Dollar General's Secret Flawless Diamond Sweepstakes started on September 27, 2008 and runs until June 30, 2009, which means you still have plenty of time to win a 1-Carat diamond worth approximately $15,000.

Procter and Gamble is sponsoring the contest which is open to all U.S. residents who are at least 13 years old at the time of entry.

There are two methods of entry. The first is to visit a Dollar General store and purchase a specially-marked Secret Flawless 1.6 oz. "Invisible Solid" product. If the product contains a diamond game piece, you are a potential Grand Prize Winner. Then you must send the original game piece, along with your name and address to Winner! Secret Flawless Diamond Sweepstakes - Dollar General - Prize Claim, c/o e-Prize Fulfillment Services, One ePrize Drive, MI 48069. Your entry must be received by July 8, 2009 or you will forfeit the prize and it will remain un-awarded.

However, having found the diamond game piece does not guarantee you the diamond because there is a second method of entry that requires no purchase. Entrants simply hand print their name, address, day and evening telephone numbers, email address and age on a 3" x 5" piece of paper and mail it to Secret Flawless Diamond Sweepstakes - Dollar General - Sweepstakes Entry, c/o e-Prize, LLC, P.O. Box 2408, Grand Rapids, MI 49501-2408. You're allowed one entry, which must be handwritten, postmarked by July 1, 2009 and received by July 8, 2009.

The all-powerful Administrator will apply an algorithm to determine whether the Grand Prize will be awarded through product purchase or free method of entry. If it is to be awarded via the free entry method, the Administrator will select the winner in a random drawing from amongst all eligible entries received.

See the Secret Diamond Flawless Diamond Sweepstakes Official Rules for full details.

Marlene Alexander is a freelance writer and dollar store diva. She writes tips and ideas for decorating using only items from the dollar store.