HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: Kristen Stewart attends the 94th Annual Academy Awards at ... [+] Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
Spinel, the stone that fooled gem hunters and royalty into thinking it was ruby when it was discovered in the 1400s, is one of the three birthstones of August. It was added to the list in 2016 by the GIA (The Gemological Institute of America). Before that, the two birthstones for August were peridot and sardonyx. The colors most associated with the birthstone are the deep pinks, pinkish reds and the most coveted red spinels, bringing us back to how at least two crowned jewels were mistaken for rubies. The approximately 170-carat Black Prince’s ‘ruby’ was owned by a progression of Moorish and Spanish kings before Edward, Prince of Wales (also known as the Black Prince) received the gem in 1367 as payment for a victory in a battle. The red spinel is set in Great Britain’s Imperial State Crown just above the 317.40-carat Cullinan II diamond. It is displayed in the Tower of London. Another large spinel in the Crown Jewels, the ‘Timur ruby,’ which weighs over 350- carats.
The Imperial State Crown, worn on State occasions. In front is the balas ruby given to the Black ... [+] Prince in the fourteenth century', 1953. The piece was commissioned for the coronation of George VI (1937) and is part of the Royal Collection at the Tower of London. From The Crown Jewels, by Martin Holmes FSA. [Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1953]Artist Rundell, Bridge and Rundell. (Photo by The Print Collector/Getty Images)
But in the 18th century, spinel was confirmed to be a different stone from ruby due to their chemical makeups. Spinels are available in almost every color of the rainbow. However, the deep reds associated with August and cobalt blue are the most precious of the hues.
They are mined in Tajikistan, Vietnam, Tanzania and Pakistan. Myanmar is known for producing spinel of the hot pink and red spinel variety. They are reported to be associated with revitalization and to .inspire, refresh, energize, and give endurance to the wearer.
Fast Forward to the 2022 Academy Awards and Kristen Stewart is wearing an eye-popping Chanel High Jewelry necklace long diamond necklace with a stunning red spinel as its centerpiece. It was one of the best jewels of the evening.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 27: Kristen Stewart attends the 94th Annual Academy Awards at ... [+] Hollywood and Highland on March 27, 2022 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
Here we feature a variety from pinkish to red spinels in modern jewels for August babies who prefer these gems to peridot and sardonyx as well as all jewelry enthusiasts who covet these feminine to firey gems.
Vak Jewellery Eternal Garden Bracelet with untreated Burmese cabochon spinels, natural rubies, rose cut and full cut diamonds.
Ark Fine Jewelry Creation Ring with a 3.46-carat red spinel with trillion diamonds.
Ark Fine Jewelry spinel Creation ring
Nouvel Heritage 18K rose gold and red spinel bangle bracelet.
Reza 18K rose gold Farandole Earrings with beaded spinels and diamonds.
Reza spinel and diamond earrings
Melissa Kaye’s 18K white gold Lenox tennis necklace with a One-of-a-Kind Lenox Clasp with pink spinel and neon pink enamel.
Melissa Kaye spinel pendant necklace
Retrouvaí Pleated spinel ring in 14K yellow gold
Nak Armstrong 20K rose gold Crown & Head Ring with red and multi colored spinel
Yi collection pink spinel and diamond Love Earrings
Yi Collection pink spinel Love earrings