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.

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Posted on:  November 15th, 2011

Leaving the plethora of mother-in-law jokes aside, the relationship between a man and his wife’s mother can sometimes be very difficult. It’s only natural that every parent believes that their daughter deserves the very best, and often it’s all too easy for a mother or father to fall into the trap of feeling that they still know what’s best for their children even when they’re fully grown up and independent. Conflict can arise and it when it does, it makes life difficult for everyone involved.

It’s best to avoid animosity by getting your future mother-in-law firmly in your camp before making a proposal. While that might be a lot harder in practice than it is on paper, the effort will be well worth it in the long run. The first thing to do is be patient. Remember that her generation’s standards may be different from your own and it may take a while to prove that you’re a good person who really does love her daughter and intend to care for her. Be polite, even formal at first, but not too showy or ostentatious.

Don’t try and completely change your personality for her but place a little extra emphasis on neatness and courtesy. Go that extra mile for your girlfriend’s family just as you would for her. There are very few mothers-in-law who won’t warm to a man who is determined to be pleasant and helpful.

Don’t discuss engagement rings the first time you meet. Get to know your loved one’s family first- while you don’t have to fall in love with them too, you might have to put up with them for a very long time to come so take care to get the relationships off on the right foot. Volunteering to take on a few small tasks can make a big difference. Mowing the lawn or picking up an elderly relative doesn’t take much effort. An evening spent babysitting may be more challenging but showing that you’re willing to look after children can be very valuable indeed.

When the time does come to select a ring, asking the advice of your girlfriend’s mother can make her feel involved and respected. If she recommends a hugely elaborate five stone diamond ring that you don’t think will suit her daughter at all, you don’t have to go with it. Sometimes simply asking for advice will be enough to get her on side. However, do remember that your girlfriend’s mother may know her tastes very well indeed, so it’s worth taking the guidance seriously.

The mother-in-law-to-be can also be very useful in other ways. When planning a proposal it’s always handy to know the lady’s ring size, for example. While it’s always possible to resize a ring there’s nothing quite like slipping on one of our unique engagement rings and finding a perfect fit. Your girlfriend’s mother may already know her daughter’s ring size. If not, she’ll almost certainly be able to get it for you without arousing the suspicion that you’re about to go down on one knee.

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Posted on:  August 15th, 2011

Modern weddings are changing. People are increasingly abandoning certain traditions and putting their own touches to their ceremonies and functions. And why not? There are no hard and fast rules about this sort of thing. However certain elements of an engagement and wedding are timeless. If a formula is a winning one there’s no need to change it for the sake of it. “If it it isn’t broken then why fix it?” as the old saying goes.

Engagement rings really matter. It’s a beautiful gesture and not one to be taken lightly. Diamonds fit this gesture so perfectly. Two people wanting to make this lifelong commitment is perfectly encapsulated by the timeless nature of these most beautiful and long lasting precious stones. There really is no way of going wrong with diamonds!

Jewellers stock amazing selections of diamond engagement rings. These might be cutting edge and contemporary designs or vintage and antique. Either way there’s usually something that appeals. However, for the discerning or hard to please off the shelf isn’t the only option. Increasingly it’s possible to design and create a completely custom ring. It’s a big decision to make and a lot of money to spend, so why not have something that’s absolutely one hundred percent right?

A good jeweller has certified loose diamonds in stock. They can take these diamonds and turn them into custom engagement rings based on the customer’s design. Creating something truly special and unique in the process. Creating a custom ring takes some of the surprise element away, but that’s increasingly common these days. Couples shop together to find that perfect ring, rather than opting for the element of surprise and running the risk of something that might not be entirely right and to her taste.

Marlows Diamonds are one of the leading diamond jewellers in the UK. These guys know their craft. They stock jewellery and loose stones as well, so whether people want to shop for finished products or create their own jewellery designs they can help. Their service and stock isn’t just confined to engagement rings. They have pendants, necklaces, wedding rings, in fact everything a customer could imagine.

The team at Marlows appreciate just what this jewellery means to people. Their craftsmen can take an idea and a design and turn it into a magical piece of jewellery that will take the customer’s breath away. No matter the occasion or what kind of diamond gift is required they can help.

All the stones used by Marlows have been ethically sourced. They are chosen for their quality, purity and cut. These are stones that are guaranteed to dazzle. Marlows have decades of experience and skill in picking out stones and turning them into high class pieces of jewellery. This is why they have such a well established relationship in the industry.

For grand gestures like engagement and marriage the accompanying jewellery has to be nothing short of perfect. Marlows appreciate and understand this, which is whey they always pull out all the stops to craft the most incredible and dazzling pieces of diamond jewellery.

