Black Spinel Jewelry in Bangkok

Black spinel is a deep, glossy black gem with a mirror shine that faceted black stones rarely match. It is hard enough for a ring worn every day and is usually untreated, which makes it an honest, durable choice for anyone who loves black jewelry. In silver it looks sharp and modern, in gold rich and classic. We set natural black spinel in 925 sterling silver and solid gold at our studio on Sukhumvit 71, Bangkok.

This page covers what black spinel is, how it compares with other black stones, how to wear and care for it, what makes a good stone, where black spinel comes from, how to see the stones at our shop, and how to order in Bangkok or anywhere in Thailand.

What black spinel is

Spinel is a magnesium aluminum oxide. It forms in many colors, including red, pink, blue and lavender, and for centuries red spinel was mistaken for ruby. Some famous stones in royal collections that were long called rubies turned out to be spinel.

Black spinel owes its color to a high content of iron, which makes the stone opaque. Light does not pass through it, so instead of sparkle from inside you see a bright reflection from every facet. Spinel takes a very high polish, which gives black spinel its glassy, almost metallic luster.

At 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale it is harder than quartz, garnet and onyx, and it has no easy cleavage, so it holds up well in a ring. Black spinel is almost always sold untreated. Every stone we set is natural, black spinel included, and if a stone has had any treatment we tell you before you order.

Black spinel facts at a glance

• Color: jet black, opaque, with a high mirror luster
• Mineral: spinel, a magnesium aluminum oxide rich in iron
• Hardness: 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale
• Treatment: almost always untreated
• Best for: everyday rings, men’s jewelry, studs, pendants and accent stones
• Care: warm soapy water and a soft brush
• Price: depends on the quality and carat you choose; we quote before you order

Black spinel and other black stones

Onyx is black chalcedony, a form of quartz, 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale. It is usually cut flat or as a smooth dome and has a soft, satin gloss. Most black onyx is dyed to get its even color, which is normal and stable. Black spinel is harder and, when faceted, much brighter.

Black diamond is harder still at 10, but most black diamonds on the market are treated to darken them, and they cost much more. Black spinel gives a similar faceted look in black.

Black tourmaline, also called schorl, is a natural black stone at 7 to 7.5, but it often has a duller luster and is more often used for beads than fine faceted stones.

Hematite has a gray, metallic shine and is only about 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale, so it scratches more easily.

If you like spinel’s hardness but want color, ask us about red, pink and blue spinel, or compare with sapphire for a stone that is harder again.

How to wear and care for black spinel

Black spinel is an easy everyday stone. It suits men’s rings, bands set with a row of small stones, studs, cufflinks and pendants. As with any jewelry, take it off for the gym and heavy work to protect the setting. Because the stone is black, a scratch or chip would show as a gray mark, so it is worth keeping it away from hard knocks.

Clean it in warm soapy water with a soft brush, then rinse and dry. Fingerprints show on a polished black surface, so a soft cloth brings back the shine in seconds. Store it apart from diamonds and sapphires, which are harder and can scratch it. If it ever needs a polish or a check of the setting, bring it to our shop. Maintenance is free on jewelry we made.

What makes a good black spinel

Color should be a deep, even jet black with no brown or gray patches when you look at it in daylight.

Luster is the beauty of the stone. A good black spinel gives a sharp, mirror reflection from every facet, with no dull or wavy areas.

Cut matters more than in most opaque stones. Crisp facets with sharp edges catch light like a mirror ball. Round brilliants and rose cuts are popular, and many smaller stones are used for pavé and accent settings.

Surface should be clean, without pits, scratches or small chips along the facet edges. Look at the stone under a lamp and tilt it slowly.

Size is less of a limit than with many gems. Black spinel is available from tiny accents to large center stones, and the price rises gently with carat.

Where black spinel comes from

Thailand has long been a source of black spinel, mined alongside sapphire in its gem fields, and Thai cutters are known for skilled work on it. More black spinel comes from Sri Lanka, Cambodia and Australia. Colored spinel comes mostly from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Vietnam and Tajikistan.

If you want to know the origin of a particular stone, ask us: we offer certified stones, and an uncertified stone can be sent to a gem lab for a report at extra cost.

See black spinel at our shop in Bangkok

Black spinel is all about luster, a sharp mirror flash from each facet that you only really see when you tilt the stone under a lamp or in daylight. If you name it when booking, we will lay out more black spinel in different sizes and cuts, so you can compare the shine stone by stone.

Walk in any time we are open, or book ahead so Yaron is there to help with the stone, the design and the metal, from 925 silver and gold plating to solid 9K, 14K or 18K gold.

Thinking of cufflinks or a men’s ring later on? You can buy a loose black spinel now with no jewelry needed, and we would be very happy to make the piece for you whenever you decide.

Not in Bangkok? Message us and we will send photos and prices of the black spinel we have.

Black Spinel questions we get

Is your black spinel natural?

Yes. Every gemstone we set is natural, black spinel included, and black spinel is almost always untreated. If a stone has had any treatment we tell you before you order. We are a member of the Thai Gem and Jewelry Traders Association.

Is black spinel the same as onyx?

No. Onyx is black chalcedony, a quartz, usually dyed, with a satin gloss. Black spinel is a harder, different mineral with a mirror shine when faceted.

Is black spinel a good stone for a men’s ring?

Yes. At 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale with no easy cleavage, it handles daily wear well, and its glossy black looks sharp in silver and gold.

Is black spinel cheaper than black diamond?

Yes, much more affordable, and it is usually untreated, while most black diamonds are treated. It gives a similar faceted black look.

How much does black spinel jewelry cost?

It depends on the quality and carat of the stone you choose, and on the metal. We give you the price before anything is made.

Can I buy just the stone?

Yes. A single black spinel can be yours as a loose stone, with no order for a setting required. Should you want it in silver or gold, now or later, we are happy to set it.

How long does a black spinel piece take?

7 to 10 working days from your order, because the stones are already here in our shop, then 1 to 3 working days for delivery inside Thailand. We also ship abroad by FedEx.

Every black spinel piece is made to order by our team in Bangkok in 925 sterling silver or solid gold, with a 3-year warranty, free maintenance and free shipping across Thailand.