Search results for:
Spinel
Spinel Gem, Price, and Jewelry Information
Although long known best for being misidentified as ruby, the spinel gem is beautiful in its own right. Its colors,...
View Profile
Spinel Faceting Information
Helpful information such as successful tips and details on how to Spinel Facet gemstones. Essential information and guides necessary for...
Read More
Identifying Synthetic Spinel
Synthetic spinel is a widely used jewelry stone. Learn how gemologists can identify lab-made flame-fusion, flux, and Czochralski spinels.
Read More
Spinel Buying Guide
Master spinel buying with our comprehensive guide covering the 4 Cs, color grading, pricing, origins, and how to identify quality...
Read More
Spinel Treatments and Enhancements
Spinels are rarely treated, but gemologists should know how to detect spinel treatments. Learn about filling, heating, and diffusion.
Read More
How Do Spinels Form?
Available in many colors, spinels are becoming more popular with consumers. Learn how spinels form and how these gemstones get...
Read More
What are Balas Rubies and Ruby Spinels?
For centuries, balas rubies were prized by royalty. Learn what happened after gemologists identified these gems as red spinels instead....
Read More
What are Cobalt Spinels?
Learn how gemologists identify cobalt spinels and what qualities you should look for when buying these beautiful, vivid blue gemstones....
Read More
Four Famous Spinels
Although the world’s most famous spinels are named “rubies,” these gems are distinct species. Learn the stories behind four of...
Read More
Spinel
Spinel has played an important part in gem history. Prior to the last century, it was impossible to distinguish from...
Read More
Choosing a Spinel Engagement Ring Stone
Our spinel engagement ring stone guide can help you learn about this beautiful, colorful, durable, but little-known gemstone.
Read More
Spinel Inclusions
The materials trapped inside gems hold a wealth of information. Learn what the most common types of spinel inclusions reveal...
Read More
Spinel Sources
Learn about important spinel sources across the globe — from historical mines to recent discoveries — and the colors they...
Read More
An Interview with Spinel Collector Seth Rosen
Spinel collector and gem trade expert Seth Rosen discusses the current market and potential future for this beautiful but little-known...
Read More
What is Jedi Spinel?
Jedi spinel makes a beautiful jewelry stone. Learn how it got its name and what qualities make this vivid pinkish...
Read More
Red Gemstones: Ruby, Spinel, Garnet, and Other Great Picks for Jewelry
Red gemstones are popular choices for engagement rings and fine jewelry. The three most popular stones are ruby, garnet, and...
Read More
August Birthstones: Peridot and Spinel
What is the August Birthstone?
Periodot and spinel are the modern birthstones for August. Those born in this month are...
Read More
Before and After: Pictures of Repaired and Recut Gems
Take a look at these before-and-after pics of repaired and recut gems and learn how a great lapidary can improve...
Read More
Risk Management and Gem Buying for Profit
You can’t eliminate all risks from gem investing, but understanding the risks you’ll face and your appetite for them will...
Read More
Gemstone Rarity and Ease of Replacement
Most gemstones are rare, but some are rarer than others. Learn how gemstone rarity and ease of replacement can affect...
Read More
Gemstone Refractometer Mini-Quiz
Test your knowledge of refractometer gem analysis with this mini-quiz. You can review material on any question you miss at...
Read More
An Update on Spinel Sold at the Las Vegas JCK Show in 2024
Spinel has been on quite a dramatic ride! Confused with corundum for centuries, it was only identified as an independent...
Read More
Distinguishing Aquamarine Imitations
How can gemologists quickly distinguish aquamarines from aquamarine imitations? We’ll review some common lookalikes and their most notable differences.
Read More
List of False or Misleading Gemstone Names
A list of False or Misleading Gemstone Names and its Actual Gemological Name. Gathered by the source "Gemstones of the...
Read More
How it Works: Recutting Gems to Maximize Value
Recutting gems that have been poorly cut can increase their value significantly. See how precision custom cutting can transform a...
Read More
How to Build Pocket Crossed Filters for Gemstone Testing
The crossed filters technique allows gemologists to detect chromium in gems. Learn how to build a portable device for conducting...
Read More
Synthetic Gemstone Inclusions
Identifying lab-created gems is a critical skill for gemologists. Learn how to spot the most common synthetic gemstone inclusions.
Read More
Top Five Gemstone Investments for 2025
What are the top gemstone investments for 2024? Learn why these five gems, some well-known and some less so, are...
Read More
Supply and Demand: Gemstone Market Dynamics
The gem market can be very subjective. Nevertheless, investors can make money by starting with the basics: understanding supply and...
Read More
Understanding Gem Synthetics, Treatments, And Imitations, Part 4: Synthetic Gemstone Guide
Many varieties of gems besides diamond can be created in the laboratory. Our synthetic gemstone guide covers many examples and...
Read More
Gemstone Magnetism: The Forgotten Property
Although gemstone magnetism isn't commonly tested, it can help gemologists distinguish similar looking gems. Learn how to analyze this property....
Read More
Quickie 3: Faceting Design Diagram
Successful tips and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this...
Read More
Gemstone Doublets, Triplets, and Other Assembled Stones
Made from two or more materials, assembled gems can make durable and affordable jewelry. Learn more about gemstone doublets, triplets,...
Read More
How to Polish Gems of 7-8 Hardness: Survey Results
Some very popular jewelry stones, such as beryl, quartz, and topaz, fall in the 7-8 hardness range. You can find...
Read More
Universal Oval: Faceting Design Diagram
Successful tips and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this...
Read More
Striped “X”: Faceting Design Diagram
Detailed information and guide on Faceting Designs. Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this one...
Read More
Identifying Inclusions of Specific Gems
Some natural as well as synthetic gems have specific, characteristic inclusions. Learn the identifying inclusions of some of the most...
Read More
Sword Oval: Faceting Design Diagram
Successful tips,details and guide on Faceting Designs. Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this one...
Read More
Twist on “CH”: Faceting Design Diagram
Successful tips and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this...
Read More
Icon Square: Faceting Design Diagram
Successful tips and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this...
Read More
Antique 1: Faceting Design Diagram
Detailed information and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this...
Read More
Point Mounty: Faceting Design Diagram
Successful tips and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this...
Read More
Line Point Triangle: Faceting Design Diagram
Helpful tips and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this...
Read More
Cut Corner Pent: Faceting Design Diagram
Successful tips and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this...
Read More
Mixed up Square : Faceting Design Diagram
Successful tips and guide on Faceting Designs. A Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this...
Read More
How to Build a Multipurpose Microscope Stage for Gems
A multipurpose microscope stage can help you move, view, and photograph gemstones under magnification easily from many angles. Learn how...
Read More
Seasonal Favorite: Neutral Colored Precious Stones
December 15, 2023
When people think of gemstones they often think of bright red rubies, blue sapphires, green emeralds and...
Read More
Shadow Box Triangle: Faceting Design Diagram
Helpful tips and guide on Faceting Designs. Faceting Design Diagram by Jeff R. Graham that presents various cuts, this one...
Read More