SPINEL BUYING GUIDE
A rare and radiant gemstone available in striking colors from deep teal to vivid red, spinel offers exceptional quality and value for the discerning collector.
SPINELS
Spinels are a supremely lustrous and durable precious gemstone that naturally occur alongside sapphires. They come in a remarkable range of hues including deep teals, dark blues, vivid reds, pinks, metallic greys. While generally more affordable than sapphires, certain spinel colors like Cobalt Blue can be extremely rare and valuable.
What makes spinels special:
- High durability making them excellent for everyday wear in engagement rings
- Exceptional clarity and brilliance
- Often considered a "gemologist's gem" due to their combination of durability, clarity, beauty and rarity
- Available in nearly any color
- More modest pricing compared to sapphires of similar quality
- Natural and untreated - unlike many sapphires which are commonly heat treated
- Long history of use in fine jewelry, though only recently receiving widespread recognition
Important considerations
- Like other gemstones, there are treatments and synthetics that can mislead purchasers about quality and rarity
- Work with a trusted gemologist and get certification when practical
- Natural spinel has always been rare but beautiful
- The combination of relatively modest prices, color variety, hardness, and suitability for all types of jewelry makes them an appealing choice
SPINELS
At CUSHLA WHITING, all spinels are carefully selected by our in-house gemologist Hamish Whiting, who specializes in finding exceptionally high-quality stones that offer both beauty and value. Their natural brilliance and durability make them an excellent choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry pieces meant for everyday wear.