Spinels - The Gemstone of Kings and Emperors

From the heart of ancient empires, where civilizations first ignited, emerged a gem of unparalleled allure: the spinel. A stone of regal splendour adorning the crowns and scepters of monarchs, carrying tales of conquest and opulence and captivating hearts with its brilliance.

Spinel gemstones are like nature's hidden treasure trove of colours, ranging from deep reds and purples to cool blues, vibrant pinks, and even striking oranges. Unlike many gems that rely on treatments for their colour, spinel flaunts its hues naturally, making it a rare and authentic beauty.

Jewels: Nancy 4.86 ct Asscher cut purple spinel ring | Ines Rose gold & 1.50ct TW purple spinel earrings. 

 

In jewellery, purple spinel adds a touch of unexpected elegance, perfect for those who want to make a statement without shouting. It's the kind of gemstone that whispers luxury, making it the ideal choice for anyone looking to add a dash of sophistication to their collection.

For centuries, the spinel's crimson hue was mistaken for the blood-red passion of the ruby, a deception as enchanting as the gem itself. The Balas Ruby, a name synonymous with imperial luxury, was in fact a spinel, a testament to the stone's ability to beguile even the most discerning eye. 

Jewel: Mariah - 1.72ct pink spinel ring

 

Like a comet blazing across the night sky, the spinel’s journey through history is a tale woven with threads of gold and war. Its origins, lost in the midst of time, stretch from the sun-baked sands of Rome to the far-reaching plains of China. Mined with painstaking care, these precious stones were coveted possessions, traded and exchanged as currencies of power.

Among the most celebrated spinels are those enshrined in the Crown Jewels of England. The Black Prince’s Ruby, a colossal stone of inky darkness, is in truth a spinel of extraordinary size and depth. Its allure is as mysterious as the warrior prince from whom it takes its name. And then there is the Timur Ruby, a gem of fiery red, which too, is a spinel, a silent witness to the conquests of a ruthless conqueror.

These stones are more than mere adornments; they are relics of bygone eras, carrying the weight of centuries on their crystalline forms. They have graced the necks of queens and the crowns of kings, their radiance a symbol of authority and wealth. Passed down through generations, they have witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the birth and death of dynasties.

Today, the spinel has emerged from the shadow of its ruby counterpart, celebrated for its own unique beauty. Yet, its history remains a captivating tale, a reminder of a time when gems were more than mere ornaments; they were talismans of power, objects of desire, and enduring symbols of human ambition.