Behind the Stones: Spinel, A Hidden Treasure for August Birthdays
Of all the birthstones, spinel might just be the best-kept secret. Long overshadowed by its more famous counterparts—rubies and sapphires—this extraordinary gem is finally stepping into its own light. And what a light it is. From dusky violet to slate blue and smoky plum, spinels are full of nuance, character and mystery. For those born in August, or anyone drawn to soulful stones, spinel is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
At Sophie Breitmeyer, spinel has become something of a house favourite. Its rich yet restrained palette, innate brilliance and durability make it a gemstone that feels at once timeless and refreshingly modern. “It’s a stone I always come back to,” says Sophie. “There’s something magical about it. Clients are often surprised by how beautiful spinels are, especially when they see them in person.”
What Makes Spinel So Special?
Often found in the same mineral-rich environments as rubies and sapphires, spinel was long mistaken for both. Today, it's finally being recognised as a distinct gemstone in its own right, prized for its vivid colour, exceptional clarity and natural brilliance.
Trace elements such as chromium, iron and cobalt give rise to spinel’s remarkably diverse colour spectrum, from vivid crimson and hot pink to moody purples and sea-glass greys. Unlike many coloured gemstones on the market today, spinels are rarely treated, allowing their natural beauty to shine through, completely unaltered.
Then there are its optical qualities. With a refractive index close to that of diamond, spinel sparkles intensely. Properly cut and polished, it reveals a glassy, vitreous lustre and remarkable transparency, allowing light to dance within the stone, revealing flashes of colour and inner life.
A World of Colour
Spinels offer one of the most captivating colour palettes in the gemstone world, and some of the most beautiful hues are also the most unexpected. In Sophie’s collection of ready-to-wear engagement rings, two exceptional spinels take centre stage, each showcasing the gem’s more painterly, expressive tones.
One features an oval grey-blue spinel, flanked by angular, Cadillac-cut diamonds set in platinum. Cool and contemporary, it’s a gently powerful stone that reveals new depths as it catches the light, shifting from slate to silvered denim depending on the angle.
The second, an emerald cut grey-purple spinel, is set in yellow gold and framed by elegant baguette cut diamonds. Its smoky lilac tone feels both modern and nostalgic, a hue that nods to twilight skies and vintage glamour.
“There’s something about the grey undertone in these stones that makes them feel incredibly wearable,” says Sophie. “There’s a sophistication and subtlety to grey-toned spinels that’s unlike anything else in the gemstone world, plus they go with everything.” This balance between colour and neutrality, brilliance and calm, is what makes spinel such a joy to design with.
The August Birthstone
Since 2016, spinel has been officially recognised as one of August’s birthstones, and in many ways, it feels like the perfect fit. There’s a dreamy stillness to August, when days linger and the light turns golden, and spinel, with its subtle depth and natural radiance, echoes that same feeling.
Spinel’s appeal extends well beyond the birthstone calendar. For those drawn to gemstones with character, it offers something truly special: vibrant colour, crystalline brilliance and a legacy that’s only now being rediscovered.
A Gemstone for the Curious
In an age where individuality is more valued than ever, spinel is having a renaissance. It speaks to those who trust their instincts and favour understatement over overstatement. Whether chosen for its meaning, its mood or simply because it caught your eye, this is a gem that rewards a closer look.
