3. Don't do entire shopping Christmas Eve then yell at store manager for running out of all popular gifts

2. Don't put reindeer antlers on your dog and expect others to think it's cute

1. Don't fall asleep before midnight and expect to wake up before your children to put presents under tree

Carat refers to weight. Because large diamonds are extremely rare, price rises exponentially rather than arithmetically according to carat weight.

Each of four Cs affects price. Once you set a budget, determine attributes most important to you and select your diamond according to your preferences.

Learn a few more simple terms, and you're well on your way to demystifying world of diamonds and carrying on a conversation with your jeweler that will turn heads of less astute shoppers.

Shape also affects price, but only in terms of "shape appeal," how pleasing shape is to naked eye. By far, most popular shape is Round diamond, and it's most expensive as well. Fancy shapes such as Emerald, Marquis, Pear, Heart, Oval, Radiant and Princess, are less expensive than Round diamonds. Side by side, fancy diamonds look larger than Round diamonds of equal carat weight. If you want something out of ordinary, a fancy shape might be right for you.

Facets refer to flat, polished surfaces of diamond. The round diamond checks in at 58 facets, most facets of all shapes. The most important facet is top or Table facet—the largest facet. Diamonds cut to perfection enable facets to refract light brilliantly.

Settings should enhance brilliance and size of stones, not detract from them. The range of choices is stunning, from metal to prong display. Even more than shape, setting reflects your personal preference and style.

Now that you understand clandestine vocabulary of diamonds, you can relax and have fun while selecting that one-of-a-kind, perfect diamond for you.