Diamonds are a girl’s best friend, especially when the diamond is big.

A recent survey found that 82 percent of women in the United States want a diamond of half a carat or more, and say that bigger is definitely better.

Before you buy a diamond, know your 4C’s — cut, color, clarity and carat — to make sure your diamond engagement ring or gift is one she’ll truly love.

With the knowledge that she would prefer a larger stone, consider some of these tips to make sure you get the size she wants within your budget:

Consider a diamond that may contain slight inclusions, which won’t alter the brilliance too much, but would allow for the purchase of a larger stone.

Often, one cannot distinguish the difference between colorless and near colorless diamonds, another area of compromise if a larger stone is desired.

When contemplating a diamond purchase to express your undying love, you need to save up, research and educate yourself to ensure it is one she will cherish forever.

Email news of your wedding or anniversary to the Call!

Getting married or celebrating your anniversary? Let your friends and neighbors know by submitting news of your happy event to the Call.

Announcements can be mailed to or dropped off at the Call office, 9977 Lin Ferry Drive, St. Louis, Mo. 63123.

Announcements also can be emailed to:

• engagements@callnewspapers.com.

• weddings@callnewspapers.com.

• anniversaries@callnewspapers.com.

Birth announcements also can be mailed or dropped off at the Call office at the above address. Birth announcements also can be emailed to:

• births@callnewspapers.com.