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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.
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Posted on: December 6th, 2011
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!
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Posted on: October 27th, 2011
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.
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Posted on: October 17th, 2011
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.
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Posted on: October 12th, 2011
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.
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Posted on: October 7th, 2011
If you are in the process of selecting diamond rings, either for yourself or for your other half, you might be feeling a little overwhelmed by the options available to you. After all, if you come to firms like us here at Marlows Certified Diamonds, there is a plethora of products to choose from and this can be somewhat daunting.
Many of the products have the classic one-diamond look. This is hugely popular for diamond engagement rings and so on and this is no surprise. Such products can have a classy appearance and, by selecting your setting carefully, you can really show off diamonds to their full potential in this way.
However, if you are after something with a little extra bling, you might want to consider getting rings with multiple diamonds. Such items tend to get plenty of attention and they can look gorgeous too.
After all, as they say, diamonds are a girl’s best friend – so why stop at one?
By perusing our collection, you should be able to find the ideal items for you. Among the options open to you is our gorgeous five-stone diamond ring. This beautiful peace can be worn as either an engagement or eternity ring and you are guaranteed to get plenty of sparkle with all these gleaming gems. The precious stones are round brilliants and they are all equal in size. Meanwhile, they are mounted in a unique setting that enables them to sit flush against each other.
These items are the epitome of luxury and indulgence and may look perfect on your hand or that of your partner.
Meanwhile, if five stones is not enough for you, there is our seven-stone half-eternity ring. This gives the appearance of a full eternity ring because of its superb spread across the finger. While seven diamonds may sound like a lot, the product is perfectly balanced and manages to combine exuberance with elegance and style.
Of course, this is not where our list of products ends. There is also a fabulous trilogy ring for you to take a look at. As its name suggests, this contains three gems and they are all round brilliants. Each is mounted on a contemporary four-claw setting and this helps to give a beautiful and continuous show of diamond.
And, maintaining the use of larger diamonds, there is our wonderful four-stone offering.
On the other hand, if you want multi-stone diamond rings that are a little out of the ordinary, you can opt for fantastic versions that feature a scattering of gems that cascade across the finger, all set in flowing bands.
As you can see, whether you are looking for diamond engagement rings or anything else, there are many different items to choose from. The important thing is to take your time and not to rush the process. As long as you consider the different options long and hard, you are bound to be thrilled with the results, whether you end up with a multi-stone product or something else entirely.
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Posted on: September 23rd, 2011
Weddings are all about harmony. When the bride and groom exchange wedding rings, they are declaring their love for and commitment to one another and are promising to spend the rest of their lives together. In order for such unions to last, it is vital that the pair are well matched.
If you are planning your wedding, you no doubt want every aspect of the event to run smoothly. After all, in many ways the celebration is the first step on the path of your new lives together and so it is vital that the occasion goes according to plan and is memorable for all the right reasons.
However, among the frenetic activity involved in organising nuptial unions like this, it is important you do not neglect the issue of choosing superb rings. After all, these are the physical symbol of your love for each other, so it is vital they look the part. Also, bear in mind the fact that you may well be wearing the items for the rest of your lives, so it is important you are enamoured with them.
One issue to take into account is the harmony between your wedding and diamond engagement rings. It is vital these pieces of jewellery do not clash, otherwise the overall effect could be ruined.
Thankfully, it is now easy to ensure that the items you buy match perfectly. Here at Marlows Certified Diamonds we understand the need to achieve balance between the pieces and to ensure that they complement one another.
Our extensive selection of wedding bands can help you find the perfect one to go with your existing ring. For instance, you can make sure that the metals you choose are complementary, as well as the designs and the settings.
All too often, couples neglect the significance of the bands they exchange when they walk down the aisle and many come to regret this afterwards. So, whatever you do, make sure you peruse the full selection before making a decision. After all, you will have to live with the choice for a long time to come and so it is important that you get it right.
Whether you opt for white gold, platinum, gold engagement rings or any other type of product is of course entirely up to you. But by taking the time to find a product that goes well with your engagement band, you can enhance the overall effect considerably.
Meanwhile, for the ultimate in harmony, you and your other half can also opt for special ‘his and hers’ sets, meaning yours and your partners’ rings go perfectly together. This is the perfect symbol of your devotion. These sets do not necessarily include two rings that are identical except in size. Indeed, it is common for the groom’s band to be plainer than the bride’s.