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Posted on:  July 14th, 2011

You might be used to making decisions in a hurry, and this is no surprise. After all, like many people you may be under pressure at work to meet deadlines much of the time, meaning you do not have the luxury of pondering issues at length before reaching a judgement. Meanwhile, the same might well be true when you leave the office and return home. Managing a household can be tough. For example, when you are under pressure to get around the supermarket to stock up on items for your home, you probably don’t have the chance to put detailed consideration into the products you pick up.

However, there are certain cases in which it really pays off to take a step back and pause before committing yourself and buying diamonds is one such situation. These gleaming gems are truly astonishing items and they have captivated humans since they were first discovered.

Their rarity and beauty makes them extremely precious and highly valuable. Partly because of this, and the fact that diamond is one of the hardest substances known to man, items featuring these stones are intended to last. Indeed, they often get passed down from generation to generation. And, all the while they never lose their charm.

This is in stark contrast to most other products, such as electronics and garments, which can quickly become damaged, lose their appeal and go out of fashion.

Therefore, whatever the reason for your decision to buy diamond offerings, it is important you take your time. For example, if you are perusing the selection of engagement rings available, you will undoubtedly want to get the perfect offering. Whether you are choosing on behalf of your partner, or you are already engaged and have been invited to select a ring for yourself, the product you go for must be perfect. It will hopefully be worn for many years to come and it a symbol of the love and bond between you and your other half.

Meanwhile, if you are on the lookout for diamond earrings, either to hand over as a present or for yourself, you will undoubtedly want to get the very best offering you can.

The good news is, it has never been easier to source fantastic gems. Regardless of the style you are after, or the budget you are operating with, you should not struggle to find a diamond that fits the bill perfectly. For example, here at Marlows Certified Diamonds, we understand the importance of offering a fabulous selection and that is precisely what we do.

Because of the sheer variety of items we provide, it is vital that you do not rush the process of making your selection and instead take your time. Only then will you be sure to end up with the jewellery of your dreams and something you will be able to treasure forever, or hand over to a lucky recipient with a real a sense of pride and certainty that you will bowl them over with your gesture.

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Posted on:  May 6th, 2011

It doesn’t have to be a man who proposes. Women are just as capable of selecting and buying beautiful gold engagement rings with or without large, feminine diamonds on them, and just as capable of getting down on one knee. What’s more, they have just as much of a right to propose to their partners as any man does. There is absolutely no reason why a woman shouldn’t propose if she feels the time has come.

Traditionally, February the 29th (or the earlier leap-date of February the 24th) was the time for women to make proposals of marriage. This goes back to at least the 13th Century and possibly much further. At certain times in the past it was even required that if a man refused a proposal on this day, he had to make some kind of restitution to the woman he turned down. It might be the gift of a new dress, for example. While we are a long way from the quaint traditions of the distant past this little piece of folklore shows that women making proposals is nothing new.

If he’s a modern, forward-thinking person, and you’ve been together for quite a while it’s unlikely that your partner will be too shocked that you – a woman – decided to propose. Older, more conservative members of the family might be, but pay no attention. It’s your wedding and the only people who have a say in it are the two of you, so don’t be ashamed of the fact it was you who took the first step. Be proud and let people know.

The guidelines for proposing women are much the same as for men. Pick a place he will like and an activity he will enjoy. It could be a good meal, a walk up a mountain, or even a day spent watching the cricket on a picnic blanket. Ask the question when the time is right, and present him with a ring he’ll be delighted to wear. Plenty of masculine choices are available. They don’t have to be plain gold bands- if you want something manly yet ornate, custom engagement rings can be made to your specifications.

Wedding ring sets can also be purchased for a proposal. This is sometimes a very good choice, because it removes any responsibility he has to buy a ring and shows that this is your proposal and you’re willing to make it happen. There will certainly be plenty of major expenses related to the wedding so he can make his contribution in any number of other ways.

Avoid too much romance, at least of the more feminine kind. Most men will be more confused than pleased to receive luscious bunches of red roses and delicate chocolates. Anyone making a proposal, whatever their gender, should remember that what they like most is not necessarily the best choice to win over their partner. Tailor the occasion to his desires and show that you really know him well enough to create a great day or a fantastic evening.

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Posted on:  January 3rd, 2011

The best gifts always come as a complete surprise. That is as true with engagement rings as it is with a bunch of flowers or any other present. Spontaneity adds a whole new dimension to a gift and it can be a lot of fun dreaming up the perfect scenario in which to give a diamond eternity ring or propose marriage with a set of gorgeous custom engagement rings designed to your exact specifications.

If you’ve been married for years you probably know your wife’s ring size, but if she isn’t your wife yet, you may not. Giving engagement rings that fit perfectly is wonderful if you can do it, but you shouldn’t allow the process of finding out what ring size the lucky lady takes to compromise a surprise proposal. If you ask directly she will suspect you’re up to something!

There are plenty of less obvious ways to find out her ring size. If she already has a precious metal ring that fits, you can simply take it to a jeweller and they will be glad to tell you the size. Tell her you are taking your mum’s ring to be cleaned (or getting a watch battery replaced if you prefer) and casually offer to get hers done at the same time.

