IGI Natural Diamond Certificate: What It Is and How to Verify It
- July 24, 2026
You’ve found a diamond you love, and the seller hands you a certificate from IGI. Before you commit thousands of pounds, you want to know what that paperwork actually proves. An igi natural diamond certificate confirms a diamond’s identity through independent laboratory analysis, covering carat weight, cut, colour, clarity, and whether the stone is natural […]
Ethical Lab Diamonds: Definition, UK Prices & Where To Buy
- December 28, 2025
Ethical lab diamonds are diamonds created in a laboratory rather than mined from the earth. They share the same chemical composition, hardness, and sparkle as natural diamonds. What makes them ethical is their transparent origin and significantly lower environmental impact. You know exactly where they came from and can verify the production practices used to […]
What Is a Channel Setting? Pros, Cons & Vs. Pavé Setting
- May 19, 2026
A channel setting holds diamonds or gemstones between two parallel strips of metal, with no prongs or claws visible between each stone. It creates a smooth, sleek line of brilliance that sits flush against the band, a look you’ll often see on engagement rings and wedding bands alike. At A Star Diamonds, our goldsmiths in […]
Best Places to Propose in London: Iconic, Private & Secluded
- November 13, 2025
You’ve found the person; now you need the place. London is bursting with options — from skyline rooftops to secret gardens — and that abundance can make the choice feel daunting. Do you go iconic or intimate? How do you dodge crowds, catch the best light, or handle opening hours and photography without tipping them […]
13 Best Engagement Proposal Ideas (Romantic to Bold, UK)
- November 19, 2025
You’ve bought the ring (or you’re about to). You know you want to marry them. But now you need to plan the actual proposal. Should it be grand or intimate? Public or private? You want something memorable that captures who you are as a couple, but scrolling through endless Pinterest boards and Instagram reels hasn’t […]
3 Diamond Engagement Rings: Meaning, Styles & Prices
- September 3, 2026
If you’ve started browsing rings, you’ve probably noticed 3 diamond engagement rings popping up more than any other style right now. There’s a reason for that. The three-stone design carries genuine meaning, sits at a range of price points, and looks just as striking with a simple band as it does with a halo setting. […]
How Ring Resizing Works: Methods, Limits, And What To Expect
- February 25, 2026
A ring that once fit perfectly can feel too tight after years of wear, or perhaps that inherited piece needs adjusting before it becomes yours. Understanding how ring resizing works helps you make informed decisions about altering precious jewellery, and knowing the process beforehand removes much of the uncertainty around what happens to your ring […]
8 Best Unusual Men’s Wedding Bands: Styles & Prices
- September 8, 2026
Plain gold bands have their place, but plenty of grooms want something that actually reflects who they are. If you’re scrolling through the same six designs on every jeweller’s website and feeling nothing, you’re not alone. Finding mens wedding bands unusual enough to stand out takes more digging than most people expect, especially when you […]
Oval Natural Diamond Engagement Ring: What To Know Before You Buy
- July 13, 2026
An oval natural diamond engagement ring looks deceptively simple in photos, then behaves completely differently once it’s on a finger under real light. Ovals stretch a diamond’s face-up size, flatter almost every hand, and avoid the sharp corners that make pear and marquise shapes chip-prone. But that elongated shape hides real pitfalls: bow-tie shadowing, inconsistent […]
Natural Diamond Price Per Carat: UK Costs & 2026 Benchmarks
- February 18, 2026
Understanding the natural diamond price per carat is essential when you’re planning one of life’s most meaningful purchases. Whether you’re budgeting for an engagement ring or simply comparing your options, knowing what drives these prices helps you make confident, informed decisions. Diamond pricing isn’t straightforward, a 1-carat stone can range from under £1,500 to well […]