The Perfect Yellow or White Gold Engagement Ring

Posted on:  March 3rd, 2010

Traditionally, a gold engagement and wedding ring would have been the only choice for the fiance but nowadays many people are opting for white gold wedding or engagement rings. However, you may be surprised to know that yellow gold wedding rings are still the most popular choice for newlyweds.

The colours of the wedding rings differ due to the use of alloys used within them; yellow gold wedding rings combines alloy metals, e.g. zinc and copper with pure gold whereas white gold is a combination of white metals e.g. palladium or silver with a gold alloy. White gold wedding rings can then be coated with rhodium which can take some maintenance as the rhodium can wear away with time, which is why you need to guarantee a high quality wedding ring and be sure that the company you are purchasing the ring from provide a re-plating service.

You will also need to decide on the carat of your wedding ring and this is normally around 18 carats in both yellow and white gold wedding bands. Pure gold has a 24 carat measurement but no jewellery is made from this as it is too delicate. There is also the question of the thickness of the band and this will all depend on you and your partner’s desires. Men generally have a slightly thicker wedding ring than their wives but it is all a question of taste. Equally, it is becoming increasingly popular for newlyweds to add a touch of sparkle to their wedding rings with diamonds encrusted into the band to create a beautiful diamond wedding ring. Here at Marlows Certified Diamonds we offer you whichever wedding or engagement rings you desire and all of the highest quality.

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How To Buy Perfectly Matching Wedding Rings

Posted on:  February 22nd, 2010

If you and your partner have decided on matching wedding rings it can be an exciting process to find a style that both of you love.  However, there can also be challenges and sometimes the process of searching for perfect wedding rings may take a little longer.

The first stage is to look at the styles and metals that you both favour.  If you are choosing matching wedding rings, they don’t have to be complete replicas of each other.  They can be complementary to each other or use a common source for design inspiration.  For example, Celtic wedding rings may be similar in style, but can look very different.

The different lifestyles of a couple can be taken into account.  For example, if one of you works a lot with your hands then a 14 carat gold band will provide a strong ring.  Maybe scattered gemstones can be used for the other ring, if the other person’s work is less likely to be demanding on their jewellery.  If you need an exceptionally durable ring, tungsten is a good choice.  There is a wealth of styles and designs, so a bit of research can be a fun activity.  Finding rings that you both like should be pleasurable and remembering this can help significantly when choosing the design for your rings.

Think about your budget as this will often influence the choice of wedding rings.  If you decide this at the outset you can avoid any possible disappointment.

At Marlows we can help you to find the dream design for your wedding rings.

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The Beauty Of Matching Wedding Rings

Posted on:  February 19th, 2010

When a couple come together and decide they want to get married, a wonderful way of symbolising this commitment to each other is to buy matching wedding rings.

The custom of exchanging wedding rings to celebrate commitment in marriage can be traced back in history.  Within some of the ancient civilisations, the act of exchanging rings was believed to reflect eternity as the circle is a constant shape with no starting point and no end.  The Egyptians are recorded as exchanging rings as early as 2800 BC.  The Romans carried the tradition forward and it was adopted by many more cultures.  Wedding rings became the international and cross-cultural sign of betrothal and marriage.

Wearing matching wedding rings makes the symbolism even deeper.  The act of taking a ring design and creating matching rings reinforces the symbol of togetherness and eternal love.

Sharing matching rings is a splendid choice, but it can create some challenges.  Couples may agree on most things, but they may have contradictory opinions in relation to jewellery.  There can also be practical issues associated with the size and shape of the rings.  Due to different lifestyles and professions, the style of ring may have to be changed.  What may be a good choice for one person may not be practical for the other.  However, there is a wide range of wedding rings out there and there is strong chance you will find one style that suits.

At Marlows we have a fabulous choice of wedding rings and engagement rings.

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Understanding The Symbolism Of Celtic Wedding Rings

Posted on:  February 4th, 2010

If you are looking for wedding rings steeped in traditional symbolism to bring that extra level of meaning and sentimentality to your special day, you can’t go wrong with a Celtic design.  These highly symbolic rings can be chosen to reflect the special elements of any relationship.  There is no book out there that sets out what each design means; this leaves couples with the freedom to interpret the designs in their own way and pick one that resonates with them.

