STORIES - Spinel: Gemstone with royal history

 

A royal illusion

For centuries, spinels adorned royal crown jewels, as they were believed to be rubies. The famous Black Prince's Ruby in the British crown is actually a red spinel, a testament to the timeless appeal of this special stone.

It was not until the 18th century that scientists discovered that spinel is not the same as ruby. Spinel is so beautiful, pure and radiant that even kings were fooled.

The science of beauty

Spinel belongs to a mineralogical group with a structure that provides a perfect balance between strength and brilliance. The mineral it is composed of is magnesium aluminate, known for its hardness, 8 on the Mohs scale, and brilliant brilliance.

What sets spinel apart is its natural splendour. Unlike many rubies and sapphires, spinel is rarely treated or heated. What you see is pure nature, something quite rare in today's gemstone market.

Colours that speak

From fiery crimson hues to sophisticated lavender, mysterious cobalt blue or warm peach orange, spinel has a wide colour palette. In particular, Mahenge spinels from Tanzania, famous for their vibrant pinkish-red hue, are among the most sought-after stones in the world today.

This versatility makes spinel a popular choice for designers with an eye for character.

Rare and sought-after

Today, spinel is mostly mined in Myanmar, Vietnam, Tajikistan and Tanzania. But the most beautiful stones are rare, and that is precisely what makes spinel so intriguing for the luxury segment. A gem with spinel is not just any gem. It is a statement of taste, culture and history.

Genuinely recognised

At byJACKY, you'll find spinel in De Parme Design's beautiful collection.

Or birthday in August? Since 2016, spinel has been officially declared the birthstone for August, alongside peridote. We work with you to design the perfect piece of jewellery to suit you, with a fun, unique twist.

With this, the stone finally gets the stage it deserves.