2 Comments
Teddi
I think the faceted black spinel's are beautiful used as spacers in necklaces, because they sparkle and add a hint of glamour to the piece. From a geologist viewpoint, it is interesting on how many beautiful gemstones come from Burma.
Ken Rogers
Red Spinel is also known as a Balas Ruby". In the 14th century, the 170 carat Black Prince Ruby was given to the British royal family, by Edward of Woodstock ("The Black Prince"). He acquired the gemstone from Peter of Castile (aka Don Pedro the Cruel) who had ruthlessly killed the Iberian Muslim leader, Abu Sai'id, The gemstone had been found on, and taken from, on the body of Abu Sai'id, The gemstone was given as a gift from Peter of Castile to Edward of Woodstock, who presented it to the British Royal family. Once in England, the large "Ruby" had a tumultuous journey, and in different versions of British royal crowns, Currently, it is set in the cross, above the Cullinan II diamond., in the Imperial State Crown of the United Kingdom In the late 18th century, the gemstone was proven to, not be a ruby, but it is a Spinel. Currently, it is the largest gem spinel (aka Balas Ruby".