As August’s birthstone, peridot seems to get most of the spotlight. And as popular as green gemstones are, electric-green peridot isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
But with spinel—the month’s other birthstone—there’s something for everyone. Start with blue: It’s a hue quite unlike any other, different from other traditionally blue gems like sapphire and topaz. Often, you’ll find a gorgeous mix of blue and purple—a mesmerizing combination that, again, you don’t see much elsewhere.
Speaking of purple, the often-named lavender spinel is an alluring variation of the gem, and if consumers are into following celebrity trends, purple is an up-and-comer. The recent engagement of Zooey Deschanel and Property Brothers‘ Jonathan Scott saw the New Girl actress with a Van Cleef & Arpels ring featuring mauve and pink sapphires—a lovely combination!
Spinel also appears in a range of pinks, oranges, reds—even black. As you’ll see below, what might be considered August’s “secondary” birthstone certainly doesn’t come in second for choices and beauty.
Three-stone ring in platinum with 2.26 ct. emerald-cut blue spinel, 2.6 cts. t.w. Asscher-cut violet spinel, and 0.37 ct. t.w. diamonds, $18,000; Omi PrivéHeart ring in 18k rose gold with spinel and diamonds, $2,750; Kaltham’s PavilionEstate ballerina ring in platinum with 3.41 ct. purple spinel and 2.57 cts. t.w. diamonds, $6,950; Lang AntiquesAurora ring in 9k white gold with 1.67 ct. dark purple-gray lavender spinel, $1,287; Alicia Hannah NaomiGypsy ring in 18k yellow gold with lavender and pink spinel, $8,625; Lauren KGiovanna earrings in 18k rose gold with 10.08 cts. t.w. spinel and 1.74 cts. t.w. diamonds, $17,000; Gigi FerrantiCrown & Head ring in recycled 20k rose gold with red and multicolored spinel, $7,200; Nak ArmstrongOne-of-a-kind Lenox ring in 18k yellow gold with pink spinel and neon yellow enamel, $12,700; Melissa KayeRing in platinum with cabochon red spinel and diamonds, $90,000; Fred LeightonEarrings in 18k white gold with red spinel and diamonds, $10,900; KwiatBracelet in 18k rose gold with red spinel and diamonds, $1,400; Nouvel HeritagePassage stud earrings in 18k rose gold with 0.52 ct. t.w. pinkish-orange spinel, $3,400 (also sold as singles); MacadamDolce Vita earrings in 18k yellow gold with black spinel, $2,784; Elhanati
Top: Drop earrings in 18k white gold with 7.94 cts. t.w. Burmese spinel and 0.46 ct. t.w. diamonds, $18,300; Sonya K
