Birmingham, West Midlands -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/28/2010 -- Leading certified diamond specialist Marlows are calling for more to do be done internationally about the spread of the diamond simulate known as Moissanite, after helping out a customer at their store recently who had been duped into buying the Russian-made fakes.

The customer had entered Marlows recently to match up an earring he had lost that he had bought for his wife as a pair. As his wife was Russian, and in a gesture of his love to her, he travelled to the East to buy her the earrings and was told they were real diamonds - paying diamond prices or their purchase.

Marlows discovered upon closer inspection that they actually weren't diamonds, but a cheaply made replica called 'Moissanite'. Ironically invented in Russia, they are a laboratory-made replica and almost impossible to tell apart from genuine diamonds as they share the same characteristics, acting very much like a real diamond. Marlows were able to help the gentleman, however, and recreated a new pair of earrings for him using real diamonds.

"This case was very upsetting for the gentleman involved as he had travelled to Russia out of love for his wife, and a genuine desire to buy her the best diamond earrings he could find for her," says Carol Marlow of Marlows Certified Diamonds. "Unfortunately the general public aren't very aware of Moissanite, and exactly how closely it can resemble a genuine diamond. People need to double check and make sure they go to reputable jewellers when purchasing diamonds to make sure they are the real deal and not these cheap forgeries."

To find out more about Marlows and their wide range of certified diamonds, please visit http://www.marlowscertifieddiamonds.co.uk or call 0121 236 4415.

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Birmingham, West Midlands -- (SBWIRE) -- 02/11/2010 -- Marlows Certified Diamonds, a leading diamond rings specialist based in Birmingham's historic Jewellery Quarter, has announced that they have frozen VAT at 15% on all their product prices until Valentine's Day 2010, rather than enforce the 2.5% increase.

Following what was a very busy Christmas and New Year period for the company, Marlows decided to maintain VAT at 15% on all prices, extending the offer until the middle of February. This means that their customers can still benefit from the lower prices in the run up to Valentine's Day, taking advantage of the offer if they are looking to make a romantic gesture on February 14th.

"Our business deals with the most precious stones and the most personal of gifts but our policy is also never to be beaten on price," commented Carol Marlow. "Having enjoyed very successful sales over the Christmas and New Year period, we have decided to maintain our current prices up until Valentine's Day which allows our customers to take advantage of the lower VAT rate and get better value for money. So if they are looking to make a special purchase - such as custom engagement rings for example, then there is no better time."

Marlows is a family run business and has been trading in the Jewellery Quarter for three generations. As one of the country's leading certified diamond specialists, the company sources diamonds from across the world, stocking a wide range of diamond jewellery but aiming to offer them at just a fraction of the cost of other diamond dealers. From diamond earrings to engagement and wedding rings, Marlows Diamonds offer both bespoke services and an extensive range of jewellery to suit all tastes and styles.

For more details about Marlows Diamonds and their wide range of diamond products, please visit the website at http://www.marlowscertifieddiamonds.co.uk or call 0121 236 4415.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm