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There’s nothing like seeing the perfect sparkle from a diamond ring that can’t fail to be ignored. The glint catches your eye and looks instantly alluring, offering so much more than other precious stones. Nothing can quite compare to diamonds making them the perfect choice for engagements, gifts and jewellery of all kinds, and if you choose wisely you’ll be even more enamoured with the result.
The ultimate sparkle can only ever be achieved with the perfect combination of the four Cs – colour, cut, clarity and carat. Having a huge rock is all well and good, but if you haven’t got the clarity and cut to accompany it then it will never quite live up to expectations. You want a sparkle that catches the light and sends rays bouncing to every corner of the room, and that’s why you need to head to the experts who can help you find the perfect stones.
Here at Marlows we’re the diamond experts and know just what it takes to achieve that perfect sparkle. We know that nothing quite compares to an expertly-cut diamond which is why our master craftsmen work to strict briefs to ensure the ultimate finish, giving you diamond rings that will instantly appeal. We’ve got a fantastic selection of loose diamonds for you to choose from, any one of which can be expertly put into the setting of your choice, and when you can choose according to your own preferences and budget you’ll be left with the perfect piece of jewellery.
Only a diamond can give the kind of sparkle that stops people in their tracks, so come to us for loose cut diamonds and you’ll soon have the ultimate piece of jewellery that can’t fail to impress.
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Posted on: April 12th, 2011
We study for jobs, exams, promotions, leisure, lifestyle – just about everything! So what’s to say a little swotting-up on the rules, traditions, sentiments and cultural norms of engagement should be any different?
101 Questions to Ask Before You Get Engaged (Norm Wright, Harvest House Publishers, 2004)
Focusing initially on the idea that around half the couples who become engaged each year fail to make it down the aisle, this book outlines a practical (and at times hilarious!) approach to really exploring the commitment of engagement (before you invest in any diamond engagement rings!)
Life Sentence: The Guy’s Survival Guide to Getting Engaged and Married (J.D. Smith, Grand Central Publishing, 1999)
Rather than being the “run for your life” satire the title (and graphic novel-inspired cover) suggests, this book is full of seriously straightforward words of advice, cautionary tales and up-to-date romantic stories (nothing is sugar-coated!) that couples can both enjoy and recall with a mischievous grin whilst mulling over gold wedding bands!
Thing I Wish I’d Known Before We Got Married (Gary Chapman, Northfield Publishing, 2010)
The author’s thirty-five years as a marriage counsellor and writer are put to good use in this practical guide. Each section focuses on fostering the bonds of communication, honesty and support between couples.
Of course, not everyone needs a little guidance, but if you’re suffering from some cold or anxious feet, some light bedtime reading before picking out the wedding rings could be just the ticket. At the very least it could give you both a bit of a giggle!
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Posted on: April 3rd, 2011
Amongst the diamond rings, table settings, dress fittings, cake tastings and wedding list creating, there’s one outing a couple should always undertake together and with plenty of time set aside – choosing the perfect wedding band rings. Always on hand to offer expert advice (our advisors have been on both sides of the jewellery counter!), here are a few tips for the betrothed couple making their first foray into our store in search of nuptial jewellery.
Take Your Time
Flinging in a quick trip to the jewellers during lunch hour is like holidaying in Egypt and only casting a fleeting glance at the pyramids! It may well be that you spot the ideal wedding band rings within moments, but making a day of the whole event simply serves to add a little extra sentiment to the occasion – a wonderful mark of commitment.
Keep It Intimate
Overbearing family members, interfering best friends and bossy mates obviously mean well (and have probably saved a lot of your nerves organising the big day), but choosing wedding bands tends to be a wonderfully intimate occasion best kept between the two of you.
Don’t Be Pressured
In terms of style, family tradition, cultural norms and so on, it can be all too easy to relinquish decision-making power in favour of “oh but different isn’t really the done thing…” Rubbish! These are rings the two of you will wear for life, so choose wisely and be true to yourselves.
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Posted on: January 30th, 2011
The significance of diamond wedding rings is obvious, but the power of a piece of diamond jewellery given as a simple gift shouldn’t be overlooked. It’s a strong gesture of love and deep, lasting affection. Loyalty, love, and fidelity most clearly articulated in the classic combination of gold and precious stones. Diamonds are seldom given lightly and nor should they be.
What many people don’t consider is that a diamond, whether in a wedding ring or not, last much longer than a single lifetime. When you give one of these precious things you are not only giving something of great beauty and value to your wife or fiancée. You’re also giving a wonderful gift to the daughter who will come after her, and to her daughter after that.
Gold does not tarnish and diamonds really are forever. If they are looked after, well-crafted diamond rings will last for hundreds of years. With each generation the gift will get more precious, not less. It will become not only a thing of beauty but also a precious family heirloom.
When buying diamond jewellery, remember the fact that you are buying for your descendents as well as the one you love now. Your great-grand-daughter may be wearing the same stone in 100 years time. Long after you are gone this tiny but beautiful thing will be a durable reminder of your love and generosity. The piece you are considering may be the most enduring thing you ever buy, so choose well!
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Posted on: January 27th, 2011
We pride ourselves on an ability to provide the very finest diamond jewellery at fair prices. If you are looking for truly spectacular diamond jewellery without an unreasonable price tag, you’ve come to the right place. We have a wide selection of outstanding diamond engagement rings, wedding and eternity rings as well as earrings and loose cut stones of high quality and respectable size.
Selecting from the collection of larger diamond wedding rings makes a very definite statement about your ability to provide for a bride and a family. It says very clearly that you are prepared to do what it takes to make your wife happy and that you have the means to take care of her in the way she deserves.
We’ve come a long way since the days when the man was always expected to be the sole breadwinner of the marriage. Not longer is he necessarily expected to provide a home and all the material needs of the partnership, but the choice of wedding rings still retains its significance. It is still a statement of generosity and willingness to share your life and material wealth with the woman you love.
Choosing a piece of outstanding size and quality is also thrilling for your fiancée. Imagine her delight when she sees such a spectacular stone set in her ring. When she sees such a beautiful gesture it will lend an even greater excitement to the idea of a shared future, because you will have made your intentions perfectly clear.
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Posted on: January 9th, 2011
Most people who have been lucky enough to be presented with beautiful diamond wedding rings intend to wear them for the rest of their lives. Women in particular are usually expected not to take their wedding rings off, and of course, few want to be parted from these most treasured possessions. However, there are a few situations when it’s best not to wear your ring.
Pure gold does not tarnish so you don’t need to worry about that. However, it is quite soft and can be scratched and damaged by contact with hard surfaces. Rings can also be tricky to clean when dirt or oil gets into the setting, so if you’re digging in the garden or kneading bread dough for example, it is best to either wear gloves or set any diamond rings aside for a moment.
There are also times when a ring can get lost. Swimming is one of them. Cold water will reduce blood flow to the extremities. That means your fingers will shrink a little and wedding rings can easily slip off. In some other sports wearing a ring can actually be dangerous. For martial arts and rock climbing, to name only two of the many, wearing a ring can risk serious damage to the finger if it catches on something. Again it’s best to take your ring off if you engage in these pursuits.
You don’t have to worry about losing your ring though. In fact, you don’t even need to stop wearing it. If you find that it’s sometimes better to remove a precious ring, why not invest in a simple gold or silver chain so you can wear it around your neck for a couple of hours? It keeps it safe from harm and you’ll know where it is at all times.
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Posted on: December 15th, 2010
Once upon a time, marrying princesses had only the option of the simple gold band wedding ring. Well, the modern bride is a creature of unique style, and as such she’d like her options to be as varied and fabulous as possible!
Diamond rings traditionally mark an engagement, however resurgence in the Victorian trend for diamond-set wedding rings has led us to increase our range and give contemporary princess the run of the diamond mine!
We’ve picked out our favourite five wedding band styles to help you get a little more of an idea what could beast suit that lovely finger.
Classic Sparkle (Style ET08) – A stunning full-set diamond ring featuring two carats of diamonds in a traditional platinum claw setting. Completely classic!
Quirky Delight (Style WG13) – A classic flat wedding band set with four diagonal bands of round, brilliant-cut diamonds. Make a unique statement with your diamonds!
Understated Elegance (Style WG3) – A flat court shaped band featuring an off-set ring of round, brilliant-cut, fully encircling diamonds. Simple and elegant…and perfect!
