It’s sometimes intriguing to think why women are so in love with diamonds. While men often swoon over their new lawnmower, some women just want to know where their next diamond is going to come from. We at Avita believe that diamonds are the best; they sparkle, are long lasting, and often very symbolic. More often than not, they are bought to celebrate a unique moment in someone’s life, and the lives of people that they love the most.

However, whilst many people enjoy wearing them, there’s a lot more interesting facts about diamonds people don’t know. So, here at Avita we’ve put together some of the most interesting facts you probably didn’t know together. Enjoy!

• In ancient times, it was believed by Greeks that diamonds were tears of the Gods. Although Romans thought them to be shards of stars which had fallen from the sky.
• Historically it was believed that the diamonds worn by Kings would protect its wearer during battle.
• The token of giving a diamond ring dates back to the 15th Century. This was when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gifted Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring in order to celebrate their engagement.
• It is only diamond that can cut another diamond. Also it is only diamond power that can successfully polish another diamond.
• Interestingly, green diamonds are made that colour due to radiation in the earth.
• Diamonds can explode past boiling point as they are in fact heat conductors.
• A diamond ring is placed on the fourth finger on the left hand due to it having a ‘vein of love’. This vein runs from the finger directly to the heart.
• The very first diamond was used to polish axes.
• For decades, seeds of the carob tree were used for weighing diamonds. It is from this that we now have the word “carat”.
• Size does matter in the world of diamonds. A single, two-carat diamond is always worth a lot more than two, single-carat diamonds.

Take a look at our very own selection of diamonds. We can even cater for your own style with a ‘design your own ring’ option. That way you can customise your ring and include your favourite diamond, band and design. Contact us today for more details.

An Eternity Ring is most commonly worn by women, although some men use them as engagement rings or wedding bands. The majority of people think of Eternity Rings as the ultimate gifts given by a spouse or partner, marking and celebrating an important occasion within the relationship. This could be a wedding anniversary, a birth of a baby or even a birthday.

Every Eternity Ring is circular shape. This is because it symbolises a lasting love and everything it is to endure. However, due to their diamond encrusted bands eternity rings are one of the most difficult to make; certainly being the fine works of skilled craftsmen.

How is an eternity ring different to any other ring?

The band of an Eternity Ring is usually made of gold or platinum and the traditional elements are the diamonds or gems around it. Some couples decide on “half” eternity rings, which generally only have diamonds along the top of the band. However, most people do decide on full eternity rings as they are seen as more beautiful and ‘full’ of diamonds. Of course, this makes them look more glamorous, giving a poignant moment in a relationship the attention it deserves.

What is the history?

The symbol was a powerful one during Old Egyptian Hieroglyphics, which represented eternity. When the symbol of a ring and union was first thought of, the Egyptians invented the wedding as a way of representing the union between two people.

Since then, archaeologists have uncovered simple carved bones in ancient Egyptian tombs which acted as a ring. These rings eventually inspired the meaning of an eternity ring as they had the same carvings and gems encrusted.

What does the name symbolise?

The word eternity connects with the word eternal, which is how the modern eternity ring has been identified. However, some people call Eternity Rings ‘Infinity’ Rings, but this term isn’t as popular and much less known.

When to gift an Eternity Ring

We at Avita Jewellery advise you gift your partner an eternity ring during a special moment of your relationship. It should mean something to both you and your partner, whilst capturing your love and commitment to one another.

If you are thinking of gifting your partner with an Eternity Ring why not take a look at our beautiful collection on our website? You can also contact us today to book an appointment to discuss your personal taste and requirements.

While we at Avita are mostly concerned with wedding and engagement rings, we enjoy and appreciate what other jewellers are doing in the world of wedding jewellery, always eager to stay at the helm of the wedding industry. Having spoken to many brides over the course of the past few months, we have noticed some emerging trends; some that we love and some that are fabulously bizarre!  

The forehead band 

Made famous by the Boho bride, it seems the forehead band is back on trend, with brides working with all sorts of styles expected to walk the isle with a headdress. This dramatic style that rests closer to the hairline than the traditional headband is a huge key signifier, being a common look on the runways of 2017 Bridal Fashion Week.  

The Choker  

As well as being a popular item sold in the high street, chokers are also making their way to the weddings of 2017, with various wedding magazines picturing brides in lace, feather and even chain versions. As an eye-catching alternative to the humble necklace, many dress designers and incorporating a choker as part of the design.  

Hoop earrings 

Though a surprising trend, it appears that hoop earrings are also set to be worn during this year's wedding season, with thin, small hoops providing a delicate contrast to big dresses and bold make-up. Providing a double dose of personality, it is safe to say that hoops are not expected on a bride; just another example of how brides are tearing up the rulebook this year.  

