Metal: 14K Gold

Stone: 1.11ct Spinel Heart

Measurements: Approx. 7mm x 6mm

Chain: 14k gold. 18” in length.

What You Should Know: A beautiful spinel heart.

If you love vibrant color, odds are that spinel is your girl. These precious gemstones run the gamut—from intense oranges to vivacious pinks to deep reds—as a result of traces of chromium. On the other side of the color spectrum are purples and greens thanks to bits of iron and cobalt creates blue spinel. 

Due to its range of vibrant colors, spinels have been mistaken for other types of stones throughout history, especially those sassy red ravens, which give off big ruby vibes. One tantalizing historic example is a scarlet spinel known as the “Black Prince’s Ruby.” This polished gemstone hails from the Badakhshan mines, in present day Tajikistan and Afghanistan, an area known in the Middle Ages for producing incredible spinels. The gem appears in the historic record around 1300 A.D. in Spain where it had many owners and admirers, including Spanish kings. 

In 1367, the Black Prince’s Ruby found its way to the British Isles where it resides to this day. For its English debut, it paid a debt: payment for a battle victory for the Prince of Wales. He was called the “Black Prince” as a reference to his unique black armor. This famous spinel has survived fires and wartime bombings, and lives today in the Tower of London as part of the esteemed crown jewels. 

Spinels are highly sought after due to their beauty and durability. The name spinel is Spanish for “spina”, which means thorn. This is a reference to the spindly, sharp shape of its crystalline molecular structure. If every rose has its thorn, I guess we’re not too mad about it.