Marlows Diamonds Blog & Latest News » Diamond Engagement Rings

The Magic Sparkle

admin — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:49:27 +0000

There are few things in the world that are as mesmerising to the human eye as the sparkle from a diamond. In fact, the ‘fire’ which emanates from a diamond is simply irresistible and catches your imagination in a way that no other precious stone can match. It is for this reason why diamonds are the perfect choice for extra special jewellery items like engagement rings.

Sadly, not all diamond engagement rings are blessed with such a magical sparkle. Indeed, a truly hypnotizing sparkle can only be achieved when a diamond is blessed with a perfect combination of the four Cs: colour, cut, clarity and carat. Sure; having an impressively-sized rock on your finger may look good from a distance; however it won’t have that all-important sparkle if the clarity and cut aren’t up to scratch.

Let’s face it; a diamond without a sparkle is like a child without a toy – it just isn’t right!

So, if you are looking to buy diamond ring and want to make sure it bounces rays of light all around the room; you need to ensure your purchase is made from people who know exactly what it takes to achieve that perfect sparkle.

Here at Marlows, our master craftsmen work to strict briefs that ensure our diamond engagement and wedding rings always have the ultimate finish and sparkle. So, if you want to make sure the diamond ring you buy will hypnotize and mesmerize in equal measure; make us here at Marlows your first port of call.

Choosing the Perfect Eternity Ring

admin — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:11:19 +0000

If you like it then you should put a ring on it, and we agree with Beyonce’s famous words. We also think they don’t just apply to engagement rings, however, but also to eternity rings. An eternity ring is a symbol of the eternal love you hold for your wife, and can be given at any time during the marriage. The ring is the perfect symbol for eternal love because, like your feelings for her, it is never ending. And of course, nothing says it better than a beautiful diamond eternity ring from Marlows!

There are two types of eternity ring available – the full or half eternity ring. What this refers to is whether the stones go all the way around the band, or just halfway. The latter is obviously cheaper, but for some people it is also a more comfortable ring to wear, as the stones won’t press into the rest of the hand or skin. If you’re buying the ring as a surprise and are still not sure of your wife’s size, then these are also easier to resize and a full ring often has to be custom sized. At Marlows, we stock a large selection of both full and half eternity rings.

As we already mentioned, an eternity ring can be given at any point in the marriage – there is no set time. Some people even decide to give their girlfriend one before marriage, although this is still a rare practice. Other people choose to give a ring after one year of marriage, although paper is actually the traditional gift and much cheaper! It is more common to choose a special anniversary, such as ten or twenty-five years, or to give it as part of a renewal of wedding vows, if you like this idea.

As with our diamond engagement rings, eternity rings available from Marlows come in different styles featuring different cuts of diamond. The round brilliant cut diamond is often considered as the ‘best’ because the way that it is cut means that its facets give off the most sparkle as the light bounces around them. Consequently, this cut is also the most popular and the most expensive too. We have a beautiful Round Brilliant Cut Half Eternity Ring available which you can customise to choose the carat weight of the diamond (a lighter weight making it less expensive) and also the metal of the band. This particular ring is available in 18ct yellow or white gold, or platinum. If you prefer to buy a full set ring, then we also have this available in the same metals. When buying a full eternity ring, remember that these have a wider band and so may not be comfortable for a woman with small fingers or dainty hands, particularly if she still wishes to continue wearing her engagement and wedding rings.

When buying a diamond, it is important to that it is certificated. All our diamonds are GIA or IGI certificated and of top quality.

The Perfect Proposal

admin — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 09:45:06 +0000

Getting your proposal right is not all about diamond engagement rings. There are many factors that go into a perfect proposal, particularly when you know that she’ll be asked over and over ‘how did he propose?’. Making it special doesn’t mean you have to do something completely out there, and is actually more about how well you know her and what she’ll like. Even so, there are still several factors you need to give due consideration.

