The I&R Journal
Welcome to the Ingle & Rhode Journal! Here you'll find expert advice on a range of key issues related to choosing engagement rings and wedding rings, as well as company news, and our views on some of the big issues in our industry.
Latest Articles
The buyers' guide to round brilliant cut diamonds
Round brilliant cut diamonds are renowned for their unparalleled sparkle, making them the most popular cut used in diamond engagement rings today. Developed by Marcel Tolkowsky in 1919, the proportions, angles, and alignment of the round brilliant's facets are designed to optimise the reflection and refraction of light. In this comprehensive buyers' guide, we set out […]David RhodeThe buyers’ guide to Asscher cut diamonds
Welcome to the definitive buyers’ guide to Asscher cut diamonds. As one of the most sophisticated diamond shapes, the Asscher cut embodies a rich history and distinct geometric appeal that has made it a sought-after choice among diamond connoisseurs and vintage enthusiasts alike. Rooted in the early 20th century and reflecting the artistic elements of […]Tim IngleThe buyers' guide to marquise cut diamonds
Marquise cut diamonds, with their rich history rooted in the French royal court, are a testament to timeless romance and sophistication. Known for its elongated form with pointed ends, the marquise cut offers the impression of a larger size than its carat weight might suggest and a silhouette that can elongate and flatter the finger. […]Tim IngleFinalists in the 2023 Professional Jeweller’s Awards!
We are thrilled to announce that Ingle & Rhode was named a finalist in the 2023 Professional Jeweller’s shortlist for the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Business of the Year Award. This remarkable recognition reflects our steadfast commitment to ethical practices and sustainable initiatives in the jewellery industry. We have always believed in crafting exquisite jewellery […]Bianca Utihata
Diamonds
Read our expert advice on the key things to consider when searching for your perfect diamond.
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The 4Cs of diamonds
Choosing a diamond isn’t a simple decision, and to get it right you'll need to understand the 4Cs of diamonds...Tim IngleA guide to lab grown diamonds
Scientists first started to produce real diamonds in laboratories in the 1950s, but these were too small to be used in jewellery. As manufacturing methods improved, lab grown diamonds started to be produced in volume for industrial purposes. Still, it was not until the 1990s that larger, gem-quality crystals began to be produced. However, for […]Tim IngleDiamond certification
What is a certified diamond? If a diamond has been independently graded by a gemological laboratory and supplied with a report detailing the size and quality of the diamond, it is termed a certificated or certified diamond. Diamond certification is widely available for diamonds above 0.3ct. To cover the cost of certification, and because certification […]David Rhode7 steps to buying the perfect diamond
The options can seem overwhelming, but you don't have to be a professional jeweller to buy the perfect diamond! Here are the key steps for you to follow to help you on your diamond-buying journey! 1. Set a budget Before shopping for a diamond, you should always have a budget in mind. If you choose a […]David Rhode
Gems
Articles on precious coloured gemstones exploring the characteristics, properties, histories and meanings of different gemstone varieties.
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A guide to ethical gemstones
Beautiful, colourful, precious gemstones. But what exactly are they, where do they come from, what do you need to consider when buying one, and how should you look after them? Read on to learn all about these wonderful prized jewels.David RhodeA guide to birthstones
Birthstones are gemstones that are associated with a particular month of the year and which some people believe have special properties that benefit the wearer. The tradition of birthstones dates back to ancient times, and different cultures have associated different gemstones with different months.Tim IngleRuby: the July birthstone
The gorgeous red ruby is the birthstone of July, and a form of corundum, making it a hard wearing gemstone and an ideal choice for an engagement ring. Indeed, until the 1940s, ruby engagement rings were favoured over diamonds.David RhodeSapphire: the September birthstone
In recent years, we’ve seen an increasing number of customers choosing sapphire engagement rings, a trend which accelerated after Prince William proposed to the Princess of Wales in 2011 with the sapphire ring he inherited from his mother, Princess Diana.David RhodeEmerald: the May birthstone
Every month of the year has its own birthstone, and for those lucky enough to have been born in May, their birthstone is the gorgeous green emerald.Tim IngleCubic zirconia vs diamond
Learn about the differences between cubic zirconia vs diamond, and discover the allure and characteristics of these stunning gemstones as we explore their unique properties. What is cubic zirconia? Cubic zirconia is classified as a diamond simulant, which is a stone that looks similar to a diamond but is made of a different material. Composed […]David Rhode
Metals
Learn all about difference precious metals, and the key issues to consider when choosing the right one for you.