Gliding Grace (Style WG9) – A court shaped band, elegantly circled by a wave of round brilliant-cut diamonds. Very organic and natural looking – perfect for free spirited new brides!
Contemporary Statement (Style WGH1) – An understated flat court-shaped band set with two full rows of round, brilliant-cut diamonds. It’s all about creating new classics for us, and we think this contemporary design has it all!
Take your time and have a chat to our wonderful jewellery assistants to help decided which style is perfect for your nuptials.
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Posted on: November 2nd, 2010
Ecommerce is becoming increasingly popular in the UK and across the world. Both firms and consumers have realised the benefits such activity can bring in terms of efficiency and cost reductions.
However, some people are still afraid to use the web when seeking more valuable products because of concerns over security.
While it is right to be cautious when spending money in cyberspace, there are ways of ensuring your money will be safe.
For example, if you are seeking to buy diamond rings or other similar products and you decide to use our services here at Marlows Certified Diamonds, you can rest assured that transaction will be dealt with in a safe manner.
Firstly, all purchases are processed through a secure site that is run by financial industry giant Barclay’s Bank.
Secondly, once you have placed your order and are awaiting your pendant earrings, loose cut diamonds or anything else, you can relax safe in the knowledge that the items will be placed in the Royal Mail’s Special Delivery service, which is fully insured and completely secure.
There is guaranteed next day delivery before 1pm and the item has to be signed for.
So, don’t let fear put you off making a purchase over the internet. As long as you do your research first to check that the site has secure processing systems, you should not run into difficulty.
This leaves you free to take advantage of the excellent deals you can access via the web and means you do not have to leave your home or office in order to complete the transaction.
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Posted on: September 7th, 2010
The diamond and precious stone trade has always revolved around a select few cities. Surprisingly, these places are seldom where the diamonds are mined or even anywhere close to them. Because gems are such an easily transportable commodity – so small for such high value – the world’s great diamond markets have always been where the stones are cut, set in gold engagement rings and other jewellery, and sold. Until relatively recently that meant Europe, although now the United States and Hong Kong are the largest traders in high quality diamonds.
Up to 80% of the diamonds mined in the world today don’t go into diamond rings or earrings. They are used for scientific, industrial, and manufacturing purposes. These are primarily the ones of lower quality – poorer clarity, flawed stones that do not meet the standards required for diamond rings and jewellery.
Antwerp in Belguim is widely recognised as the world capital of the high grade diamond trade, although Amsterdam is also a considerable player and home to many of the old established diamond trading and cutting centres. Although the UK only accounts for a small percentage of the global precious gem market, we have our own home of diamond rings and earrings in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter. About 40% of the nation’s high quality jewellery passes through this one district.
The Jewellery Quarter not only houses our shopfronts and workshops. Many other jewellers are located there, along with a host of restaurants and retailers of outstanding quality. We welcome your custom either online or in person.
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Posted on: July 27th, 2010
If you want your diamond rings and gold wedding rings to look as sparkly on your Silver Wedding Anniversary as they did on the day you first wore them, then we at Marlows would recommend that you follow these tips.
• Never wear rings of different gold carats, or indeed different metals, next to each other for long periods for the ‘softest’ will wear away.
• Always wear rubber gloves for housework if you do not want to remove your rings. Cleaning fluids, especially those containing chlorine, will have a detrimental effect on your jewellery.
• Skincare oils and lotions will build up on diamonds so try not to apply them when wearing your rings.
• Clean your diamond rings in a mild liquid detergent, rubbing gently with a soft brush, such as a baby toothbrush, to remove any grime. Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Stubborn build ups may be removed by gently picking with a wooden tooth pick or dental floss.
• Regularly check the settings of your diamond rings, especially the claws, for wear.
• Have your jewellery professionally cleaned every couple of years.
• If your engagement rings and wedding bands no longer fit, take them to a reputable jeweller for adjustment.
• Never wear your jewellery when exercising, as not only will there be a build up of sweat but also you may injure yourself, or someone else, by catching on the diamonds setting.
• Store your jewellery in soft compartments in a box so that they do not scratch each other. Special pieces will need to be wrapped separately in tissue or soft cloth.
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