Marlows Diamonds Blog & Latest News » Diamond Engagement Rings

The Magic Sparkle

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:49:27 +0000

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.

The Perfect Proposal

admin — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 09:45:06 +0000

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.

Diamond Engagement Ring Traditions

admin — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:43:41 +0000

The tradition of wearing an engagement ring differs somewhat across different cultures. In Western cultures, it is common that usually just the woman wears a ring on the third finger of her left hand. Other cultures, however, have matching engagement rings for both the man and woman and not necessarily on the same finger or hand as us.

If you’ve ever wondered why diamond engagement rings are so much more popular than other kinds of gemstone, then it is not just about their classic elegance and beauty. Of course, diamonds are extremely beautiful and eye-catching in the way that they sparkle and catch the light. However, the tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring actually started in the early twentieth century. Many women married because they did not work and so marriage was their only option to remain financially sound. Should an engagement be broken off, they would still have financial security through their diamond engagement ring. This is a tradition which continues to this day, with heartbroken women avenging themselves by pawning or selling their engagement ring and enjoying its monetary value instead.

This leads us to another tradition concerning diamond engagement rings. Nowadays, it is common practice to expect a man to spend around two months of his annual salary on buying the ring. This idea was first purported by marketing materials from diamond firm De Beers in the 1930s, because they wanted to increase the sale of diamonds, which obviously cost much more than other gemstones. Back then, it was said that the ring should cost equivalent to one month’s salary, later rising with inflation to two months! Although, we have now seen that this is all a myth, some women prefer to have an expensive ring because they love the feeling that someone values them enough to spend a lot of money on them. However, few women would actually want their man to bankrupt himself doing so!

So, back to why we wear our engagement and wedding rings on the third finger of our left hand. Rings are exchanged in general because their circular form represents never ending love, but the tradition of placing it on the third finger of the left hand started with the Greeks, who initially believed that a vein ran directly from this finger to the heart and so was the ideal location for the wedding ring. Although this was later proved to be incorrect, the tradition has persisted and is now common practice.

The exchanging of engagement rings is more of a modern tradition. Originally, when the husband-to-be wished to negotiate an engagement, he or his family would exchange gifts with the bride’s family. The bride’s family’s gift was known as her dowry, which represented her worth. As time passed, things became less clinical and men started to offer his wife-to-be a token of affection, which would generally be jewellery, a ring being the ideal choice as it symbolised eternity. In the 15th Century, the first diamond engagement ring was given, starting a tradition to give bigger and better rings.

A Cut Above the Rest

admin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:38:24 +0000

Whether you are shopping for engagement rings or other kinds of jewellery, the cut of the diamond will play the most significant part in the way it looks and acts. All diamonds are unique and are governed by the four Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. The most important of these four Cs are generally considered to be the cut and clarity, as these will affect how much sparkle the diamond has. These will also affect a diamond’s value, and any diamond you buy should also have a fifth C – certification. Certification determines that the diamond is a natural diamond and will provide details on the four Cs and its dimensions.

When it comes to the ‘best’ cut, round brilliant diamond engagement rings are considered top in their field. The quality of a diamond is generally established through how it reflects the light, known as its brilliance. The way a diamond is cut is what affects its brilliance, by allowing the light to bounce around the inside and escape through the top, creating the sparkle that women love. Round brilliant cut diamonds are thought to do this best and are therefore the most popular when it comes to diamond jewellery. However, round brilliant cut stones are also more expensive because of this.

If you can’t quite afford to get a round brilliant cut diamond engagement ring, then emerald cut rings are a nice alternative which are more affordable. As the name suggests, this cut was traditionally used for emerald stones, and is the most common of the square and rectangular step cuts, which feature a square or rectangular design with the corners cut off. Although emerald cut stones will have less brilliance than their round and oval counterparts, they do have the advantage when it comes to clarity, which is accentuated, and overall whiteness.

If you are still unsure whether your future wife will appreciate an emerald cut diamond engagement ring over a round brilliant one, then bear in mind that many rich and famous people also choose this style of ring regardless of their financial situation, simply because of its beauty. Camilla Parker Bowles’ engagement ring is emerald cut, as is the one worn by Donald Trump’s third wife, as well as rings worn by Kate Hudson, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie.

