DIAMOND

What is a Diamond?

Diamond is a colourless exceptionally hard mineral made up of pure carbon. Diamond is formed at great depth in the earth (between 150-300km below the surface) at great temperatures and pressures. By a type of volcanic eruption, diamond is pushed up through volcanic pipes of diamond bearing rock, this rock is known as kimberlite.

Diamonds are mined in many countries, the top five producers being: Australia, Russia, South Africa, Zaire and Botswana. Diamonds can also be coloured, such as blue, pink, green, orange and yellow. These are called fancy diamonds. The colouring of the diamond is produced by certain elements which mix with the carbon to create the colour. An example of this is a blue diamond which is coloured by the element Boron.
Naturally coloured diamonds can be more expensive than colourless diamonds due partly to rarity.

What are Conflict Diamonds?

Conflict diamonds, also known as Blood diamonds, are those diamonds that originate from areas where forces are opposed to legitimate and recognised governments. The diamonds are sold on the black market and the monies used to fund war and conflict. Thankfully, only 0.2% of diamonds account for conflict diamonds, but this is still 0.2% too much. We at Marlows diamonds guarantee that our diamonds are 'conflict-free' by purchasing our diamonds from legitimate sources with written guarantees.

What is a Diamond Engagement Ring?

The tradition of Diamond Engagement rings dates back centuries and is an indication that a woman is to be married. It represents a formal agreement to future marriage and is worn on the third finger of the left hand.
Designs of diamond engagement rings have varied greatly over the years. The current fashion for a diamond engagement ring is to use a single diamond and mount the stone in a precious metal, namely platinum or gold. Others diamond designs that have been popular over the years are, diamond cluster rings, three stone diamond rings and coloured stone and diamond rings.