When it comes to gemstones, Spinel is often overshadowed by more commonly known stones like sapphires and rubies. However, Spinel deserves recognition for its stunning variety of colors, its durability, and its increasing popularity as a rare collector’s choice. Recently, we had the pleasure of discovering a unique lilac purple Spinel, a perfect example of why this gemstone should be on every gemstone lover's radar.
What is Spinel?
Spinel is a rare and fascinating gemstone known for its impressive range of colors, including red, violet, blue, pink, and even orange. One of the most attractive qualities of Spinel is its natural beauty—unlike many gemstones that undergo treatments or enhancements, the lilac Spinel we are featuring here is completely natural, with no color enhancement involved.
Spinel has a Mohs hardness of 8, which makes it durable and well-suited for everyday wear. This hardness level places Spinel in a similar category to sapphire and makes it an excellent choice for jewelry that is meant to last. Interestingly, Spinel is often used as a hard-wearing alternative to Tanzanite, especially in engagement rings, due to its resilience. Tanzanite, though beautiful, is not as durable for day-to-day wear, which makes Spinel a fantastic option for someone looking for durability without compromising on beauty.
A Unique Alternative to Traditional Gemstones
Spinel is a gemstone that is rarely found in commercial jewelry stores due to its scarcity, which makes it a unique and special choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry. While red Spinels tend to be the most desirable and expensive, other colors—like the lilac purple Spinel shown here—are also gaining recognition for their captivating beauty.
Historically, Spinel has been highly regarded, with some of the most famous Spinels being included in royal crowns. For example, the famous "Black Prince’s Ruby" in the British Imperial Crown is actually a red Spinel, not a ruby as many believe. The rarity and stunning color of Spinel sometimes result in it being priced even higher than rubies and sapphires.
Lilac Purple Spinel Engagement Ring
The lilac purple Spinel featured in this post was carefully set into a custom engagement ring designed in platinum. The delicate contrast between the rich purple hues of the Spinel and the sleek metal created a breathtaking design that truly showcases the gemstone's allure. It’s the perfect example of how Spinel can be used in one-of-a-kind, bespoke jewelry pieces.
Spinel’s Role in Jewelry Design
The beauty of Spinel lies not only in its range of colors but also in the perfection of its crystal formation. Spinels from regions like Burma are so pristine that they are sometimes referred to as being “polished by the spirits.” This level of clarity and natural beauty makes Spinel a prized gemstone for designers looking to create exceptional jewelry.
Looking for Unique Gemstones?
If you're searching for a rare and unusual gemstone, Spinel is an excellent choice. It offers a blend of natural beauty, durability, and color variety that few gemstones can match. Whether you're interested in a bespoke engagement ring, a unique necklace, or another custom piece of jewelry, Spinel could be the gemstone you've been seeking.