Another good method is to bring her sister, mum or best friend into the conspiracy. At least one of them will probably know her size or will be willing to help get it for you – a friend can easily get her to try on a ring of known size without arousing suspicion.

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Posted on:  September 24th, 2010

Often when people think of engagement rings, they associate them with women and overlook the fact that an increasing number of men are keen to get involved too.

For this reason, male consumers may feel they are lacking in advice and information concerning what is available to them if they decide they would like to join their partners in displaying the fact they are betrothed to be married.

If you are in this position, don’t panic. In fact, there is plenty of information on offer to you to help you make a good decision, and reputable retailers will be able to guide you through the process of choosing an item of jewellery that is perfect for your needs.

Often, men are put off by the idea of having fancy looking bands, such as multi gemstone rings, and prefer to go for something more simple.

This also has practical benefits as they are less likely to get in the way during work, sports and maintenance activities.

Many engagement rings for men are simple bands, potentially with etching or other minimal embellishments.

This is not the preference of all soon-to-be husbands however. Some are keen to achieve the bling factor and go for items with stones in or ones that use a combination of metals, such as yellow and white gold.

Whatever your preference, remember not to be put off by the fact that women tend to dominate the media attention when it comes to diamond rings. There are plenty of quality and stylish items to choose from here at Marlows.

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Posted on:  September 20th, 2010

True, it may defy convention but that is not to say you should disregard the idea of proposing to your man. Traditionally only done during a leap year, this way of women seizing the initiative is becoming more popular as the notion of gender equality permeates evermore areas of life.

After all, why should tradition deny women fulfilling their desires to tie the knot with their other halves?

And a proposal without a ring seems like a half gesture to some people so before popping the question to your man, you might like to survey the range of men’s engagement rings on offer.

Although some guys may resist the idea of wearing such items of jewellery initially, many come round after considering the notion for a while.

Just as they do for women, these bands enable them to show their devotion to their partners and are also an excuse to add a bit of style to their everyday wardrobe.

In many cases, it can help to approach the idea of male engagement rings as a couple so it possible to determine if your loved one is open to the idea.

This can also help ensure you buy something that he approves of in terms of appearance and feel. In addition, it can be difficult to establish what sort of jewellery men prefer as it may not be something they have talked about in the past.

However you approach the process of buying the ring, don’t let old-fashioned ideas about proposals put you off popping the question to your man if this is what you want. Go for it and good luck!

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Posted on:  September 17th, 2010

While the media is full of stories about which celebrities are tying the knot and how they spent a small fortune on engagement rings, it is possible to stick to a budget when selecting such pieces of jewellery.

While no one wants to skimp on what is after all one of the most important gestures of a couples’ lives together, there are savings to be made if you are shrewd.

Crucially, you should never spend more than you feel comfortable with as you do not want to become resentful of the object that is supposed to symbolise your love for each other.

Don’t let people convince you that there is a direct link between how much you shell out for the engagement ring and how much you love your partner. Rather, it is the thought and care you put into the whole process that matters and your other half will realise this.

There are often special deals available and smaller, more understated pieces suit many people more than larger options anyway.

If you have to overstretch yourself to get the piece of jewellery, you will have to make compromises over other aspects of your wedding preparations.

Reputable retailers will be able to take your individual circumstances into account and help you select a ring that is on budget and meets the other criteria you have in mind.

You will be able to peruse unique engagement rings made from a variety of metals and containing gems of a range of shapes and sizes, making sure you get the ideal offering for your spouse-to-be.

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Posted on:  August 26th, 2010

The ring is a never-ending circle with no beginning or end. Over the centuries much has been written about this and the mystical significance of the circle. The Roman wedding band was in the shape of a snake that eats itself, supposedly symbolising eternal life. A common Celtic design is the three interlocking rings of the Trinity, symbolising God, the Three in One. On a more practical note, it could be said that engagement rings and wedding rings are round because that’s the best, safest shape to slip on a finger.

Wedding rings have also been used for other purposes. In the Shetland Isles, wedding ring shawls were produced in the 1830s. These are six foot square and so finely knitted with gossamer thread, that they weigh only 2 grams and can be passed through wedding rings. They were a traditional wedding dress item and the test showed how skilled a knitter the prospective wife was. In recent years, wedding ring shawls have come back into fashion.

In a less scientific, but fun way, testing for the sex of unborn children by dangling the mothers’ wedding rings over the stomach has been a long tradition. If the ring sets into a circular movement it’s a girl; if it swings to and fro it’s a boy. It must be emphasised that this is regarded as an old wives’ tale.

Choosing engagement rings and wedding rings is always an enjoyable event, which we at Marlows encourage. Knowing a little about the symbolism and myths attached to gold engagement rings and gold wedding rings enriches the experience.

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