Jewelers often call Spinel a great deceiver, because large raspberry and cherry colors of this gemstone have often been mistaken for the more durable and valuable ruby. The most interesting case when Spinel was mistaken for Ruby was when Spinel was placed in the Imperial State Crown of England. After Henry V this 170 carat stone which was named the Black Prince’s Ruby was owned by many Persian moguls before it who have their names inscribed on its face. Also there was another famous “Ruby” called the Timur Ruby, which is really a 361 carat raspberry hued Ruby.

The Spinel has received a status of a semi-precious gemstone and since 1587 it was opposed to being a Ruby. Since that time it has had its own value and a lot of designers give the preference to this stone and it has become popular among gem collectors and fahionistas. In spite of red Spinels can come in pastel shades of purple and pink. Cobalt spinels are the rarest and they carry a bit of a blue hue. But generally Spinels are as red as a drop of blood. Scarce Spinel can be found only in Burma. It is bright pink with a hint of orange.

Unfortunately only fine Spinels have managed to become as rare and precious as Rubies because it is mach harder to find the place to mine.  But nowadays large loose or set stones are gaining popularity and become more precious to the collectors. Over the past few years, modern designers have been using this gemstone because of its brilliance, hardness and endurance. Also Spinel due to its features suits any type of jewelry setting. It is cut into oval like Ruby and may have round or cushion shapes. You can also impersonate it for a Ruby and set this red stone in your engagement or wedding ring.

According to some traditions red Spinel can be used for protection, courage and the strength in order to fight obstacles. It also increases romance and passion as well as the other red and pink gemstones.

Larger spinels are rarer and more expensive but smaller Spinels can look attractive as earrings or they can serve as a part of more precise ring or necklace design. Clusters of dark colored spinels in gold are used to create an opulent look.

According to the ancient Indian tradition Spinels, especially black spinels of a very dark red color were taken for newborns. During the first year of their life babies should wear bracelets on the hands. It has become a very modern item to set these gems in 14K or 18K gold. Black spinels have replaced onyx, jet or black diamonds in Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry styles.

Spinel can be found in Africa and Asia. In spite of the fact that they just imitate the Rubies they are not cheaper and can be collected as a gemstone on its own.