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Antoinette Corbishley
27th September 2010 15:17

Ammolite

 

Hi All

During my travels this summer I had a wonderful trip to Canada's Rocky Mountains.

The mountain range formed in the cretaceous period about 76 million years ago, and ever since has been sculpted into the famous valleys and peaks we see today by the continual erosion by water and glaciers. It is a truly spectacular place to visit!

Unlike the American Rockies, the Canadian Rockies are composed of layered sedimentary rock such as shale and limestone, whereas the American Rockies are made mostly of metamorphic and igneous rock. The over thrusting rock of the Canadian Rockies compared to the straight up lift from below of the American Rockies give the two ranges quite a different look from one another; jagged sharply pointed mountains as opposed to higher more rounded top peaks of the US. The physical appearance and climates maybe different, but there is a treasure the eastern slopes of the US and Canadian Rocky Mountains share, and one which I had never heard of until my visit - Ammolite.

Ammolite

So what exactly is Ammolite?

It is an organic gem made up from the fossilized shell of an ammonite - a sea creature that lived over 65 million years ago. The sea creature would have composed primarily of aragonite, (the same mineral that makes up nacreous pearls) giving the gem a similar looking luster to opal. The name 'ammonite' is derived from Ammon the ancient Egyptian god who believed these creatures were divine.

Ammolite

Ammolite was declared a gemstone in 1981, after which commercial mining began in the same year and then in 2004 it was given precious gemstone status, and designated the official gemstone of Alberta.

Ammolite

It is one of the rarest gemstones on earth so has a limited supply, but does come in many colours including blue, yellow, green, gold, pink and red among others. It is one of several gems made by a living organism; others including Amber and pearl, and like them is very soft, so isn't a stone that would be suitable set in an engagement ring for example, as it could easily get damaged.

Pliny the Elder, the Roman historian, considered ammolite to be the holiest of stones, because he believed it would summon dreams of prophesy. It is also believed to have healing powers.

Hope you found this interesting.

Bye for now, Antoinette

Antoinette Corbishley
 
Leanne Sheaver
27th September 2010 11:50

Green Engagement Rings

 

If you are a lover of green look no further we have two stunning new green engagement rings!

Palladium and emerald engagement ring

This platinum engagement ring has a beautiful 0.64ct trilliant cut forest green sapphire set in corner settings. Antoinette has accompanied the sapphire with two recycled baguette cut diamonds! They were originally from an old brooch but they have been reconditioned and used for this design. So there is a real history to this ring! This is the brooch it came from:

Brooch

We have also just added this little number to our collection:

Palladium and emerald engagement ring

This engagement ring holds an emerald cut green tourmaline set in a four claw setting. This vivid green stone weighs 0.61cts and two H SI princess cut diamonds have been invisibly set into the natural 9ct white gold band. This ring was designed by our other senior designer Rebecca.

Both rings are ready to view in our Hertfordshire showroom so come take a look!

Lianne

Leanne Sheaver
 

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  • Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design, North Barn, Fairclough Hall Farm, Halls Green, Weston, Hertfordshire, SG4 7DP, England
    Phone: +44 (0)1462 790565 Fax: +44 (0)1462 790140 enquiries@hkjewellery.co.uk
  • Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design, 6/7 Green Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3JU, England.
    Phone: +44 (0)1223 461333 Fax: +44 (0)1223 365269 cambridge@hkjewellery.co.uk

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