When you are out looking for a diamond, keep the four Cs - cut, colour, clarity and carat weight - in mind.

Cut: A well-cut diamond should reflect and refract as much light as possible. The better the cut (neither too deep nor too shallow), the greater it's brilliance and sparkle.

Colour: This is usually graded from D to Z, with D being the best. The less colour the diamond has, the more valuable it is.

Clarity: The number, colour, nature and size determine the clarity of the diamond. The more clarity a diamond has, the more light it reflects and the more valuable it is.

Carat: Carat is the unit of weight used to measure a diamond. However, a diamond isn't always valuable if it weighs more. The true measurement to value a diamond is its cut, colour and clarity.

Cleaning your Diamond:

Though it is best to have your diamond cleaned regularly by a professional jeweller, you may also clean it at home.

Detergent Bath

With a mild liquid detergent, prepare a small bath of warm sudsy water. Soak the ring and brush with a small soft brush (such as a toothbrush). Rinse under warm running water. Pat dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

The Cold-Water Soak

Soak ring in equal parts of cold water and household ammonia for 30 minutes. Take the ring out and gently tap around the back and front of the mounting with a small soft brush. Swish the ring in the solution a second time and rinse under warm water. Drain on a tissue or paper towel.