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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.
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Posted on: July 9th, 2011
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.
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Posted on: June 27th, 2011
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.
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Posted on: May 21st, 2011
There are thousands upon thousands of diamond engagement rings on the market today, each one a little different. Some clients come to us with a precise idea of exactly what they want, but most are just looking for something beautiful and would like to see a wide selection. At Marlow’s we can certainly provide that, and guide hopeful men and women through the process of choosing an engagement ring. Couples are of course more than welcome too.
The first thing to do is choose a metal for the band. We have platinum, yellow gold, and white gold engagement rings. There is no single best choice for band material- some of our clients prefer the rich lustre and classic look of yellow gold, others the paler sophistication of platinum or the gleaming brightness of white gold. The different metals also vary in hardness, durability, and price.
The next choice is all about setting. There are single and multi-stone engagement rings, but even those with only one stone can vary widely in setting. The simplest setting is the classic Solitaire, where a single medium to large diamond is held above the band in a metal claw, usually with four prongs. From there, smaller diamonds or coloured gems can be arranged to compliment the central diamond. The Halo pattern has the feature stone surrounded by a circle of smaller ones, or they may be set along the band (or shank) of the ring.
Small stones along the band may be Pave set- embedded in the band like paving stones, or Channel set in a cavity made to hold a neat row. Both accent and feature gems can also be set in a Bezel, placed in the metal with a thin collar gripping the edges of the stone. Tension settings are rare but they are possible. Here, the ring is not quite a full circle. Where the two ends should meet a diamond is placed. As the name suggests it’s pinched between the two metal arms and held in place by tension alone.
When choosing a setting there are two main factors to consider. The first is light-gathering ability. The reason most diamonds are held above the band in a claw is that this method allows light to enter the stone from all around, not just from above. The more light going into the stone, the greater the sparkle. Tension settings also allow excellent exposure to light, but they have their own problems. If the tension is released even slightly, the stone is lost, so the band must not flex at all.
Durability is the second concern. Today’s active women engage in sports. The shop, cook, clean, swim, run around, look after children, go to the beach and generally lead a very full life. Large rings with complex claw settings are more easily caught in fabrics and harder to keep clean. If your intended is particularly busy and likes the outdoors or the gym, it may be better to choose a stronger, less exposed Bezel setting.
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Posted on: April 30th, 2011
Getting engaged is certainly up there with the bigger events of life, and as such getting it right can be tricky. Aside from choosing the right precious gems (diamonds? Sapphires? Rubies? Emeralds?) to adorn engagement rings, there are more practical considerations like timing, setting and simple theatrical delivery to consider.
1. Are you both ready to get engaged? Jitters and nerves are perfectly normal, so it sometimes pays to chat about anxieties with a trusted friend to gain a different perspective. Just make sure you’re open to hearing brutally honest advice or being hugged a lot.
2. That frank chat out of the way, it’s time to think about The Ring. We meet lots of lovely would-be grooms who have no idea how they’ll propose… until they see the right ring. If you’re having trouble spotting something she’ll love, consider bespoke engagement rings or even loose diamonds (you can choose the setting together at a later date)
3. Next comes The Proposal Plan. Carrying off the event with military precision may not be true to the two of you as a couple. Just remember to make it memorable, make it heartfelt (even if you’re not really a romantic guy) and practice what you’re going to say beforehand. For you both to remember a proposal with love and fondness is important, so if your ideal proposal involves popping the question mid-way though a three hour rock climbing ascent, just go for it! How you proposed will be a story told to all and sundry for life, so make it a good ‘un!
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Posted on: April 15th, 2011
Diamonds aren’t just for engagement rings. We meet tons of lovely folks looking to celebrate cohabitation, commitment, the birth of a new child, a life milestone and so on. And not one of these people is bothered by the cultural convention of diamond rings as being strictly for engagement purposes! We think celebrating anything you like with diamonds is a wonderful idea, so here are our top reasons to bestow stunning diamond rings upon your favourite people (and which finger is most apt!)
Nuptial-Free Commitment
Marriage isn’t for everyone, but that’s not to say the commitment between unmarried folks is any less significant and steadfast. Marking love with diamonds is an ancient tradition that transcends cultures, nations and laws, so we love to meet couples who want to mark their love with the simple gift of a diamond ring on any finger they like.
Friendship
Marking a significant friendship or family tie with a diamond “promise” ring is clearly a mark of the close bond between any two people. Generally the norm is to steer clear of the wedding band finger, but aside from that it’s up to you.
A New Baby
New mums have a lot to cope with, and we’re confident a well-timed diamond gift could mean the world to a partner recently visited by the stork. The little finger represents the sentimentality and sweetness of relationships.
Ambition
The index finger on each hand is synonymous with power, achievement and ambition (hence why kings and evil cardinals in films are usually weighed down by a colossal ring!)
