiber-optic light on the diamond to detect if it has been treated with high radiation. What comes out on the opposite side of the stone where it has been treated or enhanced is a darkish green light.

•Contact an independent appraiser to have an appraisal on your black diamond.

•Large solitaire sizes are difficult to find but small carats are available with most vendors because most black diamonds are used in a pave setting. So while shopping for a black diamond, you should expect to spend some time.

•Many inclusions are normally found in naturally black diamonds and they are more brittle than clear diamonds. GIA states that the inclusions give color to black diamonds; so if you want a naturally black diamond you cannot find one with very little inclusions.

•Due to the rarity of black diamonds, most people buy them from local vendors because they do not have any mental reference to find out what the black diamond is like. Local vendors have limited stocks unlike when you buy online; therefore internet purchase is your best option.

•There is risk involved in cutting black diamonds because of their relatively brittle nature. Therefore you spend more money to buy a natural black diamond with a good cut.

In summary, the best thing to do when buying black diamonds is to know the mechanics of the stone appraisal and grading certificates that come with the stones.