Diamond Candles: Updated Review Series and US/CAN Giveaway!~ 7/21

Momma Told Me: To create a hit, combine 2 awesome things into 1 new one- If this fails, at least you can sell them separately!

Have you ever stayed up late watching QVC or cheesy infomercials, with some stuffy lady in a Chanel suit telling you how you should feel about objects such as porcelain ponies and pasta boats? Now and then, as a child, I'd wake up in the wee hours of the morning to find my mother unable to sleep (thanks to pop's snoring) and mocking 3am advertising. I learned from her to be cynical of marketing ploys and that while something may sound great in theory, the key was actually executing it successfully. Momma's formula for success was to 'bundle' as she called it already successful innovations and objects under the guise of calling it something new. An example would be throwing a designer clutch into a designer handbag and calling it a 'Convertible Handbag System', or bridging a Pumice Stone and Lotion Stick for a 'Hydrating Buffer'. Worst case scenario, if the marketing doesn't pan out the individual items will still sell just as good on their own!

So every great product has some sort of feature, once you discover it, there's no turning back. I though I'd seen virtually every type of candle made. There are different colors, different waxes, tarts, votives, pillars, lanterns, electric, scented, color changing, wood wick, slow burning, floating, and more candles. So why on Earth did it take so many commercial years for someone to come up with the concept to put 2 of Woman's favorite gifts together? That's right ladies, DIAMONDS and CANDLES, and soy candles in Glass Pillars at that! If you have never heard of this newly begun company it's much to late to close the browser. Consider this the beginning of a very passionate addiction with some of the most sought after candles in the nation. Run by 3 co-owners (2 of which a married couple) this ingenious business plan centers on the concept of providing uniformly high quality 21 oz Glass Pillar Soy Based Candles with a hidden ring worth $10, $100, $1000, or more- in every jar!

Before you raise a skeptical eyebrow and call me crazy (I assure you I had a similar reaction at first), just ask 1 of the 21,000+ Facebook fans the brand has amassed since it's birth in January of 2011! And if you think 'real' diamonds are a long shot, you might want to browse the hundreds of customer submitted images with stunning REAL rings ranging from precious metals and CZ to REAL Diamonds. Of course some of the rings are worth just $10, but a quality Natural Soy Candle of this size will easily run you the asking price of $24.95+, so you truly have nothing to lose. And no matter, real or not, it's sure to be a wonderful treat unwrapping your very own ring. It's like Cracker Jacks for adults!

I received a 21oz White Chocolate Diamond Candle for review here on Momma Told Me (last Fall) and could not wait to testify either way. Right off the bat I was impressed with the sheer size and presentation of these beautiful Glass Pillar Soy Candles. Each pillar had it's own cap for re-sealing and extended use, with the designated 'diamond' spot peering from a gemstone like clearing in the wax 3 inches down. I was glad to see the ring wasn't all the way at the bottom because candles this size can have over 50 hours of burn time and I am NOT patient. Luckily, the soy way is smooth burning, and the sweet aroma reminded me of freshly baked blondies (or cupcakes). It's important to trim the wick as instructed, for an even burn, never burning for more than 4 hours at a time. I'm always awful about this part of candle maintenance, and it can come in hand when trying to burn down to the ring.

Once the wax has cooled, and the foil wrapper revealed you may pry the ring away from the jar's wall and unwrap it. The actual foil cocoon is affixed to the wall of the pillar with a dollop of sticky glue. This cleans out of the glass, once the candle is fully burned, so the owner may reuse the pillar. Inside the very slippery (wax covered) foil is a small baggie with a lovely ring inside. Sizes vary, and my only suggestion is to possibly offer a choice of ring sizing for a few dollars more (if desired). Once again, it's the novelty of enjoying a high quality candle and the bonus of having a possibly genuine ring inside that you pay for- not a jewelers experience. If you desire to sell or swap your rings there is a (non affiliated) group on Facebook where Diamond Candles fans interact. In either case I must say my ring is absolutely stunning (though a tad too small for me, perfect to pass on or collect).

It glistens beautifully in the sunlight, and is marked inside with a location and is identified as gold plated. I've seen many gorgeous rings on the Facebook wall, of all shapes, colors, and sizes, and have already ordered many candles since. (That's pretty high praise from me). My most recent purchase (from their Summer inspired collection; Tropical Retreat, Midnight Kiss, Pomegranate Lemonade, and Hawaiian Coconut), Tropical Retreat is a lovely shade of teal with a blend of banana, orange, coconut, and grapefruit. I let the other half pick this scent out (my compromise, as I got the candle AND the ring out of the deal). I have to say, this is one of the most natural fragrances yet! It burned beautifully, and I was thrilled to uncover my SZ9, marked, ring with Pink hued gemstone. While this particular ring is not a $5000 find, I've had many rings over $100 in value, and am happy to report this beauty isn't tarnishing through wear.

If you're a fan of candles, and crave the Diamond Candles experience, but are sensitive to fragrances the company thoughtfully offers and Unscented, white, variety. Soy candles are incredibly smooth burning, and easy on allergies, though the fragrances can be very strong and long lingering. Diamond Candles has experienced immense success since their launch late last year, and promise new fragrance blends, and seasonal collections will be coming soon. You may be lucky enough to score a daily deal on various (Groupon like) sites, here and there, but these are well worth their asking price at $25. Be sure to order your favorite fragrances when you see them, because they sell out fast!

What Daughter Says: Diamond Candles receives two enthusiastic thumbs up from me- I'm hooked!

Watch my Revealing and Reaction Video!

One lucky Momma Told Me follower will win a Diamond Candle Collection (5 Diamond Candles) of Choice!

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**Please Note: This giveaway is not sponsored by, or in any way associated with Diamond Candles. Product for the initial review was provided gratis, in exchange for the initial post. Supplemental reviews have been based on products purchased subsequently.