Today, we're taking a dazzling dive into the world of spinel, a gemstone that's often overshadowed by its flashier cousin, the ruby. But trust me, spinel is no wallflower. It's packed with vibrant colors, rich history, and enough sparkle to light up a red carpet.
Hi everyone,
I’m Sasha Kareva and on this channel I talk about GEMSTONES. Welcome!
The Black Prince's Ruby
Let's start with a big one: the Black Prince's Ruby. This 170-carat stunner sits in the middle of the British Imperial State Crown. For centuries, it was believed to be a ruby, but modern gemologists have confirmed it's actually a spinel. And what a spinel it is! A deep, fiery red color.
The spinel weighs approximately 170 carats, making it a sizeable and impressive gemstone. Its vibrant red hue is often described as "pigeon blood," the most coveted shade for both rubies and spinels. It was found in Badakhshan region, nestled between Afghanistan and Tajikistan. In 1367, Edward, the Black Prince, received the spinel as a gift from Pedro the Cruel, King of Castile.
The Black Prince's Ruby adorned the crowns of numerous English monarchs. Today, the spinel occupies a place of honor in the Imperial State Crown. It sits proudly at the front, flanked by the Cullinan II diamond, its fiery red a captivating contrast to the diamond's icy brilliance.
The Timur Ruby
This fiery beauty, weighing a whopping 352.54 carats, might fool you with its name and intense color. But surprise! It's not a ruby at all, but a spinel, another stunning gemstone known for its vibrant hues.
While named after the infamous Mongolian conqueror Timur (also known as Tamerlane), the gem's ownership predates him by centuries. Its origin is also Badakhshan, a region renowned for its precious stones. Timur supposedly acquired it after capturing Delhi in 1398.
Today, the Timur Ruby is the centerpiece of the Timur Ruby Necklace, part of the British Crown Jewels. It has witnessed coronations, state occasions, and world-shaping moments, adding to its regal air.
The Samarian Spinel
Now we're jetting off to Iran to see the Samarian Spinel. It is not your average gemstone. This magnificent stone, weighing around 500 carats, claims the title of the largest spinel in the world.
The Samarian Spinel has a semi-polished surface, showcasing its natural beauty while retaining a touch of its raw origins. Its deep red color is often described as "pigeon blood," a highly prized shade for spinels.
A gemstone with royal credentials nested in the Iranian Crown Jewels, the Samarian Spinel sits among other dazzling treasures within the National Jewellery Museum of Iran.
The Hope Spinel
Meet the Hope Spinel, a gemstone with mesmerizing red-violet hue, described as "flame" or "black cherry.» The Hope Spinel weighs 50.13 carats and is cut in an octagonal step-cut, maximizing its brilliance and showcasing its mesmerizing color play. It's mounted in a silver and gold brooch/pendant setting, adorned with additional diamonds for added elegance. The gem named after Henry Thomas Hope, a wealthy banker.
In 2015, the Hope Spinel was sold almost for 1 Man pounds at auction. Today, this magnificent jewel resides in a private collection.
The Imperial Crown of Russia: Jewel of the Tsars
The Imperial Crown of Russia, a masterpiece of craftsmanship. Worn by Russian monarchs from Catherine the Great to Nicholas II.
The crown was a gift to Catherine the Great. Made of gold, silver, and platinum, it's adorned with an astonishing 8000 diamonds, 5 pearls, and a single, massive 75-carat red spinel, once mistakenly called a ruby.
It Weighs almost 2 kg. The crown escaped during the Russian Revolution and remains intact today in the Diamond Fund of the Kremlin, where it remains a national treasure.
The Bulgari Spinel Brooch
This exquisite brooch, crafted by the renowned Italian jewelry house Bulgari, is a true masterpiece of gemstone artistry.
The centerpiece of the brooch is a mesmerizing 59.6-carat spinel, mined in Burma.
Founded in 1884, Bulgari has become famous with its bold innovation and luxurious style. The brooch's was in the collection of Queen Marie of Romania.
After Queen Marie's passing, the brooch's ownership changed hands several times before being acquired by Elizabeth Taylor, the legendary Hollywood actress.
Today, the Bulgari Spinel Brooch remains a coveted piece of jewelry history.
Catherin the Great Spinel
This beauty, weighing in at a whopping 398.72 carats, is the second-largest spinel in the world, surpassed only by the Samarian Spinel.
This gem's origin is shrouded in a bit of mystery. Some say it was mined in Tajikistan, while others whisper tales of its discovery by a Chinese soldier in the army of the Tamerlan. It eventually landed in Russia. The Catherine the Great Spinel has witnessed some pretty wild historical moments. From palace coups to revolutions, it's been a silent observer of Russian history's most dramatic chapters. Some even say it holds the whispers of forgotten secrets within its fiery depths. Today, this magnificent gem resides in the Kremlin Diamond Fund, Moscow.
Austrian Emperial Crown Spinel
The last but not the least on our list is the Austrian Imperial Crown, crafted in 1602 for Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, is a masterpiece of gold and precious stones. But nestled amongst the diamonds and emeralds shines a true star: the 8.5-carat spinel. This deep red gem, just like other famous spinels this was once mistaken for a ruby either, is a stunning example of the mineral's brilliance and fire.
The Austrian Imperial Crown Spinel has seen empires rise and fall, revolutions unfold, and world wars rage. It's been worn by emperors, empresses, and even Napoleon Bonaparte during his brief stint as Holy Roman Emperor. Each scratch and imperfection whispers stories of the past, making it a living piece of history.
Today, the Austrian Imperial Crown jewels are on display in the Hofburg Palace in Vienna. It's a reminder that even the smallest gemstone can hold within it a universe of stories waiting to be told.
So, there you have it! From ancient crowns to modern masterpieces, spinel has captivated hearts and ignited imaginations for centuries. Thank you for watching! Don't forget to subscribe and see you in the next videos.
