1. When you are ready to chose your diamond, see a reliable jeweler. They are the diamond experts and will be happy to explain the Four C's to you. They will tell you the difference between various qualities of diamonds and how these differences affect the price. Don't expect to find any "bargains" in diamonds - quality has its price. Established jewelers prize their good reputation and will help you choose the best quality diamond, because they know you are looking for quality when you are making one of your most important purchases.
   
   
2. All diamonds are rare, and certain types are very rare. The Four C's - cut, color, clarity, and carat weight - explain why diamonds that appear to be virtually identical may show a wide range in value.
   
   
3. 3. Cut. A well-polished diamond is the work of a master cutter. When cut to good proportions, the diamond is better able to handle light, creating more brilliance, more dispersion and more sparkle. And that's a great reflection on you. Diamonds are cut into a number of shapes, depending on the nature of the rough stone. The most popular are round, marquise, oval pear, square and emerald, and the choice is largely a matter of personal preference.
   
   
4. Color. Diamonds are found with a range of colors, from faint yellow or brown through to the very rare blues, greens, pinks and other colors known as "fancies." However, the less color a diamond has, the rarer it is. It is a totally colorless diamond that allows white light to pass effortlessly through it and be dispersed as rainbows of color. And to give a woman such a diamond is to show your true colors, as well.
   
   
5. Clarity. To determine a diamond's clarity, it should be viewed under 10-power magnification by a trained eye. Most diamonds contain very tiny natural birthmarks known as inclusions. However, the fewer and smaller the inclusions are, the less likely it is that they will interfere with the passage of light through the diamond, and the more beautiful the diamond will be. Diamonds, more than any other gemstone, have the capability to produce the maximum amount of brilliance. A diamond that is free of both inclusions and surface blemishes is very rare and therefore more valuable. So the clearer the diamond, the clearer the choice.
   
   
6. Carat-weight. The carat is the unit of weight for diamonds. One carat is divided into 100"points," so that a diamond of 75 points weighs .75 carat. Carat weight is the easiest of the Four C's to determine. But two diamonds of equal weight ca have very unequal value, depending on their cut, color and clarity. Fine quality can be found in diamonds of all shapes and sizes. And a fine quality diamond is a little extra weight she'd be pleased to put on.
   
   
7. Gradations within each of the Four C's make for an infinite number of combinations to determine the value of any diamond. But there's a range of beautiful diamonds for any price you want to pay; it's just a matter of matching price with quality and size.
   
   
8. The solitaire. Or single-stone engagement ring, is the best buy for a given sum because almost all its value is in the one diamond. However, you may prefer a more elaborate setting with side stones or other decorative features.
   
   
9. In other pieces of diamond jewelry - occasional rings, pins, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and watches - the cost depends not only on the diamonds but also on the other materials and the workmanship. Diamonds make any piece of jewelry precious - and very special.
   
   
10. When you buy a diamond - whether an engagement ring or another piece - buy what will mean most to her and to you. Diamonds say, "I love you'" and they keep on saying it forever.

Almost all the purchases you make for your home and yourself will depreciate in value as they're used over the years. However your diamond, like love, can grow more precious with time. An important reason for buying the best quality stone you can, regardless of size or the design of the piece of jewelry.

A good guideline on how much to spend on your engagement ring is approximately one to three months' salary. But it's really up to you. Diamonds are available in such a wide range of prices, you're sure to find one to suit your taste and budget.

You must remember that prices today are not the same as they were when your parents or grandparents married, so you cannot expect to pay the same price for your diamond as they did. But unlike other important purchases you make on very special occasions, such as an expensive wedding dress, a diamond will not fade in a box in the attic.