Posted on:  February 20th, 2012

If you are currently perusing the selection of engagement rings available in order to buy the perfect one for your other half, you might be finding the process tough. One of the reasons you may be finding this difficult is because of the pressure you feel as a result of media stereotypes. You might be trying to conform to a series of perceived rules concerning what is appropriate and what is not.

This is a great shame. After all, the process of choosing a gorgeous ring for your partner should be something you can take pleasure in. You are about to pop the question to the woman you love and show her that you want to devote the rest of your life to being with her. If all goes to plan, the pair of you may be set to move into a new and exciting phase of your relationship together.

And these days there are so many different products to choose from. Whether you would prefer to get platinum engagement rings or any other type of offering, you will not be stuck for choice.

Among the perceived rules that may be preventing you from making the most of this time of great joy and romance is the common misconception that there is a minimum amount of money that has to be spent on the offerings. It is often stated that men should spend at least two months’ wages on the items. Believing that this is true could put you under considerable pressure. After all, this is a lot of money and you might simply not have such resources at your disposal.

The fact is, there is no hard and fast rule when it comes to expenditure. Certainly, there is no point in ploughing more money in than you can afford because this could lead to financial problems further down the line. Also, you don’t have to defer getting down on bended knee to ask for your partner’s hand in marriage for a long time to come simply so that you can afford a hugely pricey ring.

What really matters is the thought you put into the purchase. As long as you choose something that you know your other half will like and that matches her style and preferences, you should be on to a winner.

Also, while it may be traditional to go it alone and surprise your partner with a ring, you can always include her in the selection process if this makes you feel more comfortable. When you propose, you can hand her a dummy ring, making clear that you want her to select the perfect item for her. You can even select custom engagement rings to achieve the best results.

When it comes to buying rings to symbolise your love and commitment in this way, there are no rules. You are your own man and have the right to think for yourself and decide what’s best for you and your other half – not what might be said in the media and by other people you know.

No Comments »

Posted on:  February 15th, 2012

These days, we live in a throw-away culture, where many products are only valued for a short time while they happen to be in fashion. This applies to various provisions, including fashion items, home furnishings, pieces of technology and so on. In some ways, this is a great shame. After all, being able to keep hold of possessions can ground you and provide you with a greater sense of identity and place. Also, throwing items out simply because they are no longer the hottest versions around is bad for the environment.

But the good news is, there are certain items that never seem to go out of fashion and diamonds are among them. These objects have a timeless elegance and beauty and they do not fall out of favour when the seasons change.

So, if you are handed diamond bracelets, rings, earrings or anything else of this nature, you may well feel a real sense of joy and excitement. As well as helping to ensure you look stunning when you don the offerings, these products are something to cling onto while many other things in life change.

Of course, you don’t have to wait until someone hands you diamond rings and other such offerings in order to boost your collection. These days, there are so many products of this kind available to purchase that you can quickly and easily source the objects for yourself. This is the ultimate retail therapy. And, if you don’t want to venture into the miserable weather conditions this winter, you can order the products online. This is highly convenient and, if you head to firms like us here at Marlows Diamonds, you can rest assured that not only will you have many different items to choose from, you will also be able to benefit from superb value.

Meanwhile, as long as you have a budget in mind and stick to this when selecting the offerings you want, you will be able to avoid overspending on diamond necklaces and other such things.

There is nothing more satisfying than opening up your jewellery collection and taking a peak at an array of sublime gems. There is something inspiring and uplifting about such items.

And no matter how many months and years go by, you will never fall out of love with the objects and you will be able to carry on wearing them with real pride. Indeed, you might even choose to hand them down to the next generation in your family so that they can make the most of these gorgeous specimens too.

When it comes to products that stand the test of time, there is no contest. Diamonds win hands down. And there is no sign that their appeal among consumers is about to decline any time soon. Indeed, people’s fascination with the offerings seems to be growing all the time.

