Not Diamond Engagement Ring

A question about : Not Diamond Engagement Ring

My other half proposed at Christmas (), with a temporary ring - he said he knew I'd be happier with one I picked, and we are fortunate enough to live within an hour of the jewelery quarter.

However, like many things about us - my ideal engagement ring is rather non standard:
I don't like gold!
I'd rather have an amethyst or violet sapphire (possibly with a diamond halo) than a diamond.

Is our best bet still looking at the jewelery quarter?

Best answers:

• Absolutely. The choice will never be matched elsewhere, not to mention the prices.
• Head further from the centre and you'll find small shops that make to order and at very keen prices. They often buy in the stones to order so it shouldnt matter that you dont want diamond. You may want to research certification (if there is?) for the precious stones you are after as this can give piece of mind and be very useful if a insurance claim has to me made down the line.
  Good luck and be prepared to spend spend a good few hours there or to make a couple of trips if you live close enough.
• Thank you both, looks like we'll be heading over monday!
• My engagement ring came from the jewelry quarter it was a custome design by OH.
  It is platinum (I don't like gold either) with a sapphire in the middle flanked by two diamonds and my OH was able to pick the stones himself so he could get the right blue for me so I'm sure you'll be able to pick up something lovely
  An added detail that I liked they kept the design patterns so when it came to getting my band they could line it up perfectly without me having to give my engagement ring back