Price match guarantee
For orders up to $2,000 you can use Afterpay’s payment option. Through AfterPay, your purchase will be split into 4 payments, payable every 2 weeks with absolutely no interest or extra fees
STEP 1:
At check-out, select the Afterpay payment option. You will be directed to AfterPay’s website to confirm the option. Afterpay will confirm your eligibility through a soft credit check which does not affect your credit score. There is no need for card details to complete the order.
STEP 2:
The agreed payment period starts once we ship your order. This means you have 30 days after shipment to complete your payment.
STEP 3:
Once you’re ready, proceed to extra-secure payment on ClearPay’s app or website, and use either credit or debit card.
If you’re not entirely happy with your purchase, you can return it for a full refund or exchange within 30 days of receipt. Once we receive your purchase, we shall cancel your flexible payment option with ClearPay, and you will be refunded any amount that you have already paid.
For any queries about Afterpay, including payments, declined orders, or queries about your Afterpay account, please visit the contact us section on the Afterpay website.
12th February 2024 | by Admin
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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.
Choosing an alternative gemstone for your engagement ring
While diamonds have long been a traditional choice for engagement rings, the allure of alternative gemstones is growing every day. This is hardly surprising: choosing an alternative gemstone for your engagement ring allows you to step outside the conventional and embrace a piece of jewellery that's truly unique. It offers ample more opportunities for creativity, as you have the ability to select a gemstone that resonates with your personal story.
Alternative gems offer many more benefits than just their unique beauty in colour: they also often come with a more accessible price point and ethical sourcing options in comparison to traditionally-mined diamonds. But what are the best alternative stones for engagement rings? And what factors contribute to a ‘good’ gemstone?
Here’s how to decide which alternative engagement ring stones are best for your engagement ring.
Why consider an alternative to diamonds?
Opting for an alternative to diamonds can be driven by several factors. Some seek a gemstone that reflects their personal style or the unique nature of their relationship. Others might prioritise ethical considerations or look for more budget-friendly options without compromising on beauty and quality. Additionally, alternative gemstones provide an opportunity to own a piece that stands out from the traditional diamond engagement ring, making it a more personalised and meaningful symbol of love.
Popular diamond alternatives
Venture beyond the traditional with these alternative gemstones for engagement rings:
Rubies
It’s impossible to talk about the best alternative stones for engagement rings without mentioning rubies. This gemstone, known for its deep red colour, symbolises passion and romance. They are incredibly durable, making them an excellent choice for everyday wear. Simply put, a ruby engagement ring is a timeless choice that exudes elegance and a deep sense of love.
Emeralds
Emeralds are prized for their rich green hue, reminiscent of renewal and growth. This gorgeous gemstone adds a touch of sophistication and is perfect for those who value rarity and uniqueness in their jewellery.
Sapphires
As well as its famous blue colour, sapphires are also available in pink, yellow and other hues. They represent loyalty and truth, making them a meaningful choice for an engagement ring. Their hardness is second only to diamonds, ensuring durability in everyday wear.
Amethysts
Amethysts, with their stunning purple colour, symbolise peace and tranquillity. As an alternative engagement ring stone, they offer a unique and contemporary look, ideal for those who prefer a less traditional style.
Garnet
Garnet, known for its rich red and sometimes vibrant green colours, represents commitment and enduring love. It’s an excellent choice for someone seeking a unique yet timeless piece.
Moissanite
The stunning moissanite is a brilliant, diamond-like stone known for its sparkle. It's a fantastic choice for those who love the diamond look but prefer a more affordable and sustainable option.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamond engagement rings offer the beauty of traditional diamonds but with a more sustainable and generally more affordable approach. They are perfect for those who love the classic look of diamonds but are conscious of their environmental and ethical impact.
How to choose the right gemstone for your engagement ring
When choosing the best alternative stone for your engagement ring, consider:
Finding your perfect gemstone
Choosing alternative engagement ring stones opens up a world of possibilities. Whether you’re drawn to the passionate red of rubies, the tranquil purple of amethysts or the ethical appeal of lab-grown diamonds, there’s a unique gemstone that perfectly captures your personal style and the essence of your relationship.
At Diamonds Factory, we provide a wide array of beautifully crafted rings with various gemstones to suit every preference, ensuring your engagement ring is as unique as your love story. Explore our diverse collection of exquisite engagement rings at Diamonds Factory.