For over three generations we've been sourcing and supplying the world's leading diamonds to our discerning and loyal clientele. It is with our commitment and passion for the industry we are spearheading the way to promote and supply the world's best diamonds.
We hold one of the largest stock ranges of natural and lab grown diamonds and diamond jewellery in the UK, with each diamond being certified by the world's leading laboratories and as such, each diamond comes with its own diamond grading certificate for peace of mind. We pride ourselves on selling the most stunning range of diamonds and diamond jewellery at the lowest prices.
For over three generations, we've been helping countless happy customers express love and commitment and we believe in quality and commitment as much as you do. So we have created a complete buying guide to give you the clarity and confidence in purchasing your diamond ring. This guide gives you all you need to know when buying a diamond ring.
The guide includes understanding the 4Cs (this defines a diamond's quality), exploring popular ring styles and settings, and learning about the different precious metal types, helping you make an informed decision that reflects both your personal style and your budget.
A diamond ring is one of life's most meaningful purchases, whether you're choosing an engagement ring, marking a personal milestone or investing in a piece to treasure forever. For centuries, the brilliance of a well-cut diamond has symbolized love, commitment and enduring beauty. With so many choices available, from classic solitaires to contemporary halo designs, navigating the world of diamond rings can feel overwhelming.
At Marlow's Diamonds , we believe choosing a diamond should be an exciting and enjoyable journey. By the end of this guide, you'll feel confident selecting a diamond ring you and your family will cherish for generations to come.
The 4Cs: Carat, Colour, Clarity and Cut are the internationally recognised standards used to assess and grade diamonds. Understanding how each of these factors affects a diamond's appearance, quality and value helps you make confident, informed decisions. While all four Cs play an important role, their relative importance varies from person to person. Some buyers are drawn to size, whilst others to colour or clarity. The key is finding the right balance to suit your personal preferences, lifestyle and budget.
Carat refers to a diamond's weight, with one carat equal to 200 milligrams. While carat weight influences a diamond's overall size and presence, it is not the only factor in how large a diamond appears. Cut quality and proportions play a significant role.A well-cut 0.90-carat diamond can often appear larger and more brilliant than a poorly cut 1.00-carat stone.
When budgeting for a diamond ring, it's worth noting that diamond prices increase significantly at certain carat milestones. Choosing just below these thresholds, such as 0.90ct instead of 1.00ct, can offer excellent value with little visible difference in size.
A diamond's colour is graded on a scale of 23 shades, with D being completely colourless and Z showing light yellow or brown tones. Diamonds in the D–F range are considered the most colourless and rare.Fancy coloured diamonds, such as pinks, blues and yellows, offer a distinctive alternative and are prized for their rarity and individuality. These colours range from faint to fancy vivid depending on intensity of the colour.
Clarity refers to a diamond's natural 'inclusions.' Natural diamonds are created by extreme heat and pressure deep within the earth, millions, even billions, of years ago. This organic process means that just about all diamonds contain inclusions such as traces of minerals or uncrystallised carbon. Diamonds with fewer inclusions have a higher clarity, ranging from the very rare 'FL' (flawless internally and externally) to 'I' (where inclusions may be visible to the naked eye
Many diamonds fall within the VS and SI ranges, offering beautiful brilliance and excellent value. Most inclusions are microscopic and do not affect a diamond's beauty or durability. A knowledgeable jeweller can help you select an "eye-clean" diamond, one that appears flawless to the naked eye, regardless of its clarity grade.
