Spinel may be the most historically underappreciated gem in the jewelry world. For centuries, it was mistaken for ruby—most famously in the British Crown Jewels, including the Black Prince’s Ruby and the Timur Ruby. This confusion was understandable, as spinel is often found in the same deposits as ruby and shares many visual similarities. It wasn’t until the advent of modern gemological testing that spinel earned recognition as a distinct and valuable gemstone.

Today, spinel is celebrated for its remarkable brilliance and astonishing range of colors—from intense reds and vibrant pinks to lavender, cobalt blue, violet, orange, bluish green, and silvery grey. Among the most prized is the Mahenge spinel, known for its vivid neon pink hue and extraordinary saturation—GIA once described it as “one of the world’s most desirable colored gemstones.”

Unlike many gemstones, spinel is rarely treated, and its natural beauty requires no enhancement. With excellent hardness and durability, it is ideal for both daily wear and heirloom-quality designs.