Spinel Engagement Rings: Rare Beauty, Modern Meaning

Not all gemstones are created equal – and not every engagement ring has to be a diamond. Enter the spinel engagement ring: richly coloured, ethically sourced, and entirely unexpected. If you’re looking for something a little different – something meaningful, expressive, and enduring – spinel might just be the gemstone you didn’t know you were searching for.

More rare than sapphire, spinel comes in an array of gorgeous colours, from all tones of grey, to vivid purples, oceanic teals, cobalt blues, rich reds, pastel peach and pink hues, with each gemstone completely captivating in its uniqueness. 

What Makes Spinel Engagement Rings So Unique?

The Hidden Gem of the Jewellery World

Spinel is one of the most captivating natural gemstones available today – and also one of the most underrated. For centuries, it was mistaken for corundum – sapphire and ruby, due to its intense blue and red hues and brilliance (the famous “Black Prince’s Ruby” in the British Crown Jewels is actually a red spinel). But spinel holds its own with excellent hardness (8 on the Mohs scale), stunning clarity and lustre, and a naturally vivid spectrum of colours.

Whether set in minimalist solitaires or bespoke designs, from modern trilogy, to vintage-inspired styles, spinel engagement rings deliver richness, depth, and personality – without the price tag of better-known alternatives such as sapphire.

The Emotional and Symbolic