So, if you have a spare few moments, why not take a look around our collection to see if there is anything that takes your fancy? You will not be disappointed by what you find.

No Comments »

Posted on:  February 10th, 2012

Preparing for your wedding day can be a rollercoaster of emotion. Firstly, you have to get ready mentally for this change in your life and in your relationship with your other half. This may be one of the most important things you ever do, so it is not something to take lightly.

And, as well as readying yourself in this way, you also have a plethora of practical issues to bear in mind. After all, these events can be logistical nightmares. Deciding who to invite, finding a venue, planning your reception and so on is not easy and a lot of effort is required to ensure all the details are correct.

However, there is one issue that you cannot afford to neglect in the midst of all this mayhem and that is the all-important wedding rings. Despite the fact the fact that these gleaming and beautiful objects are the official symbol of matrimonial union and are involved in both religious and civil ceremonies, they often get shoved to the bottom of the list when people are making their preparations.

In some ways this is not surprising. Couples tend to want to make a big statement with their weddings and ensure that their friends and family enjoy the events. Therefore, considerable emphasis is placed on details like the food that will be served, the entertainment, the decorations and so on.

But if you are currently in the process of sorting out your wedding, you may benefit from paying greater attention to your wedding ring sets. These are among a very small number of items you will get to keep from the momentous occasion and you will look at the objects multiple times every day.

Meanwhile, the symbolism associated with the items is immense. They represent the bond between you and your partner through thick and thin.

Thankfully, it is now easy to get the perfect products. Whether you are after gleaming diamond wedding rings or any other type of item, you should be able to find the perfect offering using our website here at Marlows Diamonds. We are passionate about such jewellery and know exactly how significant the pieces are.

By perusing our online catalogue, you can choose from a vast array of different styles and will be able to get the perfect designs. Also, our offerings are superb value for money, meaning you may be able to get more than you think on your budget.

If you want to go for the ultimate romantic gesture, you might decide to buy his and hers sets of rings. We provide a range of gorgeous items that are the same style and can suit both genders. Getting products like this is the perfect way to show that you and your other half are a match made in heaven. Of course, there are many other types of offering for you to peruse too, including designer versions that are unsurpassed in terms of beauty and class. And buying products over the web represents the ultimate in convenience, which is ideal if you are snowed under with other arrangements.

No Comments »

Posted on:  February 5th, 2012

There are certain times of year when romance seems to come to the fore. Over the festive period, you might find yourself eager to show your loving and caring side, for example. However, February also falls into this category. After all, on the 14th of the month, people in the UK and many other countries around the world celebrate Valentine’s Day.

This annual commemoration focuses on the love and affection displayed between partners and its origins date back to 496 AD when Pope Gelasius I decided to dedicate a day to an early Christian martyr named Saint Valentine.

These days, it is a time for lovers to hand over gifts such as flowers, chocolates and cards. Meanwhile, couples often try to spend quality time with each other, heading out for special trips, meals and so on.

But if you are determined to make a real impression on your other half this year, you might take the opportunity to hand over diamond jewellery. The power of these gleaming gems to captivate and entrance those who view them is remarkable and there is nothing more special to hand over as a present. Also, there is something about these precious stones that makes them perfect as symbols of romance. Their intricate designs, purity and timelessness mean they represent all the best aspects of romantic affection.

The great thing is, there has never been a better time to source diamond bracelets and other such items for your loved one. These days, there is an incredible array of products to choose from, meaning you should not struggle to get the perfect item for your other half. Also, by heading to firms like us here at Marlows Diamonds you can benefit from superb value, so even if your budget is fairly limited, you should still be able to get a gorgeous gift.

There is no better feeling than seeing the look on your lover’s face as you hand over beautiful diamond necklaces or other such items. And this gesture is bound to show your partner how much you care for her.

