How to Buy Spinel: A Comprehensive Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Spinel

Overview

The Spinel buying guide is designed to help you make an informed decision when purchasing this beautiful gemstone. It provides valuable information on the characteristics and quality of Spinel, as well as the different types of Spinel available to purchase. This guide will also cover other important factors to consider, such as pricing and the overall value of your purchase. With the information provided, you can be confident that you understand the stone before you buy it.

Key features

  1. Tone: Spinels come in a variety of colors, from the classic deep red to shades of pink, blue, purple, green, yellow and black. Consider the desired tone of the stone to choose the right color.
  2. Clarity: Spinels are sometimes heat treated to enhance their color; however, this can cause cloudiness or inclusions. Look for clarity that suits your needs.
  3. Cut: Spinels can be cut in a variety of shapes and sizes. Consider the desired size and shape of the stone when shopping for a Spinel.
  4. Size: The size of a Spinel is another important factor to consider when making a purchase. Larger stones can often be more valuable than smaller stones.
  5. Carat Weight:The carat weight of a Spinel can be an important factor in determining the price. Heavier stones can cost more, so consider the desired carat weight when shopping.
  6. Treatment: Some Spinels may be treated to enhance their color, so it is important to know whether the stone has been treated before making a purchase.

See the most popular Spinel on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability – Spinel is the second hardest natural gemstone after diamond, making it a great choice for jewelry that needs to stand up to wear and tear.
  • Color Variety – Spinel comes in a wide range of colors, from deep black to bright pink.
  • Affordability – Spinel is typically more affordable than other gemstones of similar quality, making it a great option for those looking for high quality jewelry without breaking the bank.
  • Versatility – Spinel can be cut and faceted in many different shapes, making it a great option for a variety of jewelry styles.

Cons

  • Purity - Spinel can be made with synthetic materials, so it is important to make sure you are getting natural Spinel from a reliable source.
  • Durability - Spinel can be relatively soft, so it is important to make sure it is kept away from harsh chemicals and scratches.
  • Availability - Spinel is not as widely available as some other gemstones, and certain colors or cuts may be harder to find.
  • Price - Spinel is usually more expensive than other gemstones, so it may not be the best option for those on a tighter budget.

Best alternatives

  1. Garnet - a deep red to orange-red gemstone
  2. Sapphire - a blue colored gemstone
  3. Ruby - a deep red gemstone
  4. Zircon - a yellow to white gemstone
  5. Aquamarine - a blue to greenish-blue colored gemstone
  6. Emerald - a green colored gemstone

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Sturdy Box - a strong and durable box specifically designed to store and transport Spinel stones
  • Jewelry Cloth - a microfiber cloth specifically designed to clean Spinel jewelry without scratching
  • Jewelry Loupe - a magnifying glass used to inspect Spinel stones for inclusions
  • Gemstone Scale - a precise scale used to accurately measure the weight of Spinel stones
  • Tweezers - a specialized tweezer set designed for working with Spinel stones

Common questions

  1. What color variations are available for Spinel? Spinel is available in a range of colors, including blue, pink, red, purple, black, brown, orange, yellow, and green.
  2. Is Spinel a good choice for everyday wear? Yes, Spinel is an excellent choice for everyday wear due to its durability and hardness.
  3. What is the difference between natural and synthetic Spinel? Natural Spinel is mined from the earth, whereas synthetic Spinel is created in a laboratory.
  4. How do I tell if Spinel is real? You can tell if Spinel is real by looking at the stone under a microscope. Natural Spinel will have inclusions and fractures, while synthetic Spinel will be free of blemishes.
  5. Where can I find quality Spinel? Quality Spinel can be found at reputable jewelry stores and online retailers. Before making a purchase, be sure to ask for a certificate of authenticity.
  6. How much does Spinel cost? The cost of Spinel will vary depending on size, color, and quality. Generally, prices range from $50 to $500 or more.

Trivia

Spinel is well known for its vibrant colors, but did you know that it was originally thought to be a variety of ruby? It wasn't until the late 19th century that it was determined that Spinel was its own gemstone, rather than a type of ruby. This was determined by French mineralogist Louis Nicolas Vauquelin in the late 1700s, but wasn't widely accepted until much later. This fact is especially fascinating due to its similarity to rubies, with its deep reds and pinks, so it is easy to understand why it was mistaken for such a long time. Source: https://www.americangemsociety.org/en/spinel.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.