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We’ve teamed up with Klarna to provide flexible payment options, allowing you to shop the way you want. With Klarna, you can split your payment into 3 instalments or choose to pay later, making your shopping experience smoother and more convenient. Your order total must be between £100 and £499 to qualify.
We’ve teamed up with Klarna to provide flexible payment options, allowing you to shop the way you want. With Klarna, you can split your payment into 3 instalments or choose to pay later, making your shopping experience smoother and more convenient. Your order total must be between £100 and £499 to qualify.
May 22, 2020 | by Admin
It is law within the UK that every item of precious metal sold such as Platinum, Gold, Silver is stamped labelling the item with the type of metal it is. Platinum pieces which weigh less than 0.5 grams, 18ct Gold and Palladium pieces weighing less than 1.0 gram and Silver pieces weighing less than 7.78 grams are except from hallmark.
At Diamonds Factory all our products are hallmarked as per UK hallmarking law from London Assay Office (The GoldSmith Company)
The Goldsmiths' Company Assay Office is the oldest assay office in the United Kingdom. It has provided hallmarking services since The Goldsmiths' Company was founded in the 1300s. The company received its royal charter in 1327 and ranks 5th in order of precedence of the 12 Great Livery Companies of the City of London.
Hallmarking dates back to the 1300s when Edward I of England passed a law requiring any item made of silver, which was offered for sale, to be at least of equal quality as that of the coin of the realm (silver currency). The wardens of The Goldsmiths' Company were tasked with visiting workshops in the City of London to assay (test) silver articles. If these articles were found to be below standard they were originally destroyed and the metal forfeited to the King. If they passed, each article received the King's mark of authentication - the mark of a leopard's head. By 1478, there were several hundred workshops and merchants manufacturing silver articles in the City of London. It was not possible for the wardens to visit them all so the merchants were ordered to bring their items to Goldsmiths' Hall for testing and marking and a permanent Assay Office was established in the building. This is the origin of the term hallmark - struck with the King's mark at Goldsmiths' Hall.
In 1544 the Goldsmith's Company adopted the King's mark as their town mark and the mark of the leopard's head is now internationally recognised as the mark of this assay office.
The Goldsmiths's Company Assay Office is still based at Goldsmiths's Hall and remains the oldest company in Britain to be continually trading from the same site. However, it also has two satellite offices; at Greville Street in Hatton Garden in the heart of the London jewellery quarter and within a high security complex near London's Heathrow airport. It now has a new off-site facility within the Dalston-based jewellery manufacturer, Allied Gold. This is the first time in the Assay Office's 700 year history that it has opened permanent hallmarking services on a customer's premises.
In addition to hallmarking, the office has now expanded its range of services to support the jewellery trade and enforcement authorities. It offers a variety of specialist analytical services including nickel, lead & cadmium testing, antique silver dating, non-destructive compositional analysis, plating thickness measurement and a melt and assay service for scrap precious metal carried out in their fully independent on-site laboratory. Other services offered are a jewellery valuation service, laser marking, trading standards assistance, high quality photography and a comprehensive range of training and educational seminars, lectures and specialist events.
Ready to propose? There can be nothing more exciting and sometimes agonising, than searching for the perfect engagement ring cut. Unlike the round cut, some diamond shapes tend to go in and out of fashion. But did you know, there is more meaning to the diamond shape you choose? Read on to discover more about engagement ring shapes and cut’s meanings.
1. Round Cut
Round cut diamonds are arguably the most popular diamond shape for engagement rings. They produce plenty of sparkle and tend to be the most expensive diamond shape. This is because a lot of the diamond has to be cut away to achieve the right amount of fire and brilliance. The round shape diamond represents everlasting love and tends to be favoured by those with a relaxed outlook on life.
Celebrities with round cut engagement rings
Mila Kunis, Miranda Kerr and Brooke Shields.
2. Princess Cut
Princess cut diamonds are square-shaped, with clean lines that give them a contemporary appearance. This cut is ideal for those who love modern styles without compromising on sparkle. The attention-grabbing cut tends to be favoured by those who have bold, outgoing personalities.