Meanwhile, you can enhance the effect even more by paying attention to the way you present the offering. For example, you might want to surprise your other half by taking her breakfast in bed and hiding the gleaming jewellery on the tray so that she discovers it by accident. This can be the perfect start to her day and is something she is unlikely to forget in a hurry.

Of course, you do not have to reserve amazing gestures like this to official celebrations like Valentine’s Day. You can hand over incredible offerings of this kind at any time of year. Indeed, purely spontaneous gestures like this can seem even more thoughtful.

So, if you are taken with the idea of getting superb diamond rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets and other such things for your partner to demonstrate your love, why not take a look around our website? We could have the perfect item for you and ordering from us could not be simpler.

No Comments »

Posted on:  January 23rd, 2012

It goes without saying that the significance of diamond engagement and wedding rings is quite evident. Indeed, the giving of a diamond ring is a very powerful gesture as it often represents unconditional love, genuine commitment and long-lasting affection. Certainly, diamond rings are rarely given flippantly; and nor should they be.

However, the giving of diamonds doesn’t have to be exclusive to important events such as engagements and weddings. In fact, diamond jewellery can be every bit as significant when given as a simple gift; especially when you start to look at things in the long-term.

When it comes to diamonds, many people forget to consider that they last much longer than a mere human lifetime. Therefore, when you give a diamond ring as a gift to your wife or fiancee, you are in effect, giving it to her daughter, her granddaughter and perhaps even her great-granddaughter, etc. Naturally, such a gift will become even more precious as it passes from one generation to the next, consequently gaining even more resonance and meaning whilst losing none of its initial beauty.

So, if you are thinking of buying a diamond ring, either for a special occasion or simply as a gift, be sure to remember that this small but stunning item will be a durable reminder of your love and generosity long after you have gone. Indeed, the ring you buy may well be the most enduring thing you ever buy – and that’s pretty significant!

No Comments »

Posted on:  January 18th, 2012

There are few things in the world that are as mesmerising to the human eye as the sparkle from a diamond. In fact, the ‘fire’ which emanates from a diamond is simply irresistible and catches your imagination in a way that no other precious stone can match. It is for this reason why diamonds are the perfect choice for extra special jewellery items like engagement rings.

Sadly, not all diamond engagement rings are blessed with such a magical sparkle. Indeed, a truly hypnotizing sparkle can only be achieved when a diamond is blessed with a perfect combination of the four Cs: colour, cut, clarity and carat. Sure; having an impressively-sized rock on your finger may look good from a distance; however it won’t have that all-important sparkle if the clarity and cut aren’t up to scratch.

Let’s face it; a diamond without a sparkle is like a child without a toy – it just isn’t right!

So, if you are looking to buy diamond ring and want to make sure it bounces rays of light all around the room; you need to ensure your purchase is made from people who know exactly what it takes to achieve that perfect sparkle.

Here at Marlows, our master craftsmen work to strict briefs that ensure our diamond engagement and wedding rings always have the ultimate finish and sparkle. So, if you want to make sure the diamond ring you buy will hypnotize and mesmerize in equal measure; make us here at Marlows your first port of call.

No Comments »

Posted on:  January 13th, 2012

If you like it then you should put a ring on it, and we agree with Beyonce’s famous words. We also think they don’t just apply to engagement rings, however, but also to eternity rings. An eternity ring is a symbol of the eternal love you hold for your wife, and can be given at any time during the marriage. The ring is the perfect symbol for eternal love because, like your feelings for her, it is never ending. And of course, nothing says it better than a beautiful diamond eternity ring from Marlows!

There are two types of eternity ring available – the full or half eternity ring. What this refers to is whether the stones go all the way around the band, or just halfway. The latter is obviously cheaper, but for some people it is also a more comfortable ring to wear, as the stones won’t press into the rest of the hand or skin. If you’re buying the ring as a surprise and are still not sure of your wife’s size, then these are also easier to resize and a full ring often has to be custom sized. At Marlows, we stock a large selection of both full and half eternity rings.