| Clarity Grade | Description | What This Means for You |
|---|---|---|
| FL – Flawless | No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10× magnification | Exceptionally rare and prestigious, but not visually different from slightly lower grades to the naked eye |
| IF – Internally Flawless | No internal inclusions; only minute surface marks under 10× magnification | Extremely rare and beautiful, often chosen for investment or statement pieces |
| VVS1 – VVS2 | Very, very small inclusions that are extremely difficult to see under magnification | Appear flawless to the naked eye and offer exceptional quality |
| VS1 – VS2 | Very small inclusions visible under magnification but not to the naked eye | Excellent balance of beauty and value; a popular choice |
| SI1 – SI2 | Small inclusions visible under magnification and sometimes faintly to the naked eye | Great value options, especially when carefully selected by an expert jeweller |
| I1 – I3 | Inclusions visible to the naked eye | More affordable, though inclusions may affect appearance and brilliance |
Cut is often regarded as the most influential of the 4Cs when it comes to a diamond's brilliance. Rather than referring to the diamond's shape, such as round, oval, or princess, cut describes how well the diamond has been proportioned, polished, and finished. A well-cut diamond allows light to enter, reflect internally from facet to facet, and return through the top of the stone, creating exceptional sparkle and fire.
While the 4Cs define a diamond's quality and value, another important factor to consider is your diamond's shape. Shape refers to the outline of the diamond when viewed from above and plays a significant role in the overall look and personality of a ring. Unlike the 4Cs, which are graded scientifically, shape is entirely a matter of personal preference.
There are many diamond shapes to choose from, each offering a distinct aesthetic:
Different diamond shapes can flatter different hand and finger types. Elongated shapes such as oval, pear, marquise, and emerald cuts tend to create the illusion of longer, slimmer fingers. Round and cushion cuts offer a balanced, classic look that suits most hands, while square shapes like princess and Asscher cuts can feel bold and contemporary. Ring setting, finger length, and even hand size all influence how a diamond shape appears once worn, which is why trying on different styles can be so helpful.
Ultimately, there is no right or wrong diamond shape. Some are drawn to the classic and timeless brilliance of a round diamond, while others prefer the individuality of a fancy shape. What matters most is choosing a shape that reflects your personal style and feels right for you. At Marlow's we guide you through the options, helping you visualise how different shapes will look on your hand, ensuring your final choice feels both beautiful and meaningful.
Engagement rings are among the most iconic diamond rings, symbolising a promise of marriage and lifelong commitment. Traditionally designed with a prominent centre diamond, engagement rings may feature a single stone or be enhanced with smaller diamonds in halo or shoulder settings. When choosing an engagement ring, it's important to consider your partner's lifestyle and personal style. Those with active lifestyles may prefer a low-profile setting for everyday comfort, while lovers of glamour may be drawn to more intricate settings. There is a style to suit everyone!
Solitaire rings are the ultimate classic, featuring a single diamond set in a simple, elegant mount that allows the stone to take centre stage. Their enduring popularity lies in their understated beauty and timeless appeal, showcasing the diamond's brilliance without distraction. Solitaire designs are ideal for engagement rings and are equally suited to those who favour a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
Halo engagement rings feature a circle of smaller diamonds surrounding the centre stone, enhancing its sparkle and creating the illusion of a larger diamond. This design delivers exceptional brilliance and is perfect for those who love glamour. Double halo designs add even more impact, making a bold statement while maximising shine.
Also known as trilogy or past, present and future rings, three-stone designs feature a central diamond, usually by two smaller stones. Rich in symbolism, this style represents a couple's journey together and offers both meaning and visual balance. Three-stone rings have strong presence while remaining elegant and harmonious in design.
intage-inspired diamond rings are ideal for those drawn to romance, heritage, and craftsmanship. These designs often feature intricate details such as milgrain edging, filigree work, and distinctive geometric patterns. Art Deco styles, influenced by the 1920s and 1930s, are characterised by clean lines, bold symmetry, and striking shapes, offering a refined yet distinctive aesthetic. These styles celebrate traditional jewellery-making techniques while standing apart from contemporary designs, making them perfect for those who appreciate individuality and timeless artistry. Pavé and Channel Settings Pavé settings feature small diamonds set closely together along the band, creating continuous sparkle and a beautifully radiant finish. Channel settings, by contrast, secure diamonds within a groove in the band, offering a sleek, flush appearance that is both elegant and practical for everyday wear. Both pavé and channel-set designs are popular choices for wedding bands, fashion rings, and as accents on engagement rings, delivering brilliance without overpowering the overall design.
here are many different types of diamond rings to choose from, understanding the key styles can help focus your search and make the selection process far more enjoyable. Whether you're celebrating a life milestone or simply drawn to the beauty of fine jewellery, each type of diamond ring carries its own meaning and character.