Celebrities with princess cut engagement rings
Hilary Duff, Kate Bosworth and Sarah Michelle Gellar.
3. Emerald Cut
Emerald cut diamonds are elongated and feature step-cut facets for a sleek and contemporary appearance. This signature cut is said to symbolise clarity within a relationship and a loving, open heart. Those who choose this diamond shape tend to be confident, straightforward and sophisticated. Emerald cut engagement rings are seen as very fashionable - particularly popular in recent years.
Celebrities with emerald cut engagement rings
Beyoncé, Serena Williams and Amal Clooney.
4. Oval Cut
Oval cut diamonds are perfect for those who like the versatility of the round shape but prefer something a little more creative. The oval shape symbolises stability and faithfulness in a relationship. Oval diamond engagement rings are great for those who wish for a classic and elegant finish with a touch of creativity. Along with the emerald cut, oval-shaped diamonds have become increasingly popular in recent years. Those who are drawn to this diamond cut tend to have a creative spirit and a vibrant, unique personality.
Celebrities with oval cut engagement rings
Hailey Bieber, Kirsten Dunst and Blake Lively.
5. Pear Cut
Pear cut diamonds have the appearance of a teardrop - thought to symbolise tears of joy in a relationship. This unique diamond shape tends to be loved by those who aren’t afraid to show their individuality. It is also considered the most romantic diamond shape of them all. Those who are attracted to pear cut engagement rings tend to be devoted, adaptable and adventurous individuals.
Celebrities with pear cut engagement rings
Anna Kournikova, Katherine Heigl and Jessica Simpson.
6. Cushion Cut
Cushion cut diamonds are feminine and fashionable. They are square-shaped with beautifully curved corners and brilliant facets. Perfect for those who are looking for a soft, trendy finish that packs plenty of sparkle. Synonymous with royalty, the cushion-cut diamond perfectly blends tradition, romance and elegance - making it the ideal centrepiece for an engagement ring. Those who love this cut are known for their elegant and independent personality.
Celebrities with cushion cut engagement rings
Karlie Kloss, Kim Kardashian and Jessica Biel.
7. Radiant Cut
Radiant cut diamonds have 70 light-reflecting facets that create a substantial amount of sparkle. As one of the lesser-known diamond shapes, radiant cut diamonds are perfect for those looking for something a little more unusual. People who prefer radiant cut engagement rings tend to have outgoing and energetic personalities to match the vibrancy of the stone.
Celebrities with radiant cut engagement rings
Lea Michele, Jennifer Aniston and Drew Barrymore.
8. Marquise Cut
Marquise cut diamonds are opulent and unique. Their elongated shape provides the illusion of a larger diamond. This diamond cut originates back in the 18th century when King Louis XV of France enlisted a jeweller to create a diamond shape that resembled his mistress’ lips. This distinct shape is still associated with royalty today. People who opt for a marquise cut engagement ring are thought to be flashy and flamboyant and aren't afraid to show their status or wealth - much like the royals who created it.
Celebrities who have worn marquise cut engagement rings
Christina Milian, Catherine Zeta Jones and Ashlee Simpson.
9. Asscher Cut
Asscher cut diamonds have a unique, vintage-style appearance. It was designed originally for King Edward VII by Joseph Asscher - which is where it received its name. This antique style cut has an old-world sophistication and is a square-shaped stone made up of step-cut faceting - perfect for those searching for vintage engagement rings. Asscher cut engagement rings tend to be favoured by those who love drama, old-school glamour and antiques.
Celebrities who have worn asscher cut engagement rings
Gwyneth Paltrow, Pippa Middleton and Jessica Alba.
10. Heart Ring Cut
Heart cut diamonds are the ultimate symbol of love and romance. The shape borders on the fantasy, fairytale element of love, therefore, those who choose it tend to be creative dreamers. Maybe a little Cliché for some, but those who love the idea of a heart-shaped engagement ring tend to be playful, fun and imaginative with larger-than-life personalities.
Celebrities who have worn heart cut engagement rings
Lady Gaga, Gwen Stefani and Nicki Minaj.
Have an idea of the perfect cut for your engagement ring? Shop our range of engagement rings online, or head to our engagement ring guide to learn more.