Spinels gaining in coloured Diamond category

Red colour diamonds indicate fire, intensity, and passion. Such fiery stones resembling rubies are mostly spinels that are categorized in the top four fine jewel sections, where the Hope Spinel sale for US$1.55 million in 2015 created a record at Bonham’s auctions. 

These are the most pre-eminent coloured diamonds known for incomparable lustre, hardness, and resolution. Expert gemologists claim some of the most brilliant rubies are spinels, which can be found in the European state crowns, rings or rare classic pieces of jewellery. 

The two gemstones – Ruby and Spinel - can be found side-by-side in the mines of Tanzania, Myanmar, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar. Mughal rulers treasured it as the colour symbolized power. 

The Hope Spinel is ranked as exceptional and was bought from Tajikistan. It is a 50.13 carat stone that was part of the Henry Philip collection, which died in 1839. Most such large gemstones are transparent. 

The Russian imperial crown held the 398.72-carat spinel, which was acquired through trade negotiations with China in 1676. It became a part of the crown in 1762. Even the Australian empire's imperial crown had spinel embedded, made in 1602 for the Roman Emperor. 

Comparison of the chemical composition and colour variants with rubies and other gemstones 

Chemically, it contains MgAl?O? (rubies are just Al?O?). Some of the unusual types of stones have a cubic structure, which can be found in other colours like rare blues, violets, and black. The refraction property of the stone is distinctive in comparison to many other gemstones, which leads to special luminance. 

The pinkish-red variety has a tremendous demand in the engagement rings, where they can be recognized for the unique, delicate beauty that is different from the pigeon red ruby tone. 

The stone is characterized by an octahedral structure having a single refractive index that offers clarity. Dramatic colours can be found in the category at affordable prices. Velvety blue hues resemble the Sri Lankan sapphires and are some of the most affordable alternatives to Kashmir sapphires. 

Intense pink is in demand as it has the same colour tone as sapphires. Other colours include steely grey and purple-blue.  These can be found in the form of a round pebble. 

Christie Red Gemstone sale in 1997

In October 1997, Christie started the Indian jewellery sale in London, where the traditional luxury gemstones were exhibited, and the sale featured over 100 lots, which included stones from the Mughal Empire, where spinels were the most expensive. Some such stones had the names of emperors engraved to symbolize their eminence. 

The large rubies and spinels with special tones were joined in beads or embedded in the precious metals. The exhibition included some of the pieces from the Mughal treasure, which was, in 1739, looted by the Persian ruler. 

The 877.23 carats 11-bead spinel set held by Mughal Emperors had the names of Mughal emperors Jehangir, Akbar, and Shah Jahan engraved, and the set was sold for $1,428,030.

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