Spinel: The Ultimate Collector’s Gemstone
For centuries, some of the most famous “rubies” in history—including the famous Black Prince’s Ruby in the British Imperial State Crown—were actually breathtaking red spinels in disguise! Long lived in the shadow of other major gemstones, natural spinel has finally stepped into the spotlight as a premier choice for fine jewelry connoisseurs.
At Velo Gems, we consider spinel to be one of the best-kept secrets in modern fine jewelry.
Exceptional Brilliance and Rare Hues
Spinel is an aluminate of magnesium that forms in an incredible array of colors due to traces of iron, chromium, and cobalt:
- Cobalt Spinel: Boasting an electric, neon-blue saturation that is so intensely vivid it looks almost unreal.
- Pastel and Lavender Spinels: Soft pinks, lavenders, and cool grays that capture a modern, ethereal elegance.
- Flame Red and Pink Spinels: Vibrant alternatives to traditional rubies, offering intense saturation without the heavy inclusions often found in other stones.
Why Connoisseurs Choose Spinel
- Exceptional Hardness: Scoring an 8 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, spinel is remarkably tough and scratch-resistant, making it exceptionally well-suited for everyday engagement rings.
- Untreated Beauty: Unlike many colored stones on the market, the vast majority of spinels are neither heated nor treated. What you see is pure geological magic.
- Superior Fire: Spinel actually possesses a single refractive index, giving it a crisp, clean sparkle and brilliance that often outshines other stones.
Make a Unique Statement
If you are looking for a gemstone that combines rarity, flawless durability, and unexpected color palettes, spinel is an extraordinary choice for a bespoke heirloom piece.
Explore our curation of rare loose stones or reach out to our design team to craft your custom spinel creation.