Why is SPINEL JEWELRY 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. Get the skinny and shop jewelry, thoughtfully designed by women…
This exceptional array of gemstones is courtesy of Roger Dery Gem Design for the purpose of education.
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.
The gorgeous spinels you see here are extra special, as they create positive social impact! They are responsibly sourced from artisanal miners in East Africa and cut by master cutter Roger Dery. He along with his wife Ginger and daughter Rachel founded Gem Legacy, a 501(c)3 which provides vocational training, equipment, and support to entrepreneurs in mining communities. Some of these are women, such as the Precious Women Mine!
We’ve outlined points to help you understand value and what to ask to make an informed decision on a piece of jewelry you will LOVE!
5% of All The Brilliants profits from sourcing Roger’s stones benefit GEM LEGACY
SEEKING SPINEL JEWELRY TO AMPLIFY YOUR PERSONAL BRAND OR A JEWELRY GIFT FOR SOMEONE YOU LOVE?
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 save you time in finding jewelry that will be loved and worn by you - or gifts for someone you love.
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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!
This rough gemstone from East Africa is courtesy of Roger Dery. It is an example of perfect spinel crystal formation.
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.
As your fine jewelry guide, we can help you purchase:
engagement rings or cocktail rings that will be future heirlooms
go-to studs or statement earrings for the boardroom
pendants or layering necklaces
cuffs, bangles, or other bracelets
responsibly sourced spinels for bespoke jewelry
Learn how The Brilliant Concierge can bring you peace of mind in choosing jewelry that will be worn and loved.
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.
Gemstones cut by Roger Dery Gem Design benefit East African artisanal mining entrepreneurs, such as the Precious Women Mine!
Gem Legacy is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that works with artisanal miners in East African mining communities, some of which are owned and operated by women!
Founded by Roger, Ginger, and Rachel Dery, Gem Legacy provides vocational training, mining equipment, and supports local entrepreneurship in Kenya and beyond.
JUST GIVE any amount to Gem Legacy
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.
What to know about spinel - and discerning jewelry designed by WOMEN!
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.
The origin of gemstones: TRACEABILITY
Just as we know where our food comes from and who made our clothes, why not jewelry? The breathtaking gems you see here are courtesy of Roger Dery, sourced from artisanal miners in East Africa.
What does ethically and sustainably sourced jewelry 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.
An ongoing initiative worth following is the Jewelry Glossary Project.
The purpose is to create shared definitions of key terms within the jewelry industry for use by the trade and the public. The project was launched to increase transparency throughout the supply chain, by building consensus on definitions for key terms and creating accountability for their usage.
