Spinel: The Royal Gemstone That Rivals Ruby in Bespoke Jewellery
What is Spinel and Why is it the Gemstone of the Moment?
If you are looking for a gemstone that offers the vivid colour and brilliance of a ruby or sapphire, but with a unique and discerning history, allow us to introduce you to spinel.
With exceptional durability and a dazzling range of naturally saturated colours, spinel is quietly taking its rightful place as a highly sought-after stone in bespoke jewellery design.
At Sara Handmade Jewellery, we value stones that tell a story. Spinel’s history as a hidden royal gem, combined with its strong properties, makes it a flawless choice for a coloured stone engagement ring for clients from Canberra to the NSW South Coast.
A Gemstone of Royalty and Mistaken Identity
Spinel has been fooling gemmologists for centuries. Its natural formation and intense colouring meant it was often found alongside corundum (ruby and sapphire) and, due to the lack of modern testing, was frequently confused with these precious stones.
The most famous example is the massive 170-carat 'Black Prince's Ruby'—the centrepiece of the British Imperial State Crown—which is, in fact, a spectacular red spinel! It wasn't until 1783 that science finally identified spinel as a distinct mineral.
Today, this rich history of mistaken identity adds a layer of fascination to the gem, proving its exceptional beauty and worth. Modern buyers are now appreciating it for its own merits, especially in vivid reds, hot pinks, and the coveted cobalt blues.
Why Spinel is the Perfect Choice for a Durable Bespoke Ring
Measuring 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, spinel is an incredibly hard and robust gemstone, making it superior to many other coloured gems.
Crucially, unlike many other stones, it has no cleavage (planes of weakness), giving it excellent toughness and resistance to chipping or breaking.
This combination of durability and brilliance makes spinel an ideal candidate for jewellery intended for daily wear, such as a bespoke engagement ring. Its natural rarity in large, high-quality sizes means that any piece featuring a fine spinel is inherently exclusive.
If you are from Sydney or Canberra and visiting us to seek a gem that is both vibrant and strong, choosing a spinel for your custom-made jewellery ensures a piece that will stand up to the test of time, without the higher cost associated with its more famous counterparts.
A collection of sentimental jewellery and gemstones ready to be repurposed into a new design.
Creating Your Unique Spinel Piece with a South Coast Jeweller
We believe that because spinel is already an uncommon choice, it offers a fantastic starting point for a truly unique and personal design. Its wide colour range—from deep lavender to fiery orange and pure black—means we can source the perfect shade to match your style or sentimental meaning.
Our bespoke process begins with a consultation, whether you visit our Kiama studio or connect online. We guide you through selecting a high-quality, unenhanced spinel, then craft a design that showcases its natural beauty.
Spinel is also perfectly suited for jewellery remodelling. If you have old gold or diamonds, we can incorporate them into a contemporary design centred around a brilliant new spinel, creating a breathtaking and meaningful heirloom for the future.
FAQs About Spinel
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Fine, natural spinels in saturated colours (like the reds and cobalt blues) are often rarer than high-quality rubies, especially in larger carat weights.
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Spinel has a hardness of 8 on the Mohs scale, which makes it very durable and suitable for all types of daily-wear jewellery, including spinel engagement rings.
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Spinel is historically associated with renewal, hope, and protection. It is believed to revitalise energy and encourage a sense of calm.
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Yes, blue spinels exist, with the most prized being the vivid 'Cobalt Blue' variety, which rivals the beauty of fine blue sapphires.
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Absolutely. Due to its exceptional hardness (Mohs 8) and lack of cleavage, it is a highly durable and superior choice for a bespoke engagement ring.
Ready to create your own spinel masterpiece?
Book a complimentary consultation at our Kiama studio or online and let’s bring your vision to life.
