Buy Spinel for the following reason
Spinel could be the most underrated gemstone we have. In ancient times, spinels were as highly thought of as rubies or sapphires, and they have a comparable clarity, depth and range of colors as well as durability.
Nowadays people are rediscovering the fine qualities that have seen spinels decorate many of the crown jewels of royalty in Europe and Asia.
Spinel Colors - Grey Spinel, Blue, Red and more
Spinels can be found in a wide range of colors but it is the deep reds and the cobalt blues that are the most valuable.
Violet, pink and gray spinels are more common and less expensive but make stunning gemstones that are getting more and more popular amongst jewelry designers.
In recent years the grey spinel has become more popular with jewelry designers. The Metallic grey color is quite special in the gemstone world. This color is perfect for rings worn at night time.
Read more about gemstones colors here
Spinel Gemstone Species
Generally, spinels are just the single species which are separated by their color - red spinel, gray spinel and so on. They are all made up of the same mineral with traces of elements such as chromium, iron or cobalt causing the colors.
Spinel for Sale Price
Although perhaps not as expensive as the finest rubies and sapphire, spinel is still a premium priced gemstone especially the vivid red and blue examples.
Other colors such as violet, gray, light pink, purple are lovely gemstones which can be found at much more reasonable prices.
Black spinels are the least expensive and are often bought for their spiritual power as well as their dramatic looks.
Of course, as with all gemstones, clarity and cut will have a major affect on the price of spinels and most should be at least eye-clean.
A good quality 1 carat spinel can cost somewhere from $150 to $500 in colors like red or blue.
Spinel Carat/cts Weight
Large spinels with a weight above 2 or 3 carats are exceedingly rare and the price will reflect this with price per carat rising dramatically as the stones get larger.
Top quality red spinels may be $1000 per carat at around one carat in weight but will quickly hit $2000 per carat over 2 carats in weight and may reach $5000 per carat if it is a top quality gemstone that is more than 5 carats.
The less rare violet and gray stones can be bought for between $20 and $200 per carat and the black examples much less no matter the size.
For more details please refer to our full Spinel Info page here
Spinel Treatments
Spinel is one of the few gemstones that is usually not treated in any way.
In some occasions blue spinels have been treated by surface diffusion, we do not stock such spinel gemstones.
Where are Spinels found?
Traditional sources of spinel gemstones include Myanmar, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka and Pakistan and they still produce many quality gemstones to this day. Newer sources include Tanzania, Thailand and Australia.
However, spinels availability is difficult at best, there are not many dealers offering this fine gemstone.
What jewelry is Spinel suitable for?
Spinel is rated at 8 on Mohs hardness scale which puts them just below sapphires and rubies and certainly tough enough for all jewelry items including daily wear pieces.
Spinels bright luster and notable sparkle make them an excellent choice for fine quality jewelry items such as engagement rings or matching jewelry sets.
Spinels as Birthstone or Anniversary gem
The Spinel gemstone is one of the official birthstones for August. It would make a great present for someone you know who celebrates a birthday in this month.
Spinel is the traditional gift for the 22nd wedding anniversary.