One of the first things you need to do is to choose the perfect location. This might be in front of a beautiful sunset or at the top of the Eiffel Tower while on holiday, or it could be in the place you first met. Some people choose to create a special set up, such as going on a balloon ride or a candlelit dinner at home. If you’re going to propose somewhere publicly, however, make sure that your girlfriend will say yes, because you don’t want to embarrass her or put her on the spot! Even if you’re sure she’ll say yes, are you sure that she’ll want to be the centre of attention with everybody looking at her?

You should also think about when you’re going to propose. A spur of the moment proposal doesn’t make a great story after all. Some people like to pop the question on a special day, such as a birthday or Christmas. Valentine’s Day is another popular choice, but can be a bit cliché. Doing it on a special occasion also means you’re always likely to remember exactly which day it was.

As well as thinking about what words to use (aside from the traditional ‘Will you marry me?’), you will also need to think about when to present the ring and how. Hiding engagement rings in food is another popular idea, but be careful that she won’t accidentally swallow it! If you do hide the ring somewhere, also make sure it won’t be found before you plan to reveal it, so the surprise won’t be spoilt. You may even decide not to propose with spoken words or even in person. Have the words written in the sky or the sand, or have someone else ask for you, either on the radio or TV. If you’ve previously discussed proposals (either your own or other people’s), has she hinted at what she likes or dislikes. If so, take your lead from this.

Finally, you need to choose the perfect ring. There are many different styles of ring available, so again you’ll need to work out what she likes. We have a wide selection of yellow gold, white gold and platinum engagement rings, all available with different cuts of diamond, including heart-shaped diamonds. Get some inspiration for what she likes by looking at the other styles of jewellery she wears, including both the metal type but also how ostentatious it is. We also specialise in creating custom engagement rings using top quality diamonds at extremely competitive prices.

Become Lord of the Rings with the Ideal Engagement Ring

admin — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:44:40 +0000

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.

Why Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend

admin — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 13:45:45 +0000

Diamonds are a form of mineral rock which is originally made from carbon. As coal is also made from carbon, why is it that we treasure diamonds and diamond jewellery so much more? Obviously, there is a huge aesthetic difference between loose diamonds and lumps of coal, with the former looking significantly more attractive than the latter. Some people actually believe that diamonds are somehow created from coal itself, but this isn’t the case. The main process that forms diamonds used for commercial purposes is by carbon being buried deep into the centre of the earth and exposed to extreme heat of at least 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. Volcanic eruptions then propelled them to closer to the earth’s surface, where they cooled and formed the diamond stones we know and love.

Having discovered these stones while mining, how is it then that they have come to be a girl’s best friend, as Marilyn Monroe so famously sang? Another famous song gives us part of the answer: diamonds are forever. While other gifts may fade, break or age, diamond rings and other diamond jewellery never lose their beauty if cared for properly. Their beauty is another reason for their popularity. Because of their sparkle, diamonds catch the light and light up the finger, ears, wrist or décolleté.

Although coloured diamonds are now popular for unique engagement rings and necklaces, the ‘white’ diamond is still the most popular, partly because it will go with any outfit of any colour and so can be worn for every occasion. Of course, strictly speaking, diamonds are not actually white, but range from colourless (the most expensive and quite rare) to containing traces of varying shades of yellow and brown.

Another reason that diamonds are so sought after by women is because they are a precious stone and still quite rare. Because true diamonds are created through a natural process, each one is unique and large stones in particular are much rarer to find without flaws. Consequently, larger stones have higher price tags to them, and so therefore diamonds are still very much associated with luxury. A woman might feel when wearing a diamond engagement ring that it demonstrates to the rest of the world that her man can look after her and cares for her enough to spend a great sum on buying her a beautiful piece of jewellery. Of course, we always think that you should only buy expensive jewellery if you really can afford to do so, and the price tag is not a measure of your love for her.

