Step One: Get the Diamond - The 4 Cs

When choosing a diamond, look for carat weight, color, clarity and cut.

Carat weight: Depending on your budget, you choose the carat size.

Color: Absence of it is what you want. The more color in the diamond, the lower the quality. With yellow gold, it’s easier to get away with a diamond with more color in it because of the reflection of the band.

Clarity: The fewer the inclusions, the higher the value.

Cut: Refers to the quality of cutting and polishing, a skill for which South African diamond-cutters are known. The cut makes up 60 percent of the value of the diamond.

Source: Reusch Jewelers, Petoskey