Burmese spinel, hailing from the legendary gem-producing region of Myanmar (formerly Burma), is renowned among collectors and enthusiasts for its exceptional quality and captivating beauty. These gemstones, particularly those from the famed Mogok Valley, are prized for their vibrant colours, excellent clarity, and rich history.

Value and Rarity

The value of Burmese spinel is influenced by a complex interplay of factors, making each stone a unique proposition for collectors and jewellery enthusiasts alike. While it's challenging to provide specific price points due to the ever-changing nature of the gem market, understanding the key value drivers can help appreciate these remarkable gemstones.

Colour

The most significant factor in determining a Burmese spinel's value is its colour. The most sought-after hues are the vibrant reds, often referred to as "royal red spinels", followed closely by vivid pinks and hot pinks. These colours can command premium prices, especially when they exhibit high saturation and optimal tone. However, the market for Burmese spinels has expanded to appreciate a wider range of colours, including lavender, violet, and even rare orange specimens.

Clarity

Burmese spinels are renowned for their exceptional clarity. Many specimens are "eye-clean", meaning they lack visible inclusions to the naked eye. This high level of clarity, combined with their brilliant lustre, contributes significantly to their value and desirability.

Size

As with many gemstones, size plays a crucial role in determining value. Larger Burmese spinels, particularly those over 5 carats, are exceedingly rare and can command exponentially higher prices per carat. Even stones in the 2-5 carat range are considered quite scarce and valuable.

Rarity

The overall rarity of fine Burmese spinels cannot be overstated. While Myanmar has been a prolific source of high-quality spinels for centuries, the supply of top-tier stones has become increasingly limited in recent years. This scarcity, particularly for larger stones and those with exceptional colour, has led to a steady increase in value over time.

Historical Significance

Burmese spinels boast a rich and fascinating history that adds considerably to their allure and value. For centuries, these gemstones have been intertwined with the story of rubies, often misidentified due to their similar appearance and occurrence in the same deposits. The most famous example of this misidentification is the "Black Prince's Ruby", which adorns the Imperial State Crown in the British Crown Jewels. Despite its name, this 170-carat gem is actually a magnificent red spinel. This historical mix-up has led to spinels being present in many royal collections around the world, often masquerading as rubies.

In Myanmar itself, spinels have held a place of honour for centuries. The ancient kings of Burma prized these gems, particularly the vibrant red varieties, which were often referred to as "nat thwe" or "polished by the spirits". These stones were believed to possess protective powers and were frequently used in royal regalia and religious artefacts.

The Mogok Valley, the primary source of Burmese spinels, has a storied history dating back to the 6th century. The region's gem wealth has been the subject of legends and has played a significant role in the country's economy and politics for centuries. The famous "Balas rubies" mentioned in historical texts, prized for their "pigeon's blood" colour, were likely spinels from this region.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as gemological knowledge advanced, spinels began to be recognised as distinct from rubies. This period saw a renewed interest in these gems among collectors and researchers. The unique properties of Burmese spinels, including their exceptional clarity and vibrant colours, began to be fully appreciated.

Today, the historical significance of Burmese spinels continues to evolve. Their presence in ancient jewellery and royal collections, coupled with their rarity and beauty, makes them highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs. The story of these gems is intertwined with the cultural and geological history of Myanmar, adding an intangible value that goes beyond their physical characteristics.

At GemCollector, we recognise the historical importance of Burmese spinels. Our collection often includes stones with documented provenance, allowing collectors to own a piece of this rich history. During our daily live shows from 6-11pm, hosted by Jim and Emily, we frequently highlight the historical context of our Burmese spinels, offering viewers a chance to appreciate not just their beauty, but also their place in gemological history.

It's worth noting that while the historical misidentification of spinels as rubies might seem like a drawback, it has actually contributed to their mystique and value. As the world's largest loose gem store, GemCollector takes pride in offering these historically significant gems, each with its own story to tell.

Remember, when you acquire a Burmese spinel from GemCollector, you're not just purchasing a gemstone – you're becoming part of a centuries-old legacy. Our commitment to dealing only in genuine, natural gemstones means that each Burmese spinel in our collection is a true piece of history, untouched by modern treatments or enhancements.

If you're looking to add Spinel to your gemstone collection, shop it here on GemCollector.