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Diamonds are the perfect way to say those three little words, and of course they’re a pre-requisite of proposals the world over. When you say it with diamonds you can be confident that the recipient understands the depth of your devotion, and when you present them with diamond engagement rings you simply can’t say it better.
Diamonds are always going to have the desired effect, but if you really want them to make their mark you have to choose carefully. The importance of the four C’s can never be underestimated – without the perfect combination of carat, clarity, colour and cut you won’t have that longed-for sparkle, so always choose carefully if you want to be sure that you’re saying it properly.
Opting to create your own engagement rings would often be the way to go, because then you’re in total control of everything from the size of the diamond to the colour of the band. You can create the ultimate ring that she simply can’t say no to, and the extra effort that you went to will speak volumes. It’s the perfect way to show that you care and will result in an exceptional ring, truly saying everything that you need it to.
So, if you want to say it with diamonds, make sure to choose wisely and ideally go for loose diamonds that can be transformed into the perfect ring. Make sure to come to us if you’re looking for the best in diamond rings – we’re the diamond experts and will help you make the right decision, so make sure to get the answer that you want by coming to us and you’ll be able to say it in the best way possible.
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Posted on: April 24th, 2011
There’s something fabulously old fashioned about the gift of loose diamonds. It seems to conjure up 1920s visions of the Orient Express, luxury, velvet evening gowns and Coco Chanel! Getting carried away in the world of diamonds is something we love, so before you buy any jewellery consider the notion of giving loose diamonds instead as either a sentimental gift or engagement jewellery.
The tradition of giving loose diamonds has waned somewhat in modern times. Family jewels became diamond engagement rings, house deposits and so on, leaving the idea of owning diamonds simply because they’re DIAMONDS somewhere out in the cold.
Investment
The stable value of loose diamonds certainly marks them as a prudent investment. Whereas fashions pass by, the luxury and worth of loose diamonds is timeless. Family heirlooms are typically thought of as loose gems; perhaps it’s time to begin the tradition once more?
Setting Options
Famous diamonds like the Hope diamond, Burton-Taylor diamond and Koh-i-Noor diamond have been set, re-set and gifted as loose diamonds for years. The structural integrity of diamonds makes temporary setting an easy option. If you’re not sure what item of jewellery or engagement ring style your partner would best like, just giving the diamond is likely to be one of the most emotionally significant gifts you ever give.
Our expert jewellers love nothing more than creating bespoke jewellery, so pop in and take a look at our collection of loose diamonds to suit your budget.
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Posted on: March 21st, 2011
If you are feeling run down and stressed, you can rest assured that you are not alone. The pressures of modern life can become too much and leave you feeling deflated and in need of a break.
After all, the demands of working life can be extremely tough and thanks to advances in technology it has never been harder to escape the responsibilities of the office. Your boss may well expect you to check emails after you have clocked out and even on the odd occasion that you take a day off due to sickness, you might expect to field queries from colleagues and managers over the phone.
Meanwhile, there is your home to look after. Particularly if you have children, domestic responsibilities can end up consuming the rest of your time. Whether it’s shopping for household goods, cleaning, making packed lunches for your youngsters or anything else, this can be demanding.
So, every once in a while it really helps to slow down and pamper yourself. After all, you work hard and deserve the occasional treat.
For example, you might want to engage in a little retail therapy here at Marlows. We have a whole range of diamonds for you to choose from.
Whether you are after loose cut diamonds, earrings, necklaces or anything else, we might well have what you are after. And the great news is that you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your living room in order to source such treats. Thanks to our online shop, you can buy the items over the web.
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Posted on: March 12th, 2011
Like many people, you might be feeling a sense of relief that the long, dark winter months are finally drawing to a close. This cold season has been particularly harsh in many areas, with a mixture of freezing bouts of snow and ice and other periods characterised by destructive winds and heavy rain.
And of course, getting out of bed when it’s still dark outside and charging to the shower through a cold house can get you down after a while, as can making the long commute to and from work under the cover of artificial street lamps, as opposed to vitamin D infused sunlight.
