Sunshine Spinels: The August Birthstone in Summer Shades

August 8, 2022

By Livia Primo Lack

9 min read

Happy August, everyone! With the sun shining and florals in full bloom, what could be better than the versatile spinel to add a bold burst of colour to your summer wardrobe? Did someone say the rainbow gem?

From intense red to bluish green, spinel presents itself in nature through a wealth of colours: bold pink, vibrant orange, deep purple, violet, and light blue, to name but a few! And while spinels have fallen under the radar in fine jewellery designs, we think it’s time to put the spotlight back on this exquisite stone.

Spinel & Fancy Colored Diamond Ear Clips, by BHAGAT

Spinel & Fancy Colored Diamond Ear Clips, by BHAGAT

Due to the diverse colour palette of spinels, many famous gems have turned out to belong to this group of minerals upon closer inspection. The most famous of these look-alike gems are the Black Prince Ruby and the Timur Ruby. Originating from the same mine in Tajikistan in Central Asia, these two deep red spinels were originally thought to be rubies. The Black Prince weighs 170 carats and is the central star of the British Imperial State Crown, an important ceremonial jewel for the British Royal family, which is on display at the Tower of London.

David Morris white gold spinel, sapphire, turquoise and diamond ring from the 60th Anniversary Collection

David Morris white gold spinel, sapphire, turquoise and diamond ring from the 60th Anniversary Collection

Its larger brother, the 361-carat Timur Ruby, was a gift from the East India Company to Queen Victoria. Legend says that the stone was named after Tamerlane, the founder of the Timurid Empire in Central Asia (1336-1405), who is said to be the original owner of the gem. The stone itself, an irregularly shaped cabochon, is etched with the five names of its previous owners. Once in Queen Victoria’s possession, it was set into a gold and diamond necklace in 1853 by the crown jeweller, Garrard.

Gold, spinel, Ayoka pearl and diamond earrings

Gold, spinel, Ayoka pearl and diamond earrings

As well as capturing the hearts of royals and leaders throughout history, the spinel is becoming ever present in high jewellery today. From historic brands such as Van Cleef & ArpelsBulgari and Tiffany & Co. to celebrated modern fine jewellers such as Melissa Kaye and Lily Gabriella, the spinel is present in most designer collections. Its diversity and durability are the key attributes that contribute to its success in the design world. Measuring eight on the Mohs scale of hardness, it is a reliable stone that doesn’t require a huge amount of extra care and attention.

Chaumet white gold, rose gold, spinel, Paraiba tourmaline and diamond Ports of Call necklace from the Ondes et Merveilles collection

Chaumet white gold, rose gold, spinel, Paraiba tourmaline and diamond Ports of Call necklace from the Ondes et Merveilles collection

A spinel fine jewellery piece can be worn with almost anything when you browse the rainbow of colours in its mineralogical repertoire. Colour blocking your outfit according to the shade of your spinel jewel is a guaranteed way to make a strong fashion statement this summer. We say the brighter, the better!

Dior white gold, sapphire, spinel and diamond bracelet from the Dior Print collection

Dior white gold, sapphire, spinel and diamond bracelet from the Dior Print collection

The spinel jewellery creations below are just a small sample of the output from designers across the world, including new high jewellery collections, whimsical rings, shoulder-skimming earrings and much more.

Van Cleef&Arpels

Van Cleef&Arpels

Oiseau Flamboyant necklace in spinel and diamond

Bvlgari

Bvlgari

White gold, spinel, aquamarine and diamond High Jewellery ring

Pomellato

Pomellato

2022 La Gioia di Pomellato Cascade Gris Earrings in titanium, rose gold, grey spinel and diamond

Cora Sheibani

Cora Sheibani

White gold, rose gold, spinel and opal Cupcake ring

Calla Lily

Calla Lily

Pink Spinel Monstera Leaf Ring & Brooch

CHANEL

CHANEL

CHANEL ‘1932’ ring in 18K white gold, yellow gold, diamond and orange spinels

Emily P. Wheeler

Emily P. Wheeler

Spinel and diamond ring

Lily Gabriella

Lily Gabriella

Sea Urchin spinel and diamond earrings

Piaget

Piaget

Piaget High Jewellery Limelight Sunlight Journey spinel Cuff Bracelet

David Morris

David Morris

David Morris white gold, spinel, pink opal diamond Electra ring

Nak Armstrong

Nak Armstrong

spinel ring

Bvlgari

Bvlgari

White gold, spinel, emerald and diamond High Jewellery necklace

Melissa Kaye

Melissa Kaye

Spinel and enamel ring

Rahaminov Diamonds

Rahaminov Diamonds

spinel ring

K and Co. London

K and Co. London

Sea Spectrum Spinel Earrings

Hancocks london

Hancocks london

Spinel and diamond ring

Theo Fennell

Theo Fennell

White gold, spinel, and diamond Pave Bee Brooch

Van Cleef and Arpels

Van Cleef and Arpels

Hibiscus spinel brooch

Chaumet

Chaumet

Ports of Call spinel ring from the Ondes et Merveilles collection

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