Statement earrings  

In addition to hoops, we are also seeing a lot of statement earrings, with longer versions that dangle down to the shoulder coming up a lot in industry magazines and on runways. As a great way to accessorise an A-line gown, this is a trend that we at Avita are thoroughly enjoying!  

Cocktail ring  

Costume rings are often avoided by brides, not wanting anything to outshine or upstage their engagement or wedding ring. However, the brides of this season are a lot more daring, deciding to wear larger costumer rings on their right hand. Deviating the eye away from the ring finger, this particular trend is not ideal (in our opinion).  

Let us know what you think, will you be wearing any of the above items on your big day? 

Here at Avita Jewellery, we are passionate about offering a bespoke service to our customers,  understanding how important and poignant searching for that all-important engagement ring is. Taking time to get to know our customers, nothing excites us more than learning of a man's plans to get down on one knee. Eager to help make popping the question a truly unique experience, we are huge advocates of customised engagement rings, thrilled to offer a 'design your own' service through this very website.  

Undecided on whether or not you wish to go bespoke? Here are a few reasons that may sway you. 

Add extra element of surprise  

While getting hitched seems like 'the thing to do' when you have been dating for a few years, it is the man's job to ensure the proposal is nothing but special, not just the next phase of the relationship. This can be achieved by ensuring the ring takes centre stage during this unforgettable moment. By designing the ring yourself, you will only enhance the surprise, making your proposal memorable for all the right reasons.  

Budget  

Though tradition says that men should save around three months of wages to spend on the engagement ring, times have changed, with more focus placed on the sentiment and the ring itself. If you have a budget in mind, then designing your own ring may be a great option for you, allowing you to pick and choose which elements you want and which you don't. Keeping your budget in mind through every stage, you can select a band, stone and style that bets reflects your partner's style.  

Show that you know her  

By taking the design of the ring into your own hands, you are given the opportunity to create something truly fabulous, showing your bride-to-be that you understand her, her tastes and the kind of jewellery that will put a smile on her face. What we at Avita have found is that men that go down this route also enjoy a real sense of pride when seeing the finished product for the first time!  

Save time  

Having supported thousands of men during this important shopping spree, what we have found is that many have a particular ring in mind, having created a vision in their head that they find hard to locate in jewellers. With every option seeming underwhelming when against this vision, sometimes, designing your own can be the only way forward, saving you time travelling up and down the county to look for a ring that doesn't exist.  

If you are interested in learning more about designing your partner's engagement or wedding ring, contact us at Avita Jewellery today.

The halo engagement ring is a reigning queen in the world of jewellery, thought be a classic design that has and will continue to stand the ultimate test of time and fashion. Captured by many famous jewellery designers back in the 1920s when the style known as Art Deco became prominent, jewellers have continued to develop the humble design, and here is why!  

What are the basic features of a halo engagement ring?   

The halo works with a simplistic, yet impressive style, effectively grabbing the attention of all that are lucky enough to lay their eyes upon one.  

Put simply, a halo ring is one that has smaller diamonds encircling the centre stone, with the smaller versions complementing the centre stone perfectly without overpowering it. The name is influenced by the look, with the middle not dissimilar to an angel halo. Though a staple feature of this type of ring, variety won’t be a problem, with various stones, cuts and colours all within the shoppers' remit.  

Choosing the centre stone  

Though commonly made with colourless diamonds, the halo is a versatile design that many choose to get creative with, seeing Ruby, Yellow diamonds, Sapphire and Pink diamonds now increasingly popular stone options.  

Concerned whether you can work with a style that fits into the bride-to-be's taste and personality? Not to worry! Here at Avita, we create bespoke halo engagement rings as per client requests, finding the following cuts to reign supreme: 

• Traditional round cut 
• Princess-cut 
• Oval 
• Emerald-cut 
• Cushion-cut 
• Pear-shaped 

The metal  

The band and arms that support that all-important stone is just as paramount as the stone itself, supporting and illuminating that key signifier. Here at Avita, we tend to use yellow gold, white gold, rose gold and platinum when creating halo engagement ring bands, offering a diverse set of materials at various prices and in a number of colours.   

Having blessed the fourth finger of Kate Middleton, with her beautiful sapphire halo ring hand-picked by Princess Diana for her own wedding, the halo certainly boasts princess connotations. If you would like to explore the idea of investing in a halo engagement ring then be sure to browse through our extensive range.  

Alternatively, add a touch of uniqueness to your proposal by designing the engagement ring yourself. Contact us today to book an appointment and discuss your requirements.