Indeed, during this period of the year, you might feel yourself inclined to enter a state of partial hibernation.
However, the days are now getting longer, flowers are determinedly pushing their way up through the still cold earth and the dawn chorus of birds has started to find its voice again.
To celebrate this hopeful time of year, you might want to treat yourself to some new jewellery and clothing. Perhaps a few diamonds could add to your sense of celebration, along with vibrant garments.
Here at Marlows, we stock a range of offerings that may tempt you, including loose cut diamonds and pendant earrings. Purchasing such items can be the perfect way to mark the beginning of spring and to boost your spirits.
To find out if we have the perfect items for you, simply have a look around our website. You might be surprised by the level of choice on offer.
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Posted on: October 31st, 2010
Diamonds in elaborate settings, such as multi stone diamond rings, exude a certain kind of elegance, and are a stunning way to elevate that uber-glamorous outfit. However, whilst diamonds can come alive when they are set into diamond rings, there is an intrinsic beauty with diamonds, and loose cut diamonds are great option for those who want to bask in the glory of a diamond without the extra bit of ring.
In this context, loose diamonds represent a great gift for both him and her. Whilst diamond rings might have certain feminine connotations, a loose cut diamond is fairly androgenous, whilst being symbolic of durability and faithfulness – everything that you’d want in a gift for your beloved.
Also, loose diamonds will have a much more stable inherent value, whereas the value of diamond rings in the future will be subject to the whims of fashion. With a loose diamond the value will be inherently stable, which makes them a great choice as a family heirloom.
Due to their small size they are also easily kept secure, and they can be insured and stored comfortably in security boxes or safes.
Loose diamonds are perfect should you ever want to set them into a ring, and you will be able to do so according to your own taste. This means that should you receive loose diamonds as a gift then you could commemorate the diamond by setting it into a ring that you yourself have chosen.
At Marlows Certified Diamonds we stock lots of loose diamonds, in all sorts of cuts and at fantastic prices – so why not come and have a look.
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Posted on: October 9th, 2010
Even since man began to interact with diamonds, they have imbued the precious stones with ideas of invincibility, durability and even faithfulness. For example, the Greeks knew the stone as “adamas” which means invincible. And whilst it is true that diamonds are the hardest stone, diamonds seem to exude a metaphysical, symbolic sense of steadfastness – making them absolutely ideal as engagement rings or wedding rings.
Whilst diamonds have shone in the imaginations of men and women for many centuries, it is perhaps in the modern area that diamonds have really come of age. On the one hand, more sophisticated mining techniques have made diamonds much less prohibitive than they have traditionally been, with loose cut diamonds and diamond rings well within the price bracket for many couples – even cash strapped newlyweds!
Also, as cutting techniques have improved exponentially, the versatility of diamonds has also increased, and it is now possible to cut diamonds perfectly, and to customize stones. The versatility of diamonds also makes them perfect in a wedding context, as you can celebrate your best beloved with something that not only infinitely precious but also infinitely unique.
So, if you’re planning a proposal or a wedding, don’t be daunted by the diamond, and realise instead that it is nowadays a distinctly versatile stone. While some large carat varieties might still demand huge amounts of money – there is a diamond for everyone, and diamonds are forever.
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Posted on: September 10th, 2010
Loose cut diamonds have been bought as investments for hundreds (if not thousands) of years. Ever since early hunter-gatherers noticed beautiful gemstones in the rough, they’ve been sought after, traded across borders, used as currency, and also treated as an excellent investment.
As investments, loose cut diamonds are easily insurable against loss and theft, very difficult to damage, and because of their extremely small size, they can be securely stored for very reasonable prices in safes, vaults, and safety deposit boxes. While there is no shortage of diamonds in the natural world – they are still being mined around the world at a steady rate – precious stones retain their value well in periods of high inflation and financial instability.
Cut is an important factor to consider when selecting a loose diamond as an investment piece. Of course, clarity and colour should be the finest available and the carat as large as possible, but these factors are less subject to changes in fashion. A 3ct diamond of outstanding clarity will always be an object that fetches a very high price, but some cuts go in and out of style over time.
