Some gemstones demand attention; others reveal their magic quietly - only to reward those who look a little closer. Spinel belongs to the latter category: a gemstone so often mistaken for others throughout history that it’s earned the reputation of being the gem in disguise.  

Today, it stands proudly in its own right, loved for its extraordinary colours, durability, and luminous beauty. 

What Are Spinels? 

Spinel is a naturally occurring gemstone cherished for its vibrant colours, brilliance and durability. Ranking 8 on the Mohs hardness scale, it’s an excellent choice for jewellery that’s designed to be worn and enjoyed every day.  

It’s also one of the birthstones for August, making it a meaningful gift for those celebrating in late summer. 

Origins & Sources 

Spinel is found across the globe, with major sources in Tajikistan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Tanzania and Pakistan. 

Myanmar is particularly famous for its hot pink and fiery red spinel deposits. Locally, spinel crystals are said to be "nat the" - meaning “polished by the spirits”- because of their naturally flawless appearance. 

Colours of Spinel 

One of spinel’s most remarkable qualities is its spectrum of colour. It can be found in red, orange, pink, purple, blue and even black. 

The most prized colours include: 

Bright red - the legendary “ruby spinel,” so similar to ruby that it has been confused with it for centuries. 

Cobalt blue - rare and intensely saturated. 

Vivid pinks and oranges - energetic, modern and highly sought-after. 

More affordable but equally beautiful tones include pale lavender, which offers soft, romantic colour at a gentler price point. 

Spinel also comes in several distinct varieties: 

No matter the shade, spinel is typically cut into cushion and oval shapes, where its proportions allow its brilliance to shine. 

A Brief History of the Spinel 

Spinel’s beauty has always been admired - but for much of history, it was admired under the wrong name. 

For centuries, spinel was mistaken for ruby and sapphire, its closest colour counterparts. Its similarity meant it often found its way into royal treasure collections labelled as something else entirely. 

It wasn’t until the 18th century that mineralogist Jean Baptiste Louis Rome de Lisle identified spinel as a distinct mineral species. Only then did historians realise that many “rubies” in famous jewels were actually spinel. 

Perhaps the most iconic example is the Black Prince’s “Ruby”, set prominently into the Imperial State Crown of England. Despite its title, the stone is not a ruby at all - but a magnificent red spinel with an even richer story. 

Spinel on the Red Carpet 

With its kaleidoscope of colour and undeniable glamour, spinel has become a favourite among modern celebrities and designers. 

Lady Gaga – 2019 Met Gala 

Lady Gaga stunned with a 5-carat pink spinel ring, valued at $29,000. Its bold, vivid hue perfectly matched her theatrical style, adding a pop of colour to her already iconic look. 

Jessica Chastain – 2022 Oscars 

Jessica Chastain’s jewellery featured diamonds paired with pink, lilac and light-blue spinels, all set in white gold. Her standout piece: lion’s head earrings gripping a round-cut spinel in their jaws, cascading into a delicate floral drop design. A masterclass in red carpet elegance. 

Kristen Stewart – 2022 Oscars 

Kristen Stewart’s “Ganse Noire Spinelle” necklace showcased an intense red spinel framed by diamonds in 18k white gold - proving the stone’s ability to be both edgy and timeless. 

Fall in Love with Spinel 

Whether you’re drawn to its ruby-like reds, electric blues or soft pastels, spinel is a gemstone that deserves its moment in the spotlight. With a storied past and a vibrant future, it's the perfect choice for those who want something distinctive, meaningful and effortlessly beautiful. 

Ready to discover your own spinel? 
Explore our collection of Holts Gems spinel rings or speak to our experts about creating a bespoke piece tailored just for you.