It could be that smooth and simple designs reflect the harmony and togetherness of a couple.  A more angular and rigid pattern using squares may bring to mind the stable foundations of a marriage.  The overall symbolic meaning of Celtic rings is thought to represent the integration of two lives into a one entity.  The intertwining of the metal symbolises this essential unity.  The patterns are continuous around the band of the ring and therefore can be seen to represent the constancy of love.  This is like the concept of the eternity ring.

All these possible interpretations are suited to glorifying the beauty and romance of a marriage.  This is regardless of whether a couple feels a connection with the Celtic past or simply feels an affinity to the symbolism.

The pattern covers the entire ring which can make them difficult to repair, but people take such good care of these Celtic wedding rings that this should never pose a problem.

At Marlows we offer a stunning range of wedding rings and engagement rings.

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Finding The Perfect Celtic Design For Wedding Rings – Part 2

Posted on:  February 3rd, 2010

Celtic wedding rings are a popular choice due to their cultural resonance and rich symbolism.  When choosing a Celtic ring design, there are certain elements that need to be considered.  The first is the type of knot.  The most popular choice is a sculpted ring, but for a more elaborate look etchings can be made.  The weave thickness varies according to whether the ring is being made for a man or woman, but can also be changed if that is your preference.  In addition to the knot design and pattern, you also need to decide on what gemstone you would like to use and the type of metal.

Gemstones

Most Celtic wedding rings do not feature gemstones as heavily as some other wedding ring designs.  However, gemstones can be built in to the design and diamonds are a popular choice.  Other jewels are also popular.  Due to the connection to Ireland emeralds are often chosen, but sapphires and rubies are also frequent choices.  Smaller gemstones can be set along the pattern of the ring or a single gemstone may be used as a focal point.

Metals

Of all the metals, yellow gold is still the most popular choice for wedding rings.  However, in Celtic designs silver is also used a great deal due to its flexibility.  White gold and platinum are also becoming popular choices.  The harder metals of titanium and tungsten can be challenging to mould into the intricate designs of Celtic rings.

At Marlows we have a wide range of wedding rings and engagement rings to choose from.

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Finding The Perfect Celtic Design For Wedding Rings – Part 1

Posted on:  February 2nd, 2010

The variety of Celtic designs for wedding rings is extremely broad.  For a really subtle look, there are designs of strand woven in a delicate and simple pattern.  For a more elaborate and eye-catching look there are designs based on intricate filigree patterns, with each layer having a degree of significance.

When choosing a Celtic design for your wedding rings you need to make decisions on three areas – the type of Celtic knot you would like, the types of gemstones you would like to use and the type of metals that will make up the ring.

Knots

There are a multitude of designs and variations on the Celtic knot.  There are flowing, smooth braids on the one hand and angular, rigid designs on the other.  Although you may find that a jeweller has labelled a Celtic ring with a specific meaning, there is no recognised directory that defines what each Celtic design means.  This leaves interpretation open to the couple who can choose a design that they feel best reflects their relationship and personalities.

A custom design can even create one-off knots which include the couple initials, names or dates.  Symbols such as hearts, snakes, vines, leaves, circles and serpents can all be interwoven into the design to add further meaning.

Patterns can be included in the design for Celtic wedding rings in a number of ways.  For simpler designs individual strands of metal can be woven together to make the ring.  At Marlows we are experts in jewellery for weddings and engagements.

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The Symbolic Choice – Celtic Wedding Rings

Posted on:  February 1st, 2010

Many couples will choose wedding rings that reflect attributes of their relationship, and some of the most symbolic designs are those of Celtic wedding rings. They may be chosen by a couple who want to celebrate their ancestral past, their personal beliefs or indeed their unique relationship. Whichever of these reasons apply, Celtic wedding rings are a beautiful choice.

The origins

The Celtic designs originate from an ancient civilisation. The Celts could be found throughout the British Isles and also across central and northern Europe. Slowly the extent of the Celtic territories decreased, until most Celtic jewellery was found in Scotland, Britain and Ireland. The Celts had a reputation of being warriors, but they were also a very spiritual culture who developed beautiful poetry and art. This innate spiritualism and creativity was expressed within the Celtic designs, which are full of beautiful symbolism. This symbolism attracts many couples to these special designs when searching for wedding rings.

