A misunderstood, and sometimes misidentified, gemstone, the fiery colours of spinel are in a class of their own

  With its vibrant, saturated hues, spinel – more rare than rubies, sapphires or emeralds – has been a misunderstood, and sometimes misidentified, gemstone.     Its wide array of colours, from deep crimson to pastel blues, as well as pink, purple, grey and black, makes it a perfect impostor for other stones. Many famous…

Rubies from Africa fill the void left by Burmese rubies with their flashes of rich red

      With prized Burmese ruby mines virtually depleted, gem hunters have turned to Africa in their quest to find the perfect red gem.     Higher in value than sapphires or emeralds, and often more valuable than diamonds, the most coveted rubies have traditionally emerged from the ancient Mogok mines in Upper Burma,…