As we already mentioned, an eternity ring can be given at any point in the marriage – there is no set time. Some people even decide to give their girlfriend one before marriage, although this is still a rare practice. Other people choose to give a ring after one year of marriage, although paper is actually the traditional gift and much cheaper! It is more common to choose a special anniversary, such as ten or twenty-five years, or to give it as part of a renewal of wedding vows, if you like this idea.

As with our diamond engagement rings, eternity rings available from Marlows come in different styles featuring different cuts of diamond. The round brilliant cut diamond is often considered as the ‘best’ because the way that it is cut means that its facets give off the most sparkle as the light bounces around them. Consequently, this cut is also the most popular and the most expensive too. We have a beautiful Round Brilliant Cut Half Eternity Ring available which you can customise to choose the carat weight of the diamond (a lighter weight making it less expensive) and also the metal of the band. This particular ring is available in 18ct yellow or white gold, or platinum. If you prefer to buy a full set ring, then we also have this available in the same metals. When buying a full eternity ring, remember that these have a wider band and so may not be comfortable for a woman with small fingers or dainty hands, particularly if she still wishes to continue wearing her engagement and wedding rings.

When buying a diamond, it is important to that it is certificated. All our diamonds are GIA or IGI certificated and of top quality.

No Comments »

Posted on:  January 8th, 2012

Getting your proposal right is not all about diamond engagement rings. There are many factors that go into a perfect proposal, particularly when you know that she’ll be asked over and over ‘how did he propose?’. Making it special doesn’t mean you have to do something completely out there, and is actually more about how well you know her and what she’ll like. Even so, there are still several factors you need to give due consideration.

One of the first things you need to do is to choose the perfect location. This might be in front of a beautiful sunset or at the top of the Eiffel Tower while on holiday, or it could be in the place you first met. Some people choose to create a special set up, such as going on a balloon ride or a candlelit dinner at home. If you’re going to propose somewhere publicly, however, make sure that your girlfriend will say yes, because you don’t want to embarrass her or put her on the spot! Even if you’re sure she’ll say yes, are you sure that she’ll want to be the centre of attention with everybody looking at her?

You should also think about when you’re going to propose. A spur of the moment proposal doesn’t make a great story after all. Some people like to pop the question on a special day, such as a birthday or Christmas. Valentine’s Day is another popular choice, but can be a bit cliché. Doing it on a special occasion also means you’re always likely to remember exactly which day it was.

As well as thinking about what words to use (aside from the traditional ‘Will you marry me?’), you will also need to think about when to present the ring and how. Hiding engagement rings in food is another popular idea, but be careful that she won’t accidentally swallow it! If you do hide the ring somewhere, also make sure it won’t be found before you plan to reveal it, so the surprise won’t be spoilt. You may even decide not to propose with spoken words or even in person. Have the words written in the sky or the sand, or have someone else ask for you, either on the radio or TV. If you’ve previously discussed proposals (either your own or other people’s), has she hinted at what she likes or dislikes. If so, take your lead from this.

Finally, you need to choose the perfect ring. There are many different styles of ring available, so again you’ll need to work out what she likes. We have a wide selection of yellow gold, white gold and platinum engagement rings, all available with different cuts of diamond, including heart-shaped diamonds. Get some inspiration for what she likes by looking at the other styles of jewellery she wears, including both the metal type but also how ostentatious it is. We also specialise in creating custom engagement rings using top quality diamonds at extremely competitive prices.

No Comments »

Posted on:  January 3rd, 2012

These days it’s by no means obligatory for the man to have the engagement ring ready in place before he proposes. It is now quite common practice for the couple to choose the ring together following the proposal just as they would with the wedding rings. That said, some women love tradition and so won’t be happy if the ring isn’t presented while he’s down on one knee. You may actually want to choose the ring yourself, but just don’t know where to start. Whatever the case, we’ve come up with some top tips for choosing the perfect diamond ring for your bride-to-be.