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Platinum vs gold rings
Fine jewellery is typically crafted from either gold or platinum. But what are the differences between platinum vs gold, and which is the right choice for your engagement ring and wedding ring?David RhodeWhy choose Fairtrade Gold?
Buying Fairtrade gold is the best way to help small-scale miners to receive a fair deal for their hard work, protect the environment and make life better for themselves and their communities. Globally, there are fifteen million small-scale gold miners and a further hundred million people who depend on them for survival. These miners account for 10-15% of global […]Tim IngleWhat is rose gold?
Rose gold was first used in the early 19th century by Carl Fabergé in his famous Fabergé Eggs, but it only really started to gain popularity in engagement rings and wedding rings from the 1920s onwards. In recent years, we've witnessed renewed demand for rose gold engagement rings and wedding rings, with growing numbers of […]Tim Ingle7 differences between white gold and platinum
Clients often ask us, "what's the difference between white gold and platinum?" These two metals are superficially quite similar, but there are a few key differences, which we've summarised below. 1. Colour Platinum is a naturally white metal with a faint grey hint to it. Gold is a yellow metal, but when alloyed with silver […]David Rhode
Rings
Read our guidance on some of the key issues for you to think about if you're thinking about purchasing an engagement ring or wedding ring.
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How much to spend on an engagement ring
One of the most common questions people ask when buying an engagement ring is how much to spend. You may be familiar with the one-month rule or maybe even the three-month rule. However, we know that these "rules" are not the best advice for everyone. This article explores how much to spend on an engagement […]David RhodeChoosing the right ring size
Before you purchase an engagement ring, wedding ring or eternity ring, you'll need to decide on the size you want. Your ring should be snug enough that it will not come off your finger inadvertently but not so tight as to be uncomfortable. But choosing the right ring size isn't always easy. For most people, there are several ring sizes between uncomfortably tight at one extreme and obviously too loose at the other. This means that there is some degree of subjectivity to the question of what is the right size. Some people simply like to wear rings tighter than others. For this reason, your jeweller can advise you, but ultimately only you can say what size feels best.David RhodeHow to choose an engagement ring
The choices and options can seem overwhelming if you're considering buying an engagement ring. Since 2007, Ingle & Rhode has helped thousands of customers on this journey, so we've produced a detailed guide to help you get it right.David RhodeWhich finger are engagement rings and wedding rings worn on?
Traditionally, in the UK, an engagement ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand, and this is commonly called the “ring finger”...David Rhode2017 Fairtrade Gold Design Awards: the winner's story
A guest post from Angela Gillies, the winner of the 2017 Fairtrade Gold Design AwardsTim Ingle
Buying guides
Read our Buying Guides to help steer you through all of the big jewellery purchasing decisions!
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The 4Cs of diamonds
Choosing a diamond isn’t a simple decision, and to get it right you'll need to understand the 4Cs of diamonds...Tim IngleA guide to lab grown diamonds
Scientists first started to produce real diamonds in laboratories in the 1950s, but these were too small to be used in jewellery. As manufacturing methods improved, lab grown diamonds started to be produced in volume for industrial purposes. Still, it was not until the 1990s that larger, gem-quality crystals began to be produced. However, for […]Tim IngleHow to choose an engagement ring
The choices and options can seem overwhelming if you're considering buying an engagement ring. Since 2007, Ingle & Rhode has helped thousands of customers on this journey, so we've produced a detailed guide to help you get it right.David Rhode7 differences between white gold and platinum
Clients often ask us, "what's the difference between white gold and platinum?" These two metals are superficially quite similar, but there are a few key differences, which we've summarised below. 1. Colour Platinum is a naturally white metal with a faint grey hint to it. Gold is a yellow metal, but when alloyed with silver […]David Rhode
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