Engagement Rings
Stone choices

We specialise in using interesting and colourful gemstones in our jewellery and are known in the industry for sourcing rare and beautiful stones.

Below is some information on the more commonly used stones:

Diamond
Birthstone = April
eternity, courage and health

The engagement ring choice of royalty! In 1477 Archduke Maximillian of Austria gave his sweetheart Mary of Burgandy the first diamond engagement ring. Rich Venetians took up the tradition, but diamonds were very rare until 1867 when large quantities were discovered in South Africa. The classic "solitaire" (single stoned) diamond is the most commonly used style but multiple stones and even coloured diamonds are a wonderful alternative. Harriet Kelsall Jewellery Design's range of ready to wear engagement rings show examples of classic shapes and setting together with more bold and contemporary ideas.

Sapphire
Birthstone = September
serenity and truth

The same chemical composition as rubies, sapphires were believed in ancient times to heal wounds. They are generally blue though other colours occur such as pink, yellow, lilac, green and white. Australia is the main source of the deep blue almost black stones whereas Sri Lanka is where the gorgeous "cornflower" blue stones are found. Harriet and her team source Ceylon sapphires directly from Sri Lanka which guarantees the best choice and value for money to her customers.

Ruby
Birthstone = July
love, enthusiasm and strength

Ranging in colour from a deep blood red to a light pink colour, the most celebrated source of these wonderful and dramatic gemstones is the northern, Myawmar region of Burma. However, other areas in South East Asia, Tanzania and Kenya also mine rubies. In the 19th centuary they were considered more valuable than diamonds though this has now changed.

Emerald
Birthstone = May
fidelity, love and goodness

A member of the beryl family and very brittle, emeralds are one of the most valuable stones in nature. A flawless emerald is a very rare occurance as its brittle nature means that most stones are included. First mined in Egypt at Cleopatra's mine, they are a lovely green colour. Thought should be given when choosing an emerald for your engagement ring as their brittleness means that they can easily chip or even crack.

Aquamarine
Birthstone = March
happiness and understanding

From the same family as the beryl and a lovely pale and subtle blue, aquamarines are mined from all over the world including Argentina, Australia and Russia. Setting these stones alonside diamonds and in white metal such as platinum or white gold is a particularly lovely combination.

Garnet
Birthstone = January
faith, eternity and truth

A semi-precious stone most commonly red in colour though green stones exist. The red colour can range between an orangy tone to a deep purple and they are mined from Africa to North America.

Amethyst
Birthstone = February
luck, wit and health

The most popular of the quartz family and a lovely lilac to purple colour, traditionally thought to prevent drunkeness!, it is said to reduce anger and impatience when worn during sleep. The Ural mountains of Russia are one source but they are mined all over the world.

Other Stones
Above is only a small selection of the possibilities for engagement rings. Harriet and her team are always delighted to source other stones and talk to you about more unusual choices.