Gray Spinel and Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold

Rare and underappreciated, spinel is most famous for what it is not. Many of the world's most famous “rubies” are actually spinel, including the Black Prince’s Ruby on the British Imperial Crown and the Timur Ruby owned by Queen Elizabeth. It's not surprising that ruby and spinel, often referred to in ancient texts as Balas ruby, were long confused. Both are mined from the gem gravels of Burma and Sri Lanka. They have similar hardness and durability, vivid color, and brilliance. Now treasured for its own sake, spinel is a favorite of gem dealers and gem collectors due to its brilliance, hardness, rarity, and wide range of spectacular colors. Spinel is the gem of the 22nd anniversary.

Creating 18K white gold is jeweler’s alchemy. To make luxurious 18K white gold, 75% pure golden yellow gold is alloyed with 25% white metals, usually silver, zinc, or palladium. These metals also increase its durability and hardness. To get that bright white shine, most 18K white gold jewelry is plated with rhodium, a platinum group metal.