Exceptional Red Spinel
Burma
For centuries spinel was misidentified as ruby, e.g. Edward the Black Prince's "Ruby" in the British Crown jewels is, in fact, a magnificent red spinel. With gemological advances this confusion has now ceased and the gemstone has since emerged as a highly desirable stone in its own right. The rich red color of the present gem-quality stone illustrates how that original gemological confusion could have taken place. The color of the present example is perfect: it is neither too dark, nor does it bear any evidence of brown as is the case with so many reddish spinels. Exceptionally large in size for the species, at over 9 carats, this gorgeous oval-cut stone has excellent brilliance its true red having a strong saturation, but entirely allowing its inner beauty to be revealed as well as its high transparency. This is a fine collector's stone suitable for mounting as a ring or pendant.
Weighing 9.17 carats and measuring 12.5 x 12.1 x 7.2mm