Whatever you are seeking in terms of wedding bands, you have come to the right place. We should have exactly what you are looking for and we cater to a range of budgets too.
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Posted on: September 6th, 2011
Diamonds are the epitome of love and devotion. They’ve been used for centuries as a way to show true commitment to loved ones and are a staple of any engagement ring, but they can just as readily be seen in other styles of ring to show continuing devotion to the other person. With so many options to choose from there’s bound to be one that will take your breath away, but if you really want to make an impression then you could always go about it slightly differently. Bespoke diamond rings, designed and created by you, could be the perfect solution, letting you go the extra mile to really show how you feel.
By creating your own ring you’re in complete control of everything from the style and colour of the band to the cut and clarity of the diamond itself, and this way you get to make sure you’re giving something that your partner will adore. If you know her tastes and preferences you can tailor your design accordingly, ensuring you’re presenting her with something that can’t fail to impress. The extra effort involved is bound to be appreciated, and there’s always something a little bit special to making and designing things yourself.
There are plenty of factors you need to think about when designing your ring, such as does she like simple and neat styles or all-out bling? Is she a silver or gold wearer? Does she have a preferred cut of diamond? The occasion will also determine the style and type of ring that you go for, with diamond engagement rings having an intrinsically different design to eternity rings, for example. All of these questions and many more besides will need to be answered before you can be confident in your decision, but with so many potential designs available you’re bound to create something truly exceptional.
It needn’t be that difficult to design your perfect ring either. All it takes is a combination of stunning loose diamonds and a choice of bands and settings in which to put them, and when you’re free to choose your stones according to their cut, clarity, colour and carat you’re bound to find something that suits your needs and budget. Then all it takes is a little imagination – do you want a single-stone or multi-stone design? What about stones being set in the band? Do you want to offset the diamond with other types of stone? The choices are endless, but when you can create something this special you’re sure to be happy with the result.
Designing your own diamond ring really can be a great way to show your true commitment to the other person. You’re creating something totally unique that will stand the test of time, and with the right stones and settings you can’t fail to make an impression. Get in touch today if you’d like to see a selection of loose stones or to see what they can be transformed into, and then all you have to do is decide on the perfect design.
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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: August 9th, 2011
When purchasing your ring, you may consider the style of the ring and the colour, but what many people fail to consider is the clarity of the diamond.
What is Clarity and Why is it Important?
Clarity ultimately determines how well your diamond rings capture the light; therefore, diamonds with a higher clarity grade are often more valued. So the fewer cracks a diamond has then the higher the price. So for a truly flawless diamond engagement ring or eternity ring, you should opt for a diamond which is IF (Internally Flawless) graded.
How Does a Diamond Get its Clarity?
When the diamond is forming its internal features start to develop to create inclusions; therefore, enclosed minerals are incorporated into the stone and this can produce non-crystallised carbon or fractures. Inclusions allow scientists to identify how the stone was formed, and diamonds with visual imperfections, such as scratches or blemishes are often at the lower end of the clarity grade scale. If a diamond has many characteristics then they are usually ranked as a low clarity stone.
If quality is important to you, then you most likely want to have the finest diamond stone on the market. So it is vital that you carefully consider which clarity grade is best for your diamond jewellery before you make a decision on your ring.
The Diamond Specialist
Here at Marlows we are leading diamond specialists who can offer our customers a variety of diamond jewellery products for a range of prices. We offer loose diamonds, diamond rings, diamond earrings and other diamond products in a variety of clarities, so you are sure to find the perfect item for your needs on our website.
Whether you are asking for your partners hand in marriage, are looking to purchasing a stunning jewellery item for that special someone or are proving your commitment with an eternity ring, you will be spoilt for choice when you browse our extensive array of products.
Certified Diamonds
We are a leading diamond jewellery retailer and are passionate about our products, which is why all our items listed on our website are exceptionally stunning. We only supply certified diamonds, and we will provide you with a certificate by an independent laboratory which guarantees the quality and characteristics of your new diamond. So you can rest assured that your diamonds are GIA (Gem Institute of America) approved.
You can also choose to purchase loose diamonds in a variety of clarities, which you can then choose to incorporate into a jewellery piece when you have found the perfect setting.
As well as clarity, you should also be sure to learn more about the colour, carat and cut of a diamond and further information regarding these features can be found on our website.
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