Diamond wedding rings are exchanged during the marriage ceremony (usually purchased together after your engagement) and are usually worn alongside your engagement ring. When searching for diamond wedding rings in UK couples trust, it's important to find a style that complements your engagement ring perfectly. Again, there's a style to suit everyone, whether that be plain or with smaller diamonds set across the top of the band. Some couples choose matching wedding bands as a symbol of unity, while others opt for complementary or contrasting designs that reflect their individual personalities.
Diamond rings are not reserved solely for engagements and weddings. Fashion diamond rings, often referred to as cocktail or statement rings, are designed to be worn for their beauty, creativity and personal expression. Popular designs may feature bold settings, distinctive diamond cuts or gemstones. Cocktail rings such as the three stone and five stone have since become popular over the last few years. Cocktail rings make meaningful gifts for birthdays, personal achievements or simply as a luxurious treat for yourself.
Anniversary diamond rings celebrate important milestones in a relationship and are often chosen to mark years spent together. They may enhance an existing engagement and wedding set or stand alone as a meaningful piece in their own right. Eternity rings, set with diamonds around the entire band or across the top, are especially popular anniversary gifts, symbolising everlasting love and commitment.
The metal you choose for your diamond ring plays an important role in its overall appearance, durability, and long-term wear. Beyond influencing how bright and sparkly your diamond looks, the right metal also affects maintenance, longevity and how the ring complements your skin tone and lifestyle.
Platinum is widely regarded as the most prestigious metal for diamond rings, prized for its exceptional durability, natural white lustre, and enduring strength. Platinum is an excellent choice for those with active lifestyles, whilst it also typically sits at a mid-range price point, positioned between 9ct and 18ct gold.
Gold remains one of the most versatile and popular choices for diamond rings, available in yellow, white and rose gold. Each variation offers a distinct look and pairs beautifully with different skin tones, styles, and diamond characteristics.
Yellow gold diamond rings offer a timeless warmth that flatters warmer skin tones. Yellow gold can also make diamonds with slightly lower colour grades (G–J) appear whiter by contrast, making it an excellent option for maximising beauty and value.
White gold diamond rings provide a similar aesthetic to platinum. Though this plating may need occasional reapplication over time, especially for rings worn daily. It has a bright, reflective finish that highlights a diamond's whiteness.
Rose gold diamond rings are loved for their romantic, vintage-inspired appeal. The soft blush tone is created using a copper alloy, which gives rose gold its distinctive colour and excellent durability. Universally flattering, rose gold complements all skin tones and has become a popular choice for engagement rings and fashion jewellery alike.
Gold is available in different purities, measured in carats. 18ct gold (75% pure gold) offers an ideal balance of richness, strength, and longevity, making it a popular choice for fine jewellery. 9ct gold (37.5% pure gold) provides greater durability at a lower price point, making it well suited to everyday wear while remaining beautifully crafted.
With the right care, a diamond ring will remain bright and beautiful for generations to come. While diamonds are among the hardest natural materials on Earth, everyday wear can place stress on the ring's setting over time. Proper care helps protect both the diamond and the craftsmanship that holds it securely in place.
Remove your diamond ring during activities that could expose it to impact, harsh chemicals, or unnecessary wear. This includes household cleaning, gardening, swimming in chlorinated water, or applying lotions, perfumes and cosmetics. Although diamonds are extremely durable, a sharp knock at the wrong angle can cause damage and chemicals may dull or tarnish precious metal settings.
When not being worn, store your diamond ring separately to prevent scratching. A fabric-lined jewellery box with individual compartments is ideal, or keep the ring in its original presentation box for added protection.
Regular cleaning helps maintain your diamond's sparkle and brilliance. For simple at-home care, soak your ring once a week in warm water with a small amount of mild washing-up liquid for 20 to 30 minutes.
Gently brush around the stone and setting with a soft toothbrush to remove oils and dirt, then rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth or paper towel.
To ensure your diamond ring remains secure and in excellent condition, we recommend professional inspection and cleaning at least once a year.
