Brick and stone are not usually used together because they are quite dissimilar materials and have different expansion characteristics. Even a dense hard fired brick will irreversibly expand over time from moisture and the stone will not. It takes a very skilled mason to know how and where to provide an expansion break. I would ask to see some examples of the mason's work that are more than 20 years old and take a very close look at it.

We have this brick/stone combo - but none integrated as mightyanvil is referring to - is this what you meant?

mairin-- The type you have is what I'm talking about. I know it is done because a lot of the new homes around here have it. Thanks for posting your picture.