Another popular cut of diamond as an alternative to the round brilliant cut, is princess cut. Princess cut diamonds are also square, but unlike step cuts do not have cut off corners. Princess cut stones also have more brilliance than other square cut stones and is perhaps the most popular alternative to round cut stones because of this. Because of its shape, it also looks larger than a round cut stone, as so therefore appeals because it looks like a bigger (and consequently more expensive) stone, even though it actually isn’t. Again, this cut is popular with celebrities, such as Hilary Duff’s princess cut engagement ring, which reportedly set her husband-to-be back a million dollars!

Choosing between Gold and Platinum Diamond Rings

admin — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:16:40 +0000

Of course, when you are choosing diamond rings, the diamonds that feature in the pieces of jewellery are crucial. These are the centrepiece of the objects and so it is vital you put plenty of thought into the type of gems you are after. This may involve considerations based on the so-called ‘four Cs’, which are clarity, colour, cut and carat.

However, this is not where the decision making ends. There is also the crucial issue of which metal you will go for. After all, this has a huge impact on the overall impact of the product and so it is something that cannot be neglected.

Here at Marlows Certified Diamonds we offer diamond engagement rings and other such items in platinum and yellow gold. These are two of the most popular types of metal when it comes to jewellery and it is not hard to see why.

There are many properties of the materials that make them ideal for use in objects of this nature. First and foremost is their beauty.

Meanwhile, in terms of physical properties, gold readily creates alloys with other metals and these alloys can be tailored to meet specific hardness and other metallurgic criteria that make it perfect for jewellery such as diamond rings.

Also, gold is superb in terms of its longevity. It is unaffected by air, moisture and most corrosive agents. Indeed, because of this, the material is sometimes incorporated in protective coatings. Meanwhile, these properties help ensure that diamond engagement rings and other such items made from gold stand the test of time. This is necessary because individuals are supposed to wear them for the rest of their lives after receiving them and they do not tend to take them off when they have a shower, go swimming, are out in harsh weather conditions and so on.

Meanwhile, platinum can also be ideal as a metal to set diamonds in. Its name comes from the Spanish term platina del Pinto, which can be translated as ‘little silver of the Pinto River’. It is one of the rarest elements in the Earth’s crust and this makes it particularly precious. Meanwhile, it is also un-reactive, helping it remain in excellent condition for many years.

Indeed, it exhibits a remarkable resistance to corrosion even in testing circumstances, such as very high temperatures. Because of this, it is considered a noble metal and it is often found chemically uncombined as native platinum.

So, whether you opt for rings set in yellow gold or platinum, you can rest assured that they will keep well. Of course, there are other considerations to bear in mind too. For example, if you are buying a ring as a gift or engagement surprise for your other half, it is important to be aware of her preferences concerning jewellery. You should be able to ascertain this quickly and simply by taking a look at her existing trinkets.

Whatever you decide to go for, we should have the ideal products here at Marlows Certified Diamonds.

Making a Statement with Larger Diamond Rings

admin — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:58:35 +0000

If you are thinking of buying a diamond, you might be excited. Whether you are seeking diamond engagement rings or any other form of diamond rings, your sense of anticipation may be building. After all, purchases like this are not something people make on a regular basis. Indeed, they can be once in a lifetime opportunities. Meanwhile, the products are supposed to last for a lifetime, and can even be passed down the generations.

Here at Marlows Certified Diamonds we offer a range of such items and should have the perfect one for you. You might want to go for a subtle product. If that is the case, we have plenty of options.

However, you may be keen to make a grand statement with your new diamonds and ensure you get noticed for the bling on your finger. The great news is, we provide larger diamonds too, so you should be able to get exactly what you are after.

Among the options facing you is a ring that features a 3.03-carat diamond. This is stunning and is bound to get you all the attention you want. The gem featured on the piece of jewellery is a round brilliant, which is among the most sought after cuts. Such items are particularly loved for their gleaming nature and satisfying shape.

Meanwhile, we also offer diamond engagement rings that feature a 1.5-carat stone and are set in platinum. These too are stunning to look at and can help ensure you are the belle of the ball wherever you go.

Another one of our larger diamond rings features a 2.01-carat gem and it is also possible to go for a product containing a 2.5-carat diamond.