When it comes to buying a diamond engagement ring, tradition says that you should spend approximately two months’ salary. However, we realise that this is not always possible and nor should it be a hard and fast rule. Many of our engagement rings are customisable, so you can alter the combinations of carat, colour and clarity to find a ring that is within your budget while still remaining beautiful and of sublime quality.

Diamond Engagement Ring Traditions

admin — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:43:41 +0000

The tradition of wearing an engagement ring differs somewhat across different cultures. In Western cultures, it is common that usually just the woman wears a ring on the third finger of her left hand. Other cultures, however, have matching engagement rings for both the man and woman and not necessarily on the same finger or hand as us.

If you’ve ever wondered why diamond engagement rings are so much more popular than other kinds of gemstone, then it is not just about their classic elegance and beauty. Of course, diamonds are extremely beautiful and eye-catching in the way that they sparkle and catch the light. However, the tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring actually started in the early twentieth century. Many women married because they did not work and so marriage was their only option to remain financially sound. Should an engagement be broken off, they would still have financial security through their diamond engagement ring. This is a tradition which continues to this day, with heartbroken women avenging themselves by pawning or selling their engagement ring and enjoying its monetary value instead.

This leads us to another tradition concerning diamond engagement rings. Nowadays, it is common practice to expect a man to spend around two months of his annual salary on buying the ring. This idea was first purported by marketing materials from diamond firm De Beers in the 1930s, because they wanted to increase the sale of diamonds, which obviously cost much more than other gemstones. Back then, it was said that the ring should cost equivalent to one month’s salary, later rising with inflation to two months! Although, we have now seen that this is all a myth, some women prefer to have an expensive ring because they love the feeling that someone values them enough to spend a lot of money on them. However, few women would actually want their man to bankrupt himself doing so!

So, back to why we wear our engagement and wedding rings on the third finger of our left hand. Rings are exchanged in general because their circular form represents never ending love, but the tradition of placing it on the third finger of the left hand started with the Greeks, who initially believed that a vein ran directly from this finger to the heart and so was the ideal location for the wedding ring. Although this was later proved to be incorrect, the tradition has persisted and is now common practice.

The exchanging of engagement rings is more of a modern tradition. Originally, when the husband-to-be wished to negotiate an engagement, he or his family would exchange gifts with the bride’s family. The bride’s family’s gift was known as her dowry, which represented her worth. As time passed, things became less clinical and men started to offer his wife-to-be a token of affection, which would generally be jewellery, a ring being the ideal choice as it symbolised eternity. In the 15th Century, the first diamond engagement ring was given, starting a tradition to give bigger and better rings.

A Cut Above the Rest

admin — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 10:38:24 +0000

Whether you are shopping for engagement rings or other kinds of jewellery, the cut of the diamond will play the most significant part in the way it looks and acts. All diamonds are unique and are governed by the four Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. The most important of these four Cs are generally considered to be the cut and clarity, as these will affect how much sparkle the diamond has. These will also affect a diamond’s value, and any diamond you buy should also have a fifth C – certification. Certification determines that the diamond is a natural diamond and will provide details on the four Cs and its dimensions.

When it comes to the ‘best’ cut, round brilliant diamond engagement rings are considered top in their field. The quality of a diamond is generally established through how it reflects the light, known as its brilliance. The way a diamond is cut is what affects its brilliance, by allowing the light to bounce around the inside and escape through the top, creating the sparkle that women love. Round brilliant cut diamonds are thought to do this best and are therefore the most popular when it comes to diamond jewellery. However, round brilliant cut stones are also more expensive because of this.

If you can’t quite afford to get a round brilliant cut diamond engagement ring, then emerald cut rings are a nice alternative which are more affordable. As the name suggests, this cut was traditionally used for emerald stones, and is the most common of the square and rectangular step cuts, which feature a square or rectangular design with the corners cut off. Although emerald cut stones will have less brilliance than their round and oval counterparts, they do have the advantage when it comes to clarity, which is accentuated, and overall whiteness.