We hold an outstanding range of loose cut diamonds as well as high value diamond rings and other pieces that are suitable for selection as investments. Feel free to browse the range online or come into the Jewellery Quarter to speak with one of our experts for more guidance or to view the showpieces of the range, or give us a call to discuss the possibilities.
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Posted on: August 28th, 2010
When choosing diamond engagement rings you need to be aware of some crucial factors. When choosing your life partner you also need to be aware of the same crucial factors. We at, Marlows, would like to help you choose correctly with the following tips, which you can choose to read with a pinch of salt.
Your diamonds should always be fiery, a fine quality in a life partner, but maybe too much for everyday! Brilliant life partners can be stimulating and you would never be at a loss for good ideas. Brilliant loose diamonds will also be a lifelong pleasure.
The pure white light in diamond engagement rings bursts into the beautiful colours of the rainbow. Maintaining colour in your relationship is essential to keeping it alive; avoid settling into a rut. Keep alive the romanticism of that first date for the rest of your lives.
Solid gold is a required component for the ring to support those lovely diamonds, showing them to their best advantage. Having a solid gold basis of love and trust to your relationship is as obvious as that setting.
Gold is measured in karats, from nine to twenty-four, depending upon the hardness of the metal. In a relationship there needs to be a mix of hard and soft; nine karat hard when tough decisions have to be made and twenty-four karat soft for those romantic moments.
If this mix is maintained for a lifetime, then there will be no problem maintaining your relationship.
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Posted on: August 20th, 2010
Loose cut diamonds come in many shapes, but never the classic diamond rhomboid shape as seen in the suit of cards. Shape and cut are often confused, with ‘cut’ used to describe the shape. However, cut also refers to the way rough diamonds are faceted. The diamonds in diamond engagement rings come in a fascinating range, some of which are detailed below.
Asscher is a square, stepped cut developed by Joseph Asscher, who, with his brother Abraham, cut the massive Cullinan diamond in 1902.
Brilliant is a round cut of 58 facets which produce the most light, creating a brilliance and fire second to none.
Cushion is a deep square or rectangle which was very popular in the Nineteenth Century because it made best use of candlelight whose rays were caught and reflected in the diamonds.
Emerald is a classic stepped square or rectangular shape. The highest quality diamonds must be used for this cut because tiny flaws may be visible.
Heart has 59 facets with an indent at the top, making the classic heart shape.
Marquise is a symmetrical elongated oval; it is an old cut dating from the Eighteenth Century, possibly originating in France.
Ovals, or briolettes, are particularly popular for diamond pendant earrings as they are faceted all around.
Pear or the tear drop has 58 facets and is a shape dating back over 500 years.
Princess is a modern square cut but not stepped, rather it is brilliant cut, making it a fiery stone indeed.
These are just a few examples of the many shapes that we at Marlows can offer, showing that there is more to diamonds than meets the eye.
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Posted on: July 26th, 2010
Rough diamonds are cut to bring out their brilliance, each diamond needing to be individually assessed for its own unique cut. In effect, the cutter is producing a prism, which refracts the white light and bounces it off the different facets to produce the fire at the centre of a diamond.
Over the centuries, tools and designs have improved and the most common cut is called the round brilliant cut. This is a modern modification of the basic brilliant cut mathematically calculated by Marcel Tolkowsky, the ‘father’ of diamond designs, at the beginning of the Twentieth Century. The sole aim is to enhance the brilliance and fire of the stone, losing as little light as possible.
Technically, the facets are flat planes cut at angles on the diamonds. The idea is to angle the facet at the minimum angle possible such that when light strikes the facet it is reflected back into the stone. This angle is known as the critical angle; if the angle is not correct, then the light will not be reflected back into the stone and the area will appear to be colourless. The important measurement is the refractive index which is the amount that light that is bent as it passes through diamonds. It is achieved by calculating the angle at which light enters diamonds compared with the angle at which it leaves.
We at Marlows use only the best loose cut diamonds in our diamond rings and engagement rings to ensure that not a beam of light is lost.
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