spinel
Spinel Gemstone
Once a hidden gem, spinel has gained recognition for its brilliance, beauty, and durability. Known for its exceptional sparkle and hardness, spinel requires no additional enhancement, unlike other gemstones such as sapphires and rubies, which often undergo heat treatment. Spinel’s natural brilliance, combined with its unique physical properties, makes it a standout choice in custom jewellery designs, especially for engagement rings and other statement pieces.
Why Spinel Gemstones Are Special
Spinel is often mistaken for ruby or sapphire due to its vivid colours, which can range from bright reds to intense blues and vibrant pinks. Historically, many spinel gemstones were incorrectly identified as rubies, especially those with the vivid red or royal blue shades. Today, spinel is recognised for its own unique beauty and is highly sought after in the world of fine jewellery.
The Sparkle of Spinel: Why It Shines
What sets spinel gemstones apart is their singly refractive nature, meaning they reflect light similarly to diamonds. This symmetry in the crystal structure gives spinels their remarkable brilliance and durability. Unlike rubies and sapphires, which are doubly refractive, spinel’s cubic crystal formation results in a more vivid, fiery sparkle that makes it resemble diamonds in terms of brilliance.
Mahenge Spinel: The Gemstone That Took the World by Storm
One of the most coveted varieties of spinel is Mahenge spinel, known for its striking neon pink and orangy-red colours. Discovered in Tanzania in 2007, Mahenge spinels have taken the gemstone world by storm due to their unique colour saturation and sparkle. These spinels are often compared to the stunning neon colours of Brazil’s Paraiba tourmaline, making them highly desirable among collectors and investors alike.
Investment Potential of Spinel Gemstones
With a hardness of 8.5 on the Mohs scale, spinel is nearly as durable as diamonds, making it ideal for everyday wear. As a result, spinel has become an attractive option for both collectors and investors, with its prices steadily increasing over the years. If you’re considering investing in spinel, it’s important to keep an eye on market trends and choose gemstones that offer the best value and aesthetic appeal.
Spinel in Customised Jewellery
The versatility and beauty of spinel gemstones make them a popular choice for custom jewellery. Whether you’re looking for a spinel engagement ring or a statement necklace, spinels offer vibrant colours and brilliance that can be paired beautifully with diamonds and other precious metals. Custom designs, like the Mahenge spinel engagement ring, highlight the unique beauty of this gemstone, creating one-of-a-kind pieces for special occasions.
At GIOIA Fine Jewellery, we specialise in custom jewellery featuring rare spinel gemstones. Whether you’re interested in vivid pinks, cobalt blues, or mysterious greys, our expert designers can create the perfect custom piece to suit your style and personality.