If you are still unsure whether your future wife will appreciate an emerald cut diamond engagement ring over a round brilliant one, then bear in mind that many rich and famous people also choose this style of ring regardless of their financial situation, simply because of its beauty. Camilla Parker Bowles’ engagement ring is emerald cut, as is the one worn by Donald Trump’s third wife, as well as rings worn by Kate Hudson, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie.

Another popular cut of diamond as an alternative to the round brilliant cut, is princess cut. Princess cut diamonds are also square, but unlike step cuts do not have cut off corners. Princess cut stones also have more brilliance than other square cut stones and is perhaps the most popular alternative to round cut stones because of this. Because of its shape, it also looks larger than a round cut stone, as so therefore appeals because it looks like a bigger (and consequently more expensive) stone, even though it actually isn’t. Again, this cut is popular with celebrities, such as Hilary Duff’s princess cut engagement ring, which reportedly set her husband-to-be back a million dollars!

Choosing between Gold and Platinum Diamond Rings

admin — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:16:40 +0000

Of course, when you are choosing diamond rings, the diamonds that feature in the pieces of jewellery are crucial. These are the centrepiece of the objects and so it is vital you put plenty of thought into the type of gems you are after. This may involve considerations based on the so-called ‘four Cs’, which are clarity, colour, cut and carat.

However, this is not where the decision making ends. There is also the crucial issue of which metal you will go for. After all, this has a huge impact on the overall impact of the product and so it is something that cannot be neglected.

Here at Marlows Certified Diamonds we offer diamond engagement rings and other such items in platinum and yellow gold. These are two of the most popular types of metal when it comes to jewellery and it is not hard to see why.

There are many properties of the materials that make them ideal for use in objects of this nature. First and foremost is their beauty.

Meanwhile, in terms of physical properties, gold readily creates alloys with other metals and these alloys can be tailored to meet specific hardness and other metallurgic criteria that make it perfect for jewellery such as diamond rings.

Also, gold is superb in terms of its longevity. It is unaffected by air, moisture and most corrosive agents. Indeed, because of this, the material is sometimes incorporated in protective coatings. Meanwhile, these properties help ensure that diamond engagement rings and other such items made from gold stand the test of time. This is necessary because individuals are supposed to wear them for the rest of their lives after receiving them and they do not tend to take them off when they have a shower, go swimming, are out in harsh weather conditions and so on.

Meanwhile, platinum can also be ideal as a metal to set diamonds in. Its name comes from the Spanish term platina del Pinto, which can be translated as ‘little silver of the Pinto River’. It is one of the rarest elements in the Earth’s crust and this makes it particularly precious. Meanwhile, it is also un-reactive, helping it remain in excellent condition for many years.

Indeed, it exhibits a remarkable resistance to corrosion even in testing circumstances, such as very high temperatures. Because of this, it is considered a noble metal and it is often found chemically uncombined as native platinum.

So, whether you opt for rings set in yellow gold or platinum, you can rest assured that they will keep well. Of course, there are other considerations to bear in mind too. For example, if you are buying a ring as a gift or engagement surprise for your other half, it is important to be aware of her preferences concerning jewellery. You should be able to ascertain this quickly and simply by taking a look at her existing trinkets.

Whatever you decide to go for, we should have the ideal products here at Marlows Certified Diamonds.

Making a Statement with Larger Diamond Rings

admin — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:58:35 +0000

If you are thinking of buying a diamond, you might be excited. Whether you are seeking diamond engagement rings or any other form of diamond rings, your sense of anticipation may be building. After all, purchases like this are not something people make on a regular basis. Indeed, they can be once in a lifetime opportunities. Meanwhile, the products are supposed to last for a lifetime, and can even be passed down the generations.

Here at Marlows Certified Diamonds we offer a range of such items and should have the perfect one for you. You might want to go for a subtle product. If that is the case, we have plenty of options.

