The Jeweler's Eye
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I am a jewelry designer and gemologist. I love creating beautiful heirloom jewelry for clients all over the world. In this blog, I feature many of my designs and current projects as well as articles about colored gemstones, diamonds and antique jewelry. As a historian and lover of antique and estate jewelry, I am often inspired by jewels from the past.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Red Spinel - The Finished Jewel


In my last post I wrote about some of the beautiful Red Spinels for which I am currently designing jewelry. In this post I will illustrate some of lovely rings I have custom designed for this fiery red natural gemstone.

The above ring is based on my Platinum Promise design and features a 1.90 carats round brilliant cut pinkish-Red spinel and ideal cut diamonds. The ideal cut round side diamonds are a perfect match to the center red spinel. I chose all platinum for this ring since this particular spinel has a crisp, cool shade of red.


In this next ring, based on my Trellis design, I feature a traditional cushion shaped deep red Spinel, set horizontally in platinum prongs with an 18kt rose gold double band. The pinkish cast of the rose gold nicely complements the rich hue of this fire-engine like Red Spinel.


Some time ago I purchased a wonderful pair of larger trillium cut Red Spinels and decided to split the pair and use the gems in different rings. I set one in my Platinum Regal Elegance design and liked it so much that I created a rose gold version with the sister stone.



So whether you prefer the cool white of Platinum or the warmth of Rose Gold, we have it covered with both versions, featuring red spinel. The Rosy Regal Red Spinel Ring features the other trillium red spinel from the pair, set in rich 18kt rose or pink gold with just a hint of colorless diamonds set within the engraved pattern for a touch of sparkling white brilliance.


If you like simpler designs, my Red Spinel Tingle ring is a nice option, showcasing a small emerald cut Red Spinel bezel set in rose gold and accented with small diamonds. This diminutive design can be used as an engagement ring or as a right hand ring. It is the perfect choice for someone with smaller hands.



Arrest-Me-Red is an 18kt yellow gold version of my Hidden Treasures design, set with a vibrant Red Spinel that has that fast red sports car type of hue that is unmistakeable. Just don't get caught speeding down the highway with this exciting ring !



Another favorite theme of mine is Egyptian Motifs which I incorporated in my Rosy Palmette Hand Engraved Band design in 18kt rose gold and platinum. The band showcases beautifully shaped princess cut red spinels, channel set amongst a richly engraved field of Egyptian style palmettes and lotus blossoms.

If Red Spinel is one of your favorite gems, you are in good company; it's one of my favorites too !I do have many more fine red spinels in my inventory, including some lovely matched pairs of ovals and trilliums.

The rings above are available as shown, or you can have a jewel custom made to order with the gem of your choice. If you are looking for exceptional quality and value, be sure to visit my gemstone gallery and ring design portfolio for more ideas.


For more information on these gems and rings, please send me an email or call my office (603-624-8672). I am happy to discuss pricing and design options and help you create the Jewel of your dreams.



Monday, February 9, 2009

Red Spinel - Loose Gems

1.91-carat Elongated Cushion Red Spinel

I am passionate about Red Spinel. In fact, it is one of my favorite gemstones. Those of you who have read my earlier posts may have already guessed this.

Most often I enter the gemstone markets to help clients acquire the perfect gemstone for a custom design project. But, I also acquire exceptional gemstones for my own interest and as inspiration when creating new designs. And, of course, a number of trusted gem cutters know to always call me when they are cutting something extraordinary. The little tempters! :-)

Here are some of the gorgeous Red, Pink and Flame Spinels I have recently acquired and the jewelry designs I am considering.



This matching pair of emerald-cut Red Spinels is exceptional. I was originally drawn to their stunning vibrant shade of red and beautiful elongated shape. I imagine them set in elegant Art Deco-style earrings crafted in warm 18kt gold or platinum with drops of colored diamonds.


Or possibly an Art Deco-inspired ring set with a large emerald-cut diamond and the two Red Spinels along the sides. The bold shoulders of the ring could be lightened with piercing and accented with gold or platinum filigree work.



When you work closely with beautiful gemstones they often take on a personality. And, of course, I cannot resist giving each of the gemstones nicknames. This dazzling 1.79-carat round Red Spinel reminds me of a glowing red moon in the summer night sky. I just imagine it rising above the horizon on a sultry July evening. So naturally, this gem has become known as "The Red Moon."

This Spinel's rich red hue, classic round cut and brilliant faceting suggest a striking ring. I imagine a variation of our Secret Garden design with fancy cut diamonds and dramatic hand engraving. Or maybe a classic platinum pendant with a brightly engraved bale and gallery set with small sparkling diamonds. Something along the lines of the Benitoite pendant we created several years ago for a client in California.

One of the fun things about being a jewelry designer is that beautiful gemstones always inspire a multiplicity design possibilities.



When viewing Red Spinels I always first consider the color and the shape. Red Spinels are most often cut as cushion-shapes or rounds. This elongated trillium (triangle shape) and the beautiful matching pair of emerald-cuts shown earlier are more unusual shapes and present exciting design opportunities.

This trillium is a vibrant shade of red electrified with flashes of pink and orange. Fine Spinel has a bright, crystalline appearance that allows for amazing, subtle interplays of color. This 1.30-carat gem is a mesmerizing example. I am currently "playing" with design ideas to showcase the gem's unique shape and color. Perhaps a variation of our Regal Elegance design.



Last but not least is this classic cushion-shape Red Spinel. Like the previous trillium, the color of the Spinel is a rich red hue with strong flashes of pink and orange. Because of the strong flashes of secondary orange and pink hues, this variety is known as "Flame Spinel". Another beautiful gemstone and, of course, the beginning of another beautiful jewel!

If you enjoy the rich reds of Rubies, you should consider Red Spinels. The color of Red Spinels is often more crystaline and clearer than Rubies which can be a hazy, sultry red. Fine examples of both gemstones are beautiful, but in different ways. Red Spinel offers a great design alternative.

In my next post, I will share some of the custom rings we have created featuring Red Spinels. Until then, let mek now what you think. How sould you set these vibrant gemstones?


To view more beautiful gems and the custom rings we have created, please visit our Jewelry Gallery.