At Marlow's Diamonds, our team is happy to clean your ring, check the security of the setting and assess any signs of wear. Regular maintenance helps protect your investment and gives you complete peace of mind.
Protecting your diamond ring is an essential part of ownership. We strongly recommend insuring your ring against loss, theft, and accidental damage and keeping all important documentation, including diamond certificates, purchase receipts, and appraisals, stored securely.
Photographing your ring from multiple angles can also be helpful for insurance purposes, and appraisals should be updated every few years to reflect changes in value. At Marlow's Diamonds, we are happy to advise on trusted jewellery insurance providers to help give you complete peace of mind.
Buying from an established and trusted jeweller offers many advantages. Reputable jewellers provide certified diamonds, complete documentation and guarantees of authenticity, alongside expert guidance throughout the selection process.
When you buy GIA certified diamond rings online, you gain the assurance of internationally recognised quality standards and transparent grading. Aftercare services such as resizing, repairs, and professional maintenance are also an important part of the experience.
Marlow's Diamonds brings together three generations of expertise, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Our extensive collection of diamond rings caters to every style, occasion, and budget, from classic engagement rings to modern pavé wedding bands.
Each diamond we offer is ethically sourced and independently certified, ensuring both beauty and peace of mind. We are proud to hold the largest selections of natural and lab-grown diamonds in the UK, alongside a wide range of diamond mounts and fine jewellery.
When you choose to buy GIA certified diamond rings online from us, you benefit from our rigorous quality standards and comprehensive certification process.
Most importantly, we offer a truly personal experience. You can view and try rings in person, speak directly with experienced professionals and be involved in every step of the process.
With decades of trust behind us, we are committed to making buying a diamond ring not only safe and transparent but enjoyable and memorable.
There is no fixed rule when it comes to budgeting for a diamond engagement ring. While the traditional "two months' salary" guideline is often mentioned, the most important consideration is choosing a ring that feels meaningful and comfortable for you.
Engagement rings can range from around £1,000 to £10,000 or more, depending on size, quality, and design. Focus on finding a ring that symbolises your relationship rather than adhering to arbitrary spending rules, as there are beautiful diamond rings available at every price point.
The round brilliant cut remains the most popular diamond shape in the UK, accounting for around 60% of engagement rings due to its exceptional sparkle and timeless appeal.
That said, oval and emerald cuts are also increasingly popular, each offering a distinctive look. Ultimately, the best diamond shape is the one you love most. Trends change, but personal preference lasts forever.
Yes, diamond rings are designed to be worn daily, provided they are well made and properly cared for. However, it is advisable to remove your ring during activities that could cause damage, such as heavy lifting, sports, or working with machinery.
With proper care and regular maintenance, a quality diamond ring can be enjoyed every day for decades.
The most reliable way to confirm a diamond's authenticity is through professional certification. Certified diamonds come with documentation from recognised gemmological laboratories detailing the stone's characteristics.
While some at-home tests exist, these are not definitive. For complete confidence, always rely on certification and expert verification from a trusted jeweller.
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, sharing the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds. The difference lies in how they are formed.
Natural diamonds develop over billions of years beneath the Earth's surface, while lab-grown diamonds are created above ground using advanced technology that replicates natural conditions.
Lab-grown diamonds typically cost around 60–70% less than natural diamonds of equivalent quality. Choosing between the two often comes down to preference, such as tradition, rarity, sustainability, and budget.
Traditionally, women's diamond rings tend to feature slimmer bands and more prominent centre stones, while men's rings often have broader bands with subtler diamond detailing.However, these are only general guidelines. The most important factor is personal style. The best ring is one that the wearer truly loves, regardless of gender.
Yes, upgrading a diamond ring is very common. Many people choose to enhance their ring by upgrading the diamond or setting to mark significant milestones such as anniversaries. Some jewellers offer upgrade or trade-in programmes, so it's worth discussing future options at the time of purchase to understand what may be available later on.
Some jewellers offer upgrade or trade-in programmes, so it's worth discussing future options at the time of purchase to understand what may be available later on.
