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Diamond engagement rings are a symbol of love, but in recent years the purity of diamonds has been tainted by conflict. Conflict or ‘blood’ diamonds are those sold on the black market to fund wars against legitimate governments, particularly in the central and western African states of Sierra Leone, Angola and Liberia.
Since 2000, the global diamond industry has worked ceaselessly with the United Nations to eradicate conflict diamonds. At the turn of the century 99% of diamonds were guaranteed conflict free. This was not good enough, so the adoption of the Kimberley Process Certification System in 2003 ensured that conflict diamonds do not enter the legitimate supply of diamonds. There is also a voluntary System of Warranties adopted by the diamonds industry to ensure that these diamonds sold are conflict free. Only 0.2% of diamonds are conflict traded today, but that is still too many. The global diamonds industry is still working to eradicate this stain on these beautiful stones.
How can you be sure that your diamonds are not from a conflict diamonds source? Only buy your diamond engagement rings from a reputable, certified source like here at Marlows. Just as you take care to acquaint yourself with the physical facts about diamonds, such as carat, colour, clarity and cut, also take time to learn about the diamonds trade so that you know it’s the genuine article and where it originates. For example, you may think that diamonds only come from Africa, but did you know that Canada started commercial diamonds mining in the 1990s and is now the third largest producer behind Botswana and Russia?
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Posted on: November 27th, 2009
When the special day arrives and it’s your wedding day, you still want to ensure that your engagement ring looks stunning. It’s easy to overlook the ring in the rush of preparations, but take time to give your engagement ring some tender, loving care as it will no doubt feature in the wedding photos. A couple of weeks before the big day, get a jeweller to inspect the ring and check the setting of the diamond and other stones to highlight any damage or weakness. This is also an opportunity to get the ring insured or appraised. This again can be good preparation prior to the honeymoon and will avoid upset should it be lost on holiday.
If you are having a bridal set ring you need to arrange to have the engagement rings and wedding band soldered together. A bridal set ring is designed so that the wedding band fits securely to the engagement ring, providing additional accent stones to the diamond at the centre. This will prevent any wiggling on the day.
A few days before the wedding get your diamond engagement rings cleaned. You will have many pictures taken on the day and possibly close ups of your left hand so you want to ensure that the diamond is sparkling and glittering on the day.
During the ceremony you can remove your diamond engagement rings to the right hand until the ceremony is over or leave on the left and switch the rings around after the ceremony is finished.
At Marlows Certified Diamonds we have a beautiful selection of engagement rings and jewellery to choose from.
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Posted on: November 26th, 2009
Have you ever wondered where the tradition of giving engagement rings came from? This custom is so deeply entwined in our society that sometimes we can forget that the practise of giving a ring in this way has developed over time.
The earliest records of rings being exchanged can be found within the ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian cultures. A betrothal ring was given to symbolize that a woman was connected to a man who would soon become her husband. At this stage, it was a more pragmatic custom representing a business transaction rather than a romantic gesture.
In the 9th Century, the idea of engagement rings was endorsed by Pope Nicolas I and a gold band was made to represent the groom’s material wealth and his ability to support a wife. In 1215 this was changed so that rings were made from iron and silver and were worn for longer periods of engagement.
The first reference to diamond engagement rings was found dating back to 1477 when Mary of Burgundy was betrothed to Archduke Maximillian of Austria. At the time diamonds were reputed to have mystical powers towards fidelity, love and purity. This reflects the characteristics associated with the diamond in symbolism today.
Extensive diamond mining began in the 19th Century in Africa. This made diamonds more readily available and designs became more intricate. At this time, diamond engagement rings began to be given to brides-to-be.
At Marlows Certified Diamonds, we have a stunning collection of diamond engagement rings to appeal to all tastes.
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Posted on: November 25th, 2009
What is it that fascinates us about diamond rings and these beautiful gems? Is it the sparkle and allure of the glittering surface that some jewellers refer to as ‘fire’? Or is it the mystery and magic of diamonds that is encapsulated in the beauty of a shining diamond engagement ring? Or is it simply impressive marketing?