The size of diamond you go for will depend on many factors. First and foremost, you have to consider your budget. There is no point in over-stretching yourself financially if this will cause you problems further down the line. Instead, it can pay off to adopt a more long-term and practical approach to the issue. With this in mind, setting a strict spending limit before you begin perusing our superb collection of products is a good idea.

Meanwhile, the visual effect you are looking for from your diamonds is also crucial. While some people love the grand statement made by bigger gems, others prefer a more subtle approach. Also, it is possible to go for a number of smaller gems rather than one large one.

The important thing is that you are happy with the results of your purchase. After all, it is you who will be wearing the item and so it is imperative that it brings a smile to your face and makes you glow with pride.

So, to peruse our fine selection of items and see whether or not we have the ideal offering for you, just take a look around our website. You can hone in on particular products, such as larger diamonds, thanks to our category differentiation system. This can make your quest to find the ideal ring much easier.

Achieving Harmony between Wedding and Engagement Rings

admin — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 16:45:21 +0000

Weddings are all about harmony. When the bride and groom exchange wedding rings, they are declaring their love for and commitment to one another and are promising to spend the rest of their lives together. In order for such unions to last, it is vital that the pair are well matched.

If you are planning your wedding, you no doubt want every aspect of the event to run smoothly. After all, in many ways the celebration is the first step on the path of your new lives together and so it is vital that the occasion goes according to plan and is memorable for all the right reasons.

However, among the frenetic activity involved in organising nuptial unions like this, it is important you do not neglect the issue of choosing superb rings. After all, these are the physical symbol of your love for each other, so it is vital they look the part. Also, bear in mind the fact that you may well be wearing the items for the rest of your lives, so it is important you are enamoured with them.

One issue to take into account is the harmony between your wedding and diamond engagement rings. It is vital these pieces of jewellery do not clash, otherwise the overall effect could be ruined.

Thankfully, it is now easy to ensure that the items you buy match perfectly. Here at Marlows Certified Diamonds we understand the need to achieve balance between the pieces and to ensure that they complement one another.

Our extensive selection of wedding bands can help you find the perfect one to go with your existing ring. For instance, you can make sure that the metals you choose are complementary, as well as the designs and the settings.

All too often, couples neglect the significance of the bands they exchange when they walk down the aisle and many come to regret this afterwards. So, whatever you do, make sure you peruse the full selection before making a decision. After all, you will have to live with the choice for a long time to come and so it is important that you get it right.

Whether you opt for white gold, platinum, gold engagement rings or any other type of product is of course entirely up to you. But by taking the time to find a product that goes well with your engagement band, you can enhance the overall effect considerably.

Meanwhile, for the ultimate in harmony, you and your other half can also opt for special ‘his and hers’ sets, meaning yours and your partners’ rings go perfectly together. This is the perfect symbol of your devotion. These sets do not necessarily include two rings that are identical except in size. Indeed, it is common for the groom’s band to be plainer than the bride’s.

Whatever you are seeking in terms of wedding bands, you have come to the right place. We should have exactly what you are looking for and we cater to a range of budgets too.

The Importance of Clarity

admin — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:23:58 +0000

When purchasing your ring, you may consider the style of the ring and the colour, but what many people fail to consider is the clarity of the diamond.

What is Clarity and Why is it Important?
Clarity ultimately determines how well your diamond rings capture the light; therefore, diamonds with a higher clarity grade are often more valued. So the fewer cracks a diamond has then the higher the price. So for a truly flawless diamond engagement ring or eternity ring, you should opt for a diamond which is IF (Internally Flawless) graded.

How Does a Diamond Get its Clarity?
When the diamond is forming its internal features start to develop to create inclusions; therefore, enclosed minerals are incorporated into the stone and this can produce non-crystallised carbon or fractures. Inclusions allow scientists to identify how the stone was formed, and diamonds with visual imperfections, such as scratches or blemishes are often at the lower end of the clarity grade scale. If a diamond has many characteristics then they are usually ranked as a low clarity stone.

If quality is important to you, then you most likely want to have the finest diamond stone on the market. So it is vital that you carefully consider which clarity grade is best for your diamond jewellery before you make a decision on your ring.