The designs

There are many varieties of Celtic ring design. You can find simple strands that are woven delicately to elaborate filigree patterns, which are layered in symbolism and meaning. The standard designs originate from three main elements – the knot chosen, the types of gemstone used and the metals chosen to make the ring.

Symbolism

There is no main reference manual to refer to for Celtic jewellery patterns, but there is much symbolism that can be interpreted by the soon to be married couple and Celtic wedding rings are a wonderful choice.

At Marlows, we have a stunning range of wedding rings available, including Celtic designs.

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Who Choose Platinum Wedding Rings?

Posted on:  January 28th, 2010

Platinum wedding rings are growing in popularity and are taking over from the more traditional gold wedding band for many reasons. This stunning choice of metal is durable, distinctive and elegant and you will find an excellent choice of wedding rings for both men and women.

Why choose platinum?

If gold wedding rings have been the main choice for so many generations why should you change to platinum now?  This metal is a rarer choice than gold being mined mainly in South Africa and Russia; gold on the other hand is found in many areas.  The rarity of platinum makes it a desirable choice for many and it can symbolise to many that rare relationship of two people who are deeply bonded and in love.  If you like to have unique and distinct things then again platinum is a good choice.

Durability

Platinum is not only exclusive, it also has a great durability that gold does not possess.  This is true of both white and yellow gold as well as many other metals available.  However platinum can still scratch and it is essential to care for platinum wedding rings carefully and to remove them whenever there is an opportunity for damage to occur – for example if you are cleaning the house, working in the garden or doing sport.  When it comes to tarnishing, however, platinum is superior and is therefore well suited to men’s wedding rings as there is less need to carry out excessive maintenance and care.

At Marlows we have a great selection of wedding rings in a range of metals and designs.

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Letting Family And Friends Know About A Long Engagement

Posted on:  December 25th, 2009

If you are planning to have a long engagement, you often need to approach it in a different way to manage the feelings of other people around you who may be expecting you to marry within the traditional twelve month period.

If you find that your friends and family aren’t so sure about the plans to marry after a longer period, you can use an engagement party to convince your social circle.  It is also gives brides-to-be a chance to show off engagement rings and allows you to formally celebrate your new status.  Be honest about your reasons for a long engagement and be prepared to talk about how you feel a long engagement will benefit you as a couple.

Your relationship will change and develop over time so hold back from choosing people as part of the bridal party or promising people critical roles as you may change your mind during the engagement period.
In certain circumstances having a long engagement period is an advantage and will help to give you time to plan the wedding and reception.

These days you often have to book a wedding far in advance.  However, also bear in mind that you may want to change your plans during the engagement period and that you have ample time to research options and make the right decisions for you whether choosing a venue or looking at wedding rings.

At Marlows we have an exquisite collection of wedding rings in-store and on our website. We also have a large variety of diamond engagement rings for you to choose from, individually or as a couple. Also, our range of jewellery is also available if you’d like to celebrate your engagement in a more unique way.

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Beauty is in the eye of the beholder

Posted on:  October 30th, 2009

Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. Some find beauty in the hustle and bustle of city life, while some find the most amazing beauty in nature. We at Marlows Certified Diamonds fall just in-between both categories. The nature we see beauty in is the earth’s formation of a diamond, and craft the raw material into something elegant and stunning for everyday life.

We’re diamond specialists at Marlows. If you’re looking for diamond engagement rings, diamond earrings or just a plain loose diamond; we have a broad selection of jewellery, diamonds and rings for you to browse at our store and website.

Diamond jewellery is mystical in its own right, capturing not just your imagination, but the very essence of your heart and soul. The gift of a diamond or diamond jewellery is a thoughtful and loving one to give to somebody special. If you really want to connect with a loved one, then what better way to connect than the beauty of nature, refined for a beautiful person?

You be the judge.

From its rawest forms extracted from the ground, to our most tastefully processed diamonds and diamond jewellery, whether it be a diamond necklace, pendant, wedding ring or simply just a cuff-link, our collection of stylish diamond jewellery is bound to leave you mesmerised.

Here at Marlows, we are known for our services to offer inclusivity and we strive to make what you may have thought of as your impossibility, a possibility.

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