However, you may be keen to make a grand statement with your new diamonds and ensure you get noticed for the bling on your finger. The great news is, we provide larger diamonds too, so you should be able to get exactly what you are after.

Among the options facing you is a ring that features a 3.03-carat diamond. This is stunning and is bound to get you all the attention you want. The gem featured on the piece of jewellery is a round brilliant, which is among the most sought after cuts. Such items are particularly loved for their gleaming nature and satisfying shape.

Meanwhile, we also offer diamond engagement rings that feature a 1.5-carat stone and are set in platinum. These too are stunning to look at and can help ensure you are the belle of the ball wherever you go.

Another one of our larger diamond rings features a 2.01-carat gem and it is also possible to go for a product containing a 2.5-carat diamond.

The size of diamond you go for will depend on many factors. First and foremost, you have to consider your budget. There is no point in over-stretching yourself financially if this will cause you problems further down the line. Instead, it can pay off to adopt a more long-term and practical approach to the issue. With this in mind, setting a strict spending limit before you begin perusing our superb collection of products is a good idea.

Meanwhile, the visual effect you are looking for from your diamonds is also crucial. While some people love the grand statement made by bigger gems, others prefer a more subtle approach. Also, it is possible to go for a number of smaller gems rather than one large one.

The important thing is that you are happy with the results of your purchase. After all, it is you who will be wearing the item and so it is imperative that it brings a smile to your face and makes you glow with pride.

So, to peruse our fine selection of items and see whether or not we have the ideal offering for you, just take a look around our website. You can hone in on particular products, such as larger diamonds, thanks to our category differentiation system. This can make your quest to find the ideal ring much easier.

Round Brilliant Diamonds are Perfect for Engagement Rings

admin — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 09:55:43 +0000

If you are seeking to get the perfect diamond engagement rings, whether you are choosing the item with your partner or are buying it as a surprise, you no doubt want to get the very best around. After all, these precious objects are the symbol of your love for one another and are intended to last for a lifetime. The great news is, there are many different versions for you to peruse, meaning you should not struggle to find the ideal one for you.

Here at Marlows Certified Diamonds, we stock a plethora of diamond rings and among the most popular are round brilliants. As their name suggests, these items are particularly renowned for their gleaming beauty and it is no surprise they are such a hit among consumers across the world.

Among the great examples of such diamonds are those held in our four claw tiffany settings. For example, you can purchase versions that have been turned 45 degrees so that the claws match the points of the compass. This look may well appeal to you and it has the added advantage of elongating the finger, adding elegance and class.

If you do opt to get diamond engagement rings featuring round brilliants, you are joining a great tradition. Indeed, the majority of diamonds found in engagement rings are of this particular kind. Of course, they are also popular in earrings, pendants and so on.

According to many sources, round brilliants account for over three-quarters of diamonds sold today, meaning you are by no means the only one to favour this intricate, sparkling design.

Gems of this nature feature 58 facets, or aspects. On the upper part of the stones, also known as the crown, these consist of one table facet, eight bezel facets, 8 star facets and 16 upper girdle facets, making a total of 33. Meanwhile, on the underside of the gems, also known as the pavilion, there are 16 lower girdle facets, eight pavilion main facets and one cutlet.

The early modern Tolkowsky brilliant cut was officially recognised when Marcel Tolkowsky published a book entitled Diamond Design in 1919. This tome described the best proportions for round brilliants and included details such as how to achieve the best balance of returned light and dispersion.

However, the type of round brilliant you see on today’s diamond rings differ from this model in a number of ways. For example, in today’s round cuts, the table size range is bigger and the lower girdle facets are considerably deeper.

Meanwhile, one of the reasons why round brilliants tend to be more expensive than other cuts, apart from the laws of supply and demand, stems from the fact that more of the mass of rough diamonds tends to be lost when shaping them compared with many other gems.

Of course, there are many other diamond cuts to choose from when you are seeking the ideal piece of jewellery, but like many people, you may well opt for round brilliants. There is something truly magical about them.