The Diamond Specialist
Here at Marlows we are leading diamond specialists who can offer our customers a variety of diamond jewellery products for a range of prices. We offer loose diamonds, diamond rings, diamond earrings and other diamond products in a variety of clarities, so you are sure to find the perfect item for your needs on our website.

Whether you are asking for your partners hand in marriage, are looking to purchasing a stunning jewellery item for that special someone or are proving your commitment with an eternity ring, you will be spoilt for choice when you browse our extensive array of products.

Certified Diamonds
We are a leading diamond jewellery retailer and are passionate about our products, which is why all our items listed on our website are exceptionally stunning. We only supply certified diamonds, and we will provide you with a certificate by an independent laboratory which guarantees the quality and characteristics of your new diamond. So you can rest assured that your diamonds are GIA (Gem Institute of America) approved.

You can also choose to purchase loose diamonds in a variety of clarities, which you can then choose to incorporate into a jewellery piece when you have found the perfect setting.

As well as clarity, you should also be sure to learn more about the colour, carat and cut of a diamond and further information regarding these features can be found on our website.

Use the Web to Source the Ideal Diamond Ring in Secrecy

admin — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 11:24:21 +0000

If you are planning to pop the question, there will almost certainly be many issues running through your mind. After all, this is not a decision to take lightly. Regardless of whether your partner says yes or no, the consequences of your proposal could be profound. Therefore, it is vital that you think carefully about the issue before going ahead. Also, if you do decide this is the right time to ask for your other half’s hand in marriage, it is important that you get the gesture right.

It does not bode well for your lives together if you get this crucial act wrong and it may have an effect on whether or not your loved one says ‘yes’. Meanwhile, you no doubt want to be able to look back on the occasion with a certain level of pride in years to come, rather than viewing it as an embarrassment.

That said, there is no need to panic about the situation facing you. As long as you are methodical and rigorous in your approach, you should not find the task difficult. Of course, one of the central parts of your proposal will be the ring you hand over. This symbolises your love and devotion and, if you put plenty of thought into the purchase, it will also reflect your other half’s tastes and preferences perfectly.

The good news is, there are many diamond engagement rings for you to make your selection from these days, meaning you should not be stuck for choice. Arguably, the best way of sourcing such items is by heading online to firms like us here at Marlows Certified Diamonds. This is for a number of reasons. For example, not only do you benefit from a broad range of items, you can also take advantage of the great value we offer.

However, there is another factor that makes sourcing white gold engagement rings and other such items over the web better and that is the convenience of the process. After all, you are trying to keep your shopping secret. The last thing you want is your partner discovering what you are up to before you even get the chance to pop the question.

If you have to head out to your local town or shopping centre, possibly on multiple occasions, you might have to come up with excuses and lie about your whereabouts. Also, you may feel under pressure to make a quick decision and end up with a product you are not entirely happy with.

In contrast, by coming here to us, you can peruse the multi-stone engagement rings and other such offerings we supply discretely at a time and place that suits you. For example, you can start your search while on a break at work, or when you get some time to yourself at home. And, because you will not have to be as hasty as you would if you physically travelled to jewellers, you are more likely to end up with the perfect ring.

Create Unique Engagement Rings for the Perfect Proposal

admin — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:22:48 +0000

Planning the perfect proposal takes a great deal of care and attention. It’s going to be one of the most important moments in your life so it’s vital to be prepared, and if everything goes according to plan you’ll have memories that will last a lifetime. The most important aspect is always going to be the engagement ring, and if you choose wisely you’ll be able to create the ultimate proposal.

Unique engagement rings would be ideal. That way you’re in complete control and that extra level of care and attention will never go unnoticed, and you’ll be able to create the perfect ring that can’t fail to impress. By choosing from a selection of loose cut diamonds you’ll be able to make your decision based on your own personal preferences (and those of your loved one), and when you can even choose the setting and band you’ll be left with the perfect result.

Here at Marlows we understand how important the proposal can be, which is why we pride ourselves on creating rings that are extraordinary. By choosing the vital components and leaving the craftsmanship to us you can be confident of creating diamond engagement rings that look simply stunning, and the added uniqueness brings an additional factor that truly shows your level of devotion. With the help of the right ring your proposal can’t fail to go well, so make sure to consider creating your own unique option and you’ll be asking the question that she simply can’t say no to.