Diamonds are seen as a universal symbol of eternal love and commitment – and it might all be thanks to Cupid!

The ethical jewellers Ingle & Rhode have explored some of the most precious stones which can be used to promote love around the world as we approach Valentine’s Day.

Diamonds have long since been a favourite gem of the besotted. The Greeks believed that Cupid – the god of desire, affection and erotic love – had diamond tipped arrows to draw lovers magically together.

A spokesperson for Ingle & Rhode said: “Such is the magic around Cupid’s arrow with its precious gems, people have held diamonds in high esteem for centuries in the love stakes.

“Diamonds are clearly still very popular today, as seen in the many engagement rings that are produced every year, but they are not the only thing used around the globe to show love and affection. There are other interesting examples in different cultures.”

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Royalty free photos (Pixabay): from left – pink rose quartz stone, and diamonds

Here is a fascinating insight from Ingle & Rhode into the gems and other items which can be used to steal another’s heart:

Diamonds: It’s more than 500 years ago since Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissioned the world’s first recorded diamond engagement ring for Mary of Burgundy in 1477. The idea of an engagement ring can be traced back to Roman times when wives wore rings with small keys, to indicate their engagement and commitment to their husband.

Gem variety: Victorians coined the term ‘posey rings’ when they produced ornate engagement ring designs featuring diamonds, enamels, and other gems.

Pink rose quartz: Many people consider pink rose quartz to be the classic stone of love and it is used around the world in jewellery to promote love and affection. This semi-precious gemstone is believed to open the heart to love and draw romance into your life.

Jade: The Chinese value jade jewellery above even gold and silver, and as a result it is more expensive. The stone is cherished in Chinese culture for its durability and beauty, and many families have jade jewellery passed down from ancestors, so it holds a huge amount of sentimentality and meaning.

Beadwork: The Zulu people in South Africa, are a tribe of the largest ethnic group in the country, in the KwaZulu-Natal province. Beadwork is a popular form of jewellery and can be used to display a woman’s marital status, with a variety of colour, sizes and shapes of beading.