Spinel is a gemstone that has been used for centuries in jewellery making. It is a mineral that occurs in many different colours, including red, blue, green, purple, pink, and black. Historically, spinel was often confused with other gemstones like ruby and sapphire due to its similar appearance, but it has since gained recognition as a distinct gemstone in its own right.

One of the most notable characteristics of spinel is its high level of hardness, with a score of 8 on the Mohs scale. This makes it a durable and long-lasting choice for jewellery. In addition to its hardness, spinel also has excellent clarity, which means that it is free from inclusions or other flaws that might detract from its beauty.

One of the most famous spinel gemstones is the Black Prince's Ruby, which is actually a large spinel that is set in the British Imperial State Crown. Another notable spinel is the Samarian Spinel, which weighs in at an impressive 500 carats and is considered to be one of the largest spinel's in the world.

Spinel is found in many parts of the world, including Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Tanzania, and Vietnam, among others. The price of spinel can vary widely depending on the size, colour, and quality of the stone, but it is generally considered to be a relatively affordable gemstone when compared to other precious gems like diamonds, rubies, and sapphires.

Overall, spinel is a beautiful and durable gemstone that is well-suited for use in jewellery making. Whether you prefer its classic red hue or one of its many other colours, spinel is a gemstone that is sure to make a statement.

The image here is a necklace featuring a Lavender Blue Spinel from Mogok, Burma. The stone has been encased in a molten style setting. This piece is actually for sale, please contact us for details regarding it. Or if you'd like a custom spinel necklace of a different colour, we have plenty more stones so do get in reach out, we'd be delighted to make you something special!