Spinel
Buyer’s Guide

Colour

Colour is the most critical factor in spinel valuation. The finest spinels display vivid, saturated tones and even colour distribution. High-quality spinels typically show:

• Bright red, vibrant pink, or pure blue hues
• Even colour distribution with no zoning
• Strong saturation and brilliance

Paler or dull stones are less valuable. The most prized red spinels, often called “ruby spinel”, rival rubies in visual impact.

Clarity

Spinel is often remarkably clean compared to other coloured gemstones. High-value spinels are typically:

• Eye-clean (no visible inclusions to the naked eye)
• Free from fractures or surface-reaching cracks
• Transparent with strong light return

Because of its cubic crystal structure, spinel tends to form clean, inclusion-free crystals, enhancing both beauty and value.

Cut

Cut determines how spinel interacts with light. Well-cut stones maximise brilliance, symmetry, and colour display. Important cut considerations include:

• Precise facet alignment
• Symmetrical proportions
• Appropriate depth for colour and brilliance
• Smooth, polished surfaces

Spinel is commonly cut into oval, cushion, round, and brilliant shapes, with the cut tailored to protect corners and maximise colour.

Carat Weight

Larger spinels are rarer, particularly when colour and clarity are excellent, which greatly increases value.
When comparing stones:

• Smaller stones with superior colour and clarity can be more valuable than larger, lower-quality stones
• Larger stones should maintain even colour and strong brilliance
• Stones over 5 carats with fine colour and clarity are highly sought after