When it comes to picking engagement rings, there is so much choice out there that you can end up feeling a bit bewildered. Going into a high-class jewellers can also make you feel rather out of place, with all the questions that you don’t know the answers to. When you come to buy online, you can take your time and look at pictures of different style rings and decide which you prefer. We also have lots of information about diamonds themselves on our pages, so you can get to grips with the topic and know more about what you’re looking for.

Before you get into the complexities of individual diamonds, however, you first need to decide some basics, one of the most important being ring size. This can be tricky, because even if you manage to purloin another ring of hers, unless she wears it on that finger, it still won’t be exactly the right size. Even the ring finger of the right hand is likely to be a different size. Try and get as close as possible, however, as it is quite easy to get the ring resized subsequently, and as a guide, it is always better to go slightly too small with a good quality ring and get it enlarged.

Another of the major decisions is to know which metal to go for. Our engagement rings are available in 18ct white or yellow gold and also in platinum. The easiest way to establish which metal to go for is to look at what other jewellery she wears. Even if she’s a fan of costume jewellery, we’re pretty sure she’ll have some fine jewellery in her collection somewhere.

Getting down to the actual diamond itself, what you need to be aware of is the four Cs – cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. Of these, the cut is the most important, as this is what affects the brilliance (or sparkle) of the diamond, which is what most women look for. The sparkliest of all is the round brilliant cut diamond, but if you can’t afford this, then princess cut diamond engagement rings are a popular alternative. Another way to reduce the price tag is by going less on the carat weight of the diamond. Our engagement rings are customisable, meaning you can choose the metal, size and carat weight to get the perfect ring for her tastes and your wallet.

No Comments »

Posted on:  December 26th, 2011

While diamond rings are a beautiful gift, not everyone can afford them. Also, when buying for a girlfriend, you may want to keep the diamond ring for when you get down on one knee, and prefer to buy her diamonds in another form instead. Diamonds are still a girl’s best friend, no matter what jewellery they are incorporated into.

Diamond pendants make lovely Christmas, birthday or Valentine’s gifts. If your daughter is celebrating her 18th or 21st birthday, or you want a special gift for a wife or girlfriend, then we have some beautiful necklaces here at Marlows. Giving your loved one a diamond pendant means that she can wear it close to her heart all day, every day. Pendants are also seen and admired by others, because they are clearly visible and catch the eye. She will no doubt receive many compliments on the beautiful diamond pendant you have bought her.

When you come to choose the design for the pendant itself, first decide on what range your budget is. While all our diamonds are beautiful and high quality, its combination of the four Cs will determine the exact quality of the stone, and consequently affect its price tag too. The four Cs are carat, clarity, colour and cut, and each affect the stone in different ways.

What most women are looking for from a diamond is that it sparkles in the light. This is called its ‘brilliance’ and a stone is more brilliant depending on how it has been cut. If a stone is cut too deep or too shallow, the light will not bounce around its inner facets in the same way and will then be lost through the sides or bottom, rather than through the top, making it sparkle less. If you have to compromise in one area of the diamond because of financial restrictions, then try not to make it in this area, but instead opt for a diamond of lesser carat weight. When it comes to buying a pendant, most women would to have a lighter stone anyway, because it will be less bulky and heavy around their neck. Many of our diamond pendants are customisable, so you can choose not only the metal type (usually an 18ct yellow or white gold chain) but also the carat weight of the stone. Obviously, increasing the carat weight will also increase the price, so again think carefully about how much you have to spend before you start shopping.

Whenever you buy any diamond product, you should always make sure that the stone has been certificated by a reputable and internationally-recognised independent laboratory. This certification confirms that the stone is in fact a natural diamond, but will also provide you with detail on its four Cs, as well as its measurements and value. When buying a diamond necklace, or any other diamond jewellery, from us here at Marlows you can rest assured that it will be certificated by either the GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) or the IGI (International Gemmological Institute).

No Comments »

« Older Entries