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Posted on: April 6th, 2011
Although the sentiment of precious gem stones like diamonds is virtually written in the stars, there is, of course, a more practical side to buying precious stones – the investment potential. Although it’s doubtful any gent enters our store looking for a business opportunity more than an engagement ring, we think it helps to know where you stand concerning what will likely be one of the most financially significant one-off purchases made in a lifetime.
Diamonds
Perhaps the most conspicuous of the four main precious gems, diamond rings and jewellery options make excellent investments thanks to their longstanding value, value which marks a judicious long-term investment.
Sapphires
Sapphires make wonderful less costly additions to engagement rings. Although less scarce than diamonds, top quality natural sapphires still command a princely sum (which may be why our native prince chose one).
Rubies
High quality rubies are far rarer than sapphires. For example, estimates put the number of artificially enhanced rubies in the jewellery industry being at somewhere between 85-90%, meaning natural, high quality stones are fabulously rare. Enhanced gems are accepted as being perfectly authentic but must be marked to show what improvements have been made.
Emeralds
When it comes to emeralds, the bigger the better! Emeralds are the only precious gem to be accepted as having visible inclusions, meaning that stones without inclusions can sell for more than their comparative size in diamonds. However, inclusion-free stones are often viewed with intense industry scepticism due to their rarity.
Ultimately, all precious gems mark a prudent investment. However, before buying always consider the four c’s – cut, clarity, carat and colour.
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Posted on: January 24th, 2011
It’s the twenty-first century. No longer is it always the man who gets down on one knee and makes a proposal of marriage, and nor should it be. Nowadays women are usually expected to take an equal share of the responsibilities of the partnership both inside the home and in the workplace and it is perfectly socially acceptable for a woman to ask for a man’s hand in marriage instead of the other way round. Sure, it’s still the less common way of doing things but that’s no reason not to pop the question to your boyfriend if you feel the time is right.
Many women do just that, with engagement rings in hand. We don’t mean the very feminine kind with a large diamond in a claw setting – even the most forward-thinking of modern men might think twice about wearing a womanly wedding ring on their finger. However, we have a selection of beautiful and unmistakably masculine rings that are just perfect. There are plain gold engagement rings in our range or examples set with a chip of diamond in the body of the metal. Men’s rings don’t have to be plain gold bands any more. There are plenty of more elaborate choices for gentlemen.
Wedding ring sets are also available. These contain a matched pair of rings, one in a feminine style and the other masculine. Choosing one of these makes a lovely statement – they are particularly popular with modern couples who intend to share the troubles and joys of married life equally.
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Posted on: December 8th, 2010
Diamond engagement rings are timeless, but styles can vary wonderfully, affording you the choice between sleek contemporary, chic art deco and whole host of other fabulous styles.
Contemporary
The key to this look is minimalism. White gold engagement rings with a single stone are very popular. One of our favourites is the round, brilliant cut diamond engagement ring (JEM10) held in an unusual three-claw setting.
Art Deco
Art Deco (1920s and 1930s) style exudes chic geometric lines and fine settings. Styles of round, brilliant cut diamond engagement ring such as our JEM38 design are highly influenced by Art Deco’s habit of including smaller diamonds in the setting to create some serious sparkle! The emerald cut three stone diamond ring (M6) is perhaps our most elegant linear vintage-look design.
Edwardian
The traditional multi stone diamond rings of Edwardian England are still popular today. Most Edwardian-look rings are of a three-stone setting like our round, brilliant cut trinity ring (M2)
Victorian
Victorian ladies clearly LOVED diamond rings! Five and seven stone half-loop settings are the order of the day if you’re looking for a little Victorian vintage-look engagement jewellery. A seven stone, brilliant cut diamond engagement ring such as our ET11 design is pure Victorian-inspired vintage-look. Similarly, for the perfect five stone ring, opt for design M4 – timeless and elegance guaranteed.
A tip for the guys – establishing which jewellery era your intended loves most could help a lot on the day you amble into our jewellers looking for the perfect engagement ring.
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Posted on: November 26th, 2010
If you are planning to propose to your partner, there are many things you have to think about.
For a start, you have to decide where you will pop the question, and this is no easy feat as it should be a romantic location and somewhere she will remember for the rest of her life.
You may decide to whisk your other half off to foreign lands in order to ask for her hand in marriage. Such a gesture is bound to get you some brownie points.
And then issues such as whether or not you ask for her father’s permission or let your friends and family know your plans are things you need to bear in mind.
Also, smaller issues including what you will wear when you make the proposal and the words you will choose all need to be considered.
However, one of the most important aspects of such an occasion is the engagement ring you select to give to her.
This is a symbol of your love and is something she will, hopefully at least, have for the rest of her life.
While it can be easy to panic about this and get into a fluster, there is no need.
Here at Marlows Certified Diamonds we have a fantastic range of gold and diamond engagement rings to choose from, meaning you will not have to trawl around shops, wasting your valuable time.
You can even order your engagement rings, whether they be custom engagement rings or other types of product, over the web or by telephone, making the process even simpler.
There really is something to suit everyone’s budget and taste, meaning you can be sure to get the right item.
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