SPINEL JEWELRY WITH INTENTION AND CONNECTION
Why is SPINEL special?
It can be an array of alluring colors! Spinel exhibits not only ruby red hues, but it can also be shades of pink, orange, green, blue, violet, and purple.
Beyond beauty, it is a durable colored gemstone. This means it is a gorgeous option as an engagement ring - or a ring you wear every day.
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DESIGNER SPINEL JEWELRY
What are the metaphysical properties of spinel?
This gemstone attracts passion, devotion, rejuvenation, and inspiration.
Just as our ancient ancestors believed gemstones were imbued with special properties, such as protection, wisdom, or courage, today we are empowered by the metaphysical properties of gemstones to manifest what we wish to create.
You may be interested in our guide to manifest your intentions with gemstones and jewelry!
WHAT IS SPINEL?
Oh, the spell of Spinel!
For centuries it was mistaken as ruby or sapphire, which is why it bears the name of “the great imposter”. It was not until 1783 that spinel was differentiated from ruby.
A few very famous ruby doppelgängers are the Black Prince’s Ruby at 170 carats and the Timur Ruby at 361 carats. Both of these polished spinels have long, dark histories as spoils of war with tales of misfortune. In fact, the Timur Ruby was inscribed with the names of rulers who owned it. Today they are among the English Crown Jewels. The Samarian Spinel, the world’s largest at 500 carats, is part of the Iranian Crown Jewels.
We’ve outlined points to help you understand value and what to ask about spinel jewelry.
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What to know about spinel - and discerning jewelry designed by WOMEN!
What are the colors of spinel?
The color possibilities have a riveting history!
Spinels have been dubbed “the great imposter” of ruby and sapphire for good reason: they are equally vivid and beautiful. While distinctly different minerals, they can be found together in the same deposits. Another differentiating factor is their crystal formation (octagonal in shape). They can grow considerably larger than ruby crystals (hexagonal in shape) and can even exhibit more fire, due to a high refractive index!
The availability of fine quality gems can be limited and unreliable, especially for the most desired colors: red and cobalt blue. Demand definitely exceeds availability. That said, fine spinels are valued well below equally fine rubies or sapphires of the same size, but the gap is shrinking.
On the topic of inclusions, the market values “clean” (inclusion-free) gem material, but there are exceptions. Asterism, an optical effect resembling a star, is one example that is desirable.
I believe there is merit in appreciating inclusions, even if the market does not.
SEEKING SPINEL JEWELRY TO FEEL CONFIDENT, SEEN, AND POWERFUL?
Whether you are the chairwoman in the boardroom, the CEO of your household, or an industry changemaker, the jewelry you choose can empower you to be seen and taken seriously. Our shop has hand-picked curations that are discerning with unique design signatures.
The Brilliant Concierge service will protect your time and provide peace of mind when investing jewelry that celebrates your story - or a luxury gift for someone you love.
Where are spinels found?
Many of the famed ruby-hued spinels mentioned above are believed to have come from Central Asia. Similar hues can be found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. A wider array of hues occur in Afghanistan, Nepal, Tajikistan, Australia, Madagascar, Nigeria, and Tanzania.
The origin of gemstones: TRACEABILITY
Just as we know where our food comes from and who made our clothes, why not jewelry?
I believe in humanizing supply chains as much as possible to ensure you have certainty your jewelry investment aligns with your values.
All The Brilliants is a proud member of the United Nations Fashion and Lifestyle network, aiming to accelerate solutions for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by engaging the fashion and lifestyle sectors, fostering collaboration, and promoting sustainability.
What does ethically and sustainably sourced jewelry really mean?
Women and men at the forefront of this global conversation will have slightly different perspectives, but there is a shared ethos: responsible sourcing.
This encompasses traceability, conflict-free, protecting people, their skills, and the environment - be it land or sea.
The jewelry you choose can meaningfully support UNDGS, enabling remote mining communities to create sustainable local economies.
Spinels are not typically treated, but it is something to be aware of for many others.
For some gems, it is an acceptable practice (emerald) and for others, it is something to avoid (opal). Examples can be heat treatment, irradiation, bleaching, and fracture/cavity filling and these should always be disclosed.
On the topic of treatment of any kind with any gemstone, knowledge is power because it always impacts value.
The MOHS SCALE:
How hard is SPINEL?
hard, so a great candidate for every day rings
Is a spinel engagement ring a good idea?
Yes! Spinel rings are beautiful and durable options!
The Mohs scale of hardness is important to consider when choosing a particular stone for a particular kind of wear.
It is the degree of mineral “hardness”, measured by the resistance which a smooth surface offers to abrasion: 1 (soft) to 10 (hard). For example, an 8 will scratch a gemstone that is a 7 or below. Simply put, the softer the stone, the more careful you need to be about wearing that stone in jewelry that may be exposed to more wear.
Does spinel scratch easily?
This is a question you’re most likely to ask when buying gemstones and jewelry. Knowing how hard it is (or any other stone) will help you to determine whether it is an everyday gemstone or an occasional piece.
At an 8 on the Mohs scale, this gem is a beautiful candidate for engagement rings and everyday rings, versus softer gemstones that can be more susceptible to scratches and damage with accidental bumps.
INTERESTED IN PERSONALIZED SHOPPING SUPPORT?
As your fine jewelry guide, I help you invest in:
engagement rings or cocktail rings
go-to studs or statement earrings for the boardroom
pendants or layering necklaces
bangles, bracelets, or cuffs
responsibly sourced spinel gemstones for bespoke jewelry
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How to care for spinel jewelry
A few jewelry care basics can keep your pieces looking their best, avoid damage and loss of gemstones.
WEAR: When dressing for day or night, jewelry should be the last thing on and the first thing off. Contact with chemicals such as fragrance, hairspray, nail polish remover, household cleaners, and chlorine can harm jewelry.
Remove jewelry when cleaning, gardening, swimming, or playing sports, as contact with hard surfaces can scratch, damage, or loosen stones in prongs.
CHECK SETTINGS AND STONES: Inspect jewelry before wearing it to check if the stones are chipped, loose, or rattle in settings.
CLEANING: All precious metals, gemstones, and pearls should be cleaned regularly, but require different care. For example, ultrasonic cleaners can crack opals, shatter pearls or diminish their appearance. Avoid using steam and ultrasonic cleaners.
● For gemstones on the Mohs scale at 7 or above, a simple cleaning solution is warm water with mild soap and a soft toothbrush. For those at 6 or below, replace the toothbrush with a tightly woven microfiber or other soft cloth.
● A soft polishing cloth will keep any precious metal looking its best.
● Take any investment pieces to a trustworthy professional jeweler once a year for a thorough cleaning and inspection.
● See our full guide to How To Clean Fine Jewelry.
STORAGE: Keep jewelry individually stored in a pouch or box to avoid scratches and abrasions from other gemstones and metal, as well as general tangles and dents.
INSURANCE: For any jewelry of significant value, be sure to have it appraised, file any provenance and gemstone report in a secure place, and be sure to have it insured.
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