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As it is so hard and durable a spinel looks good in almost any type of jewelry setting. Like the ruby it is often cut into oval, round or cushion shapes. It can do a great impersonation of a ruby if you want a red stone in an engagement or wedding ring.

In various cultures, red spinel is used as a stone for protection, courage and the strength to overcome obstacles. Like other gem stones that are red and pink, it is thought to enhance romance and passion.

Larger spinels are rarer and pricey but smaller spinels look great as earrings or part of a more elaborate ring or necklace design. Clusters of dark colored spinels in gold look very opulent.

Spinels, especially black spinels that have a very dark red color, are part of a long held tradition in India where it is customary for newborns to wear baby bracelets on his hands during the first year of its life. These are very popular items especially if you set the gems in 14K or 18K gold. Black spinels were also used in place of onyx, jet or black diamonds in Edwardian and Art Deco jewelry styles

Spinel is mined mainly in africa and Asia. Even though they are just ruby imitators they are not that much less expensive than rubies which makes a spynel that should be collected as a gemstone on its own.




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