As the centrepiece of diamond engagement rings, a diamond is all of the above. Diamonds have been revered for their rarity and hardness for hundreds of years but they were not always presented in the breathtaking cuts that we associate with diamonds today. The art and skill of jewellers has developed over the centuries to create some of the most exotic and beguiling cuts that we can see today.
Is a diamond really just a piece of coal? The diamond’s history began many millions of years ago hidden deep beneath the depths of the earth. The remains of animals and plants formed into coal and petroleum over millions of years ago. This organic matter was subjected to geologic forces and the diamonds were created over time.
It is just one single degree that removes the diamond from a lump of coal. The forces of heat and pressure are responsible for transforming organic matter into these precious stones that now adorn us as jewellery.
Diamond jewellery has been in our history for years but it was in the Victorian era that diamond rings really became popular. However, the custom of giving diamond engagement rings developed much later until now in the Western world it is a huge trend and an iconic symbol of love and marriage.
At Marlows Certified Diamonds, we have a stunning collection of diamond engagement rings for you to browse.
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Posted on: November 24th, 2009
Choosing a diamond engagement ring should be a careful and considered process. After all, your future wife will wear the ring for many years to come. However, not all diamond rings are engagement rings so it pays to know the difference.
Diamond engagement rings often have one diamond that is larger than the rest of the stones or the ring has a single diamond setting. The latter type of diamond engagement ring is known as a diamond solitaire ring.
Traditionally, women wore diamond rings known as cocktail rings. These rings were worn for evening wear rather than everyday use. In contrast, diamond engagement rings are worn continually and most women don’t remove them at all. You can also get diamond engagement rings that are combined with a wedding band.
When selecting diamond engagement rings, make sure that the body of the ring is set in a hard, precious metal. Platinum or gold are good choices as the metals are strong enough to hold the diamond. 18 or 14 carat gold or platinum is best whereas the softer 24 carat is too soft to hold a diamond.
Next choose the setting and ensure the quality of the diamond is good. A standard diamond for engagement rings is one carat. You can also select a multiple gem engagement ring. Sapphires are often coupled with diamonds.
You can check the quality of the diamond by ensuring you buy certified diamonds. Select a trusted jeweller when buying an engagement ring. You want one with a good reputation that has been in operation for a long time. At Marlows Certified Diamonds, we offer a wide selection of diamond engagement rings and certified diamonds.
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Posted on: November 23rd, 2009
One of the most memorable purchases you will ever make is that of diamond engagement rings. This ring is a symbol of your relationship and the love that binds you together, and will be worn for many years to come. To ensure you have peace of mind when buying a diamond, you need to ensure the quality is of a high-standard. Buying certified diamonds is a means to guarantee that the diamond quality is outstanding and that your investment is a good one.
There are two components to the engagement rings. The first is the body of the ring which will be made out of a precious metal such as gold or titanium, for example. The second part is the diamond. There are certain reassurances when buying the body of the ring. The precious metal should have a hallmark or stamp to show what the metal is and, in some cases, who made it and when. A hallmark states that the metal has been independently assessed so you know you have bought a high-quality material. It is the combination of a hallmark and certified diamond that will confirm the true quality of the engagement rings.
A certified diamond guarantees the overall quality of the ring. The diamond has been tested by an independent party who then issues a certificate. This will detail the dimensions and size of the diamond and also show the cut and include details of any flaws. It is the equivalent of a passport providing vital information about your diamond.
At Marlows Certified Diamonds, our diamonds are second to none and there is a wide range of fully certified diamond engagement rings for you to choose from.
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Posted on: November 20th, 2009
To all those men out there who are having trepidations about buying their loved one the diamond engagement rings she’s always dreamed of, take a deep breath and relax. There are some simple guidelines that, when followed, will ensure that you pick the right diamond and are rewarded by showers of kisses and shrieks of joy.
Women have a casual interest in the quality grades of a diamond such as its clarity or colour, whereas checking for certified diamonds and evaluating the investment value is likely to have little or no meaning. For a woman, a diamond engagement ring is a token from the heart and is attached to the highest of emotions and long cherished childhood dreams.
The emphasis on size is not a reflection of hidden greed or materialism. The size symbolises the enormity of your love for her, so for some women, the bigger the diamond the better. This is particularly important in the post engagement female ritual of ‘diamond comparing’.
