Getting engaged or looking for the perfect anniversary gift? A diamond might be the way to go, but picking one out can be a little nerve-wracking.

There are some rules you can follow to make sure you’re getting a good deal. Steve Weintraub, owner of the Gold and Diamond Source, said start with color.

“Color is something everybody can see,” Weintraub said. “If you have a yellow or brown diamond, you can actually see that.”

Next is clarity, which looks at whether there are any inclusions or imperfections in the diamond. Most diamonds have inclusions. The question is, can you see them with the naked eye?

“Under a jeweler’s loupe or a microscope, you might be able to see some inclusions. But all your friends can’t see them,” Weintraub said.

Cut is probably the most important factor, and it accounts for 40 percent of the cost. There are plenty of different shapes, including round, princess, and cushion. But cut is what gives a diamond its sparkle.

Last, but not least, take is the carat, or the weight or size, of the diamond. The one carat range is most popular.

“I would say average, with the mounting between $5,000 and $8,000,” Weintraub said.

That falls right into the average cost of an engagement ring, according to TheKnot.com. The website found in 2013, the average price spent on a diamond engagement ring was $5,600. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend that much money. Weintraub said balancing the “four C’s” of diamonds can help you get the best quality within your budget.

One way to save a little extra on a diamond is to choose a stone just under popular sizes, like .9 carats, instead of one carat. The price goes down about 10 percent, but it’s hard to tell the difference, especially once the diamond is mounted.

Weintraub says the better a diamond is cut, the more light it reflects. It’s one of the most important features to have a diamond with fire and brilliance.