There are jewels you instantly recognize. And then there are those that make you pause, lean in, and ask, “What is that?” Spinel is such a precious stone. Its rich color and versatility have made it a sought-after choice in Bay Area Handcrafted jewelry, where uniqueness and quality craftsmanship matter most. For centuries, it sparkled in crowns and treasuries not as spinel, but under the borrowed name of a ruby. Now, finally, it is being seen for what it truly is: a gemstone of caliber and status.
At Robin Woolard, the resurgence of spinel isn’t just acknowledged, it’s curated. From pinks that soften like silk to reds that pulse with flame, from electrifying cobalt to dreamlike violets, our exceptional pieces prove that spinel is not merely a gem. It’s a rediscovery.
A History Mistaken — and All the More Enchanting for It
Once upon a time, before gemology found its footing, the world was ruled by the eye. If a stone was red and radiant, it was called a ruby. No questions asked. And so, spinel lived a double life — misnamed, yet treasured. The British Imperial State Crown holds one of its most famous examples: the Black Prince’s Ruby, gifted in the 14th century, passed through wars and coronations, and only centuries later recognized as spinel. Another is the Timur Ruby, a 361-carat marvel carved with
Mughal imperial names — also, in truth, spinel.
But the misnaming never lessened its worth. On the contrary, it gave spinel an aura of mystery and depth that no modern marketing campaign could invent.
Color, Without Compromise
One of spinel’s most captivating traits is its color. Not just red, not just pink. Spinel exists in an entire spectrum: magenta, dusty rose, crimson, orange, cobalt blue, silver-gray, violet, and even lavender. And unlike many of its peers, its hues are almost always untouched. No heat treatments. No enhancements. Just nature, at its finest.
The Pink Spinel Diamond Gold Earrings by Robin Woolard capture this purity with grace. At their heart are two untreated Burmese spinels, 6.75 carats in total, cradled in a hidden halo of diamonds. Two hexagon diamonds whisper from the sides — an architectural note to an otherwise romantic piece. The entire composition, set in 18k white gold, is timeless femininity made wearable.
If you seek passion, the Red Spinel & Diamond Platinum Ring answers with fervor. A 4.07-carat Mahenge spinel, the kind of red that poets would envy, rests between two shield-cut diamonds. The ring’s platinum body is softened by 18K rose gold, solidifying warmth with strength.
And then, the rarest tone of all: cobalt. The Cobalt Spinel & Diamond Platinum Ring features a 2.09-carat stone from Vietnam — so beautiful and unique that it is destined to mesmerize.
Lastly, for those drawn to magic, the Purple Spinel & Pink Sapphires White Gold Ring feels like a fairytale. A 2.21 ct cushion-cut purple spinel is set between half-moon violets, crowned with round Ceylon sapphires and brilliant diamonds. It glows.
Where Earth Hides Its Best Secrets
Spinel forms under conditions few places on Earth can provide: extreme heat, intense pressure, and the right alchemy of minerals. The most coveted sources include the legendary Mogok Valley in Myanmar, the historic Badakhshan region of Afghanistan, and the lush, gem-rich terrains of Vietnam and Tanzania.
Why Spinel Matters Now More Than Ever
- It doesn’t need enhancement. Its color is natural, raw, and true.
- It has royal roots. Some of history’s most prized “rubies” are actually spinels.
- It’s strong. With a hardness of 8, it’s perfect for everyday elegance.
- It’s rare. Fine-quality spinels over two carats, especially in red or cobalt, are exceptionally hard to source.
- It’s versatile. Spinel lives just as beautifully in antique-inspired earrings as it does in cutting-edge platinum designs.
The Era of Spinel Has Arrived
In 2016, spinel was officially designated as the birthstone for August. This was a significant victory that resonated loudly in the world of gem enthusiasts. But its real rise is happening now, in workshops and on fingers, in earrings that shimmer and rings that speak. At Robin Woolard, each spinel is more than a gem. It stands in its light, and for those lucky enough to wear it, that light never fades.
