MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – We’re in the heart of the holiday shopping season, and it’s getting to be that time of year where a lot of men in relationships are proposing.

Either that, or those men who are already married want to get something nice for the women in their lives. Whether it’s earrings, a necklace or a ring, diamonds are a hot buy once again this Christmas season.

Diamond expert Emmy Kondo stopped by the WCCO Morning Show on Wednesday to give us some tips on things to look out for when you’re buying diamonds, depending on what type of jewelry you’re looking for.

Kondo said the hot trends this year is the halo design, which is one center diamond featured and surrounded by smaller diamonds on the outside. It’s a design made by R.F. Moeller Jewelers in the Twin Cities. Kondo said some celebrities are even wearing the design.

When it comes to diamond shopping, Kondo said you will want to do your research on the four “C’s” of diamonds: Cut, color, clarity and carat. There are different degrees of cut, color and clarity, which can alter what the diamond looks like and how much it costs.

Kondo said if a man is out diamond shopping for the woman in his life, he should know her lifestyle, if she’s a professional, if she’s active and attends a lot of functions. She should wear something that suits her when out with people and is something she can be proud of.