Diamonds may be the stones of love but coloured gemstones with their own particular meanings are becoming popular engagement ring choices. During the month that we celebrate Mental Health Day, we look at what effect these stones have on our emotions and how to pick the perfect pairings.
Ancient civilisations believed they could protect soldiers in battle or help you see into the future; in the Renaissance it was thought that some were possessed by the spirits of demons and now the likes of Adele and Victoria Beckham use them to bring balance to their lives.
The belief in precious stones and their power to influence emotions and situations has been part of human existence for millennia. It appears in every culture from Egypt to India, even Plato talks about crystal healing, albeit in his account of the lost island of Atlantis, and their properties allegedly range from curing poor eyesight to aiding sleep. The science is vague, but it is thought that different stones have unique energetic vibrations that can interact with the body’s energy fields, redirecting or stimulating energy flow, effecting not just our emotions but our minds, and our mental health, as well. Whether or not you believe this, it cannot be denied that coloured gemstones do illicit diverse reactions. This isn’t simply about preference but about having a connection to a stone that goes beyond its colour or how it has been set, which explains why coloured stones are becoming increasing popular as engagement rings; their emotional meanings being parlayed into gestures of personal sentiment.
The diamond is the obvious classic, symbolic of love and purity, but not all diamonds have the same emotional significance. Brown diamonds, only as recently as 1990 appreciated as a distinct category of coloured diamond, are thought to bring prosperity, and are talismans for protection. They are also associated with having a grounding energy that brings balance to the wearer. Mappin & Webb has accentuated the earthy nature of this stone by setting it in warming rose gold; a precious metal that signifies lasting love. Brown and yellow diamonds making for a striking double act, both visually and spiritually, in this contemporary take on an engagement ring. Yellow stones are among the rarest of coloured stones and said to represent the sun, bringing light to the wearer’s life. Combine that with the grounding energy of brown diamonds and strength inherent in white diamonds and you have a powerful psychic statement.
Of course, yellow diamonds are perfectly capable of stealing the limelight all by themselves. Set in white gold, the metal of purity, innocence, and clarity, these two stones nestle together intensifying the love, happiness, and optimism inherent in these gems. Sapphires maybe associated with a certain princess, but blue sapphires have been considered a symbol of nobility since the time of ancient Greece and Rome when kings and queens decorated their robes with them to protect them from harm. When set into an engagement ring however, its meaning changes. It becomes a symbol of honesty, sincerity and faithfulness; it is also thought to bring good fortune to a marriage, making it strong. Mappin & Webb’s Bypass ring, with its contrasting band of diamonds is a contemporary way to showcase these stunning gemstones, while the more classically inclined has the option of a perfect blue oval surrounded by a double halo of diamonds.
You may not fully buy into the idea that a stone can change emotions or bring good fortune, but choosing a gem with some knowledge of its meaning and how that resonates with the person you love can make those two words “will you?” mean so much more.
Discover the perfect coloured gemstone for yourself or a loved one here at Mappin & Webb online or visit us in store at one of our showrooms where our jewellery experts will be delighted to help you find the perfect piece.
Author Credit: Laura McCreddie-Doak has been writing about jewellery and watches for over a decade. She is a regular contributor to the likes of Times LUXX, Wired, The Telegraph, and Evening Standard, as well as online publications such as Ape to Gentleman.