It’s a tough challenge to keep the engagement rings a surprise whilst also ensuring you get the diamond of her dreams. Your partner may even drop hints, but they will be subtle so start taking note. This ring will be worn by her for years to come and you want to get it right so a friend or family member may be able to help.
At Marlows Certified Diamonds we can help you to find the diamond engagement rings to match her dreams, but also provide you with the certificate and quality standards so you know your money is well spent.
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Posted on: November 19th, 2009
If you’re not into flash, centre of attention announcements but still want to get your beautiful diamond engagement rings noticed, you’re going to have to employ some subtle hand movements to get people to spot the new addition to your left hand themselves. Obviously, the only way you’re going to attract attention is by using your left hand more than usual.
The most obvious way, and yet quite unobtrusive way, is to simply hand something to the other person with your left hand. A wily-eyed female, friend or colleague will be attracted like a magpie to the sparkle of your breathtaking diamond and it won’t be long before the coos of appreciation attract more females within hearing range.
There are also simple gestures that can be used to draw attention to the glittering diamond. You could try casually running your hand through your hair or scratching your cheek. If you wear glasses you can nonchalantly adjust your glasses using your ring finger making sure the diamonds are facing outwards at all times.
Gestures around the face will work best as this is where people are most likely to be looking when interacting with you. The coy gestures will make your intention to be noticed known, but it is far less obvious than excitedly crying ‘Look at my ring!’
If you have friends and family abroad, take a high quality digital picture and email it across.
The ritual of showing off the ring is as important as the official announcement of the forthcoming marriage, so enjoy it. This is your chance to enjoy the limelight and bask in the glow of your relationship.
At Marlows Certified Diamonds we have a breathtaking range of diamond engagement rings on offer.
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Posted on: November 18th, 2009
Unfortunately, men generally pay little attention to your likes and dislikes when it comes to jewellery. This can pose a problem when you get to that all important stage of your engagement. After all, you may have been dreaming of your perfect diamond engagement rings all your life and you want to make sure that you get it or as close as possible. However, if you don’t take action to guide your partner in the right direction, you may be left disappointed.
Some men approach buying your beloved engagement rings in the same way they might go about buying some stock market shares. They will be looking for a good investment! They may view all those gorgeous twinkling diamond engagement rings not as the symbol of your love and devotion to each other, but as a valuable investment.
You need to point him in the right direction to ensure you get the diamonds you always dreamed of. Your man may want to keep the purchase a secret to ensure you have a surprise so you have to resort to subtle tactics and subliminal messages to get your point across.
Firstly, be clear in yourself what size and shape diamond you want. What type of setting would dazzle you and what type of metal do you want?
Next, drop those hints to ensure your man is fully equipped with all the information he needs to get it right. After all surprises are all well and good, but this is your dream diamond we’re talking about – you can’t leave it to chance.
To ensure your man selects your diamond from a quality range of rings, direct him to Marlows Certified Diamonds for an excellent choice.
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Posted on: November 17th, 2009
There are many couples that opt for an engraving on their diamond engagement rings, lured by the idea of personalising the ring with their own unique style and wording. However, sometimes it may be hard to find a reputable jeweller or you may not have time to arrange it. There are some who fear that an engraving will damage the sacred bond between the couple, making it less powerful. Other couples prefer the type of personalisation that can be appreciated by all without having to take the ring off.
There are a variety of alternatives to engraving your engagement rings that provide a bespoke look to the ring. One such option is to have a filigree ring that has a hidden message or symbol built into the ring. Another alternative is to choose a Celtic or figural ring where symbolism is intrinsic to its birthstone ring as this can also add that unique touch. For the height of personal expression, design your own diamond engagement rings.
In terms of cost, a simple engraving will be relatively inexpensive. However this all depends on the type of message and the metal to be engraved. If you choose long phrases, elaborate, ornate fonts or use a stronger metal you can expect the fee to go up. Other expenses are created for rush orders or the addition of bespoke symbols such as hearts that do not come as a standard typeface.
If you opt for an engraving it can be a sweet, romantic embellishment. A wide selection of beautiful diamond engagement rings are available from us at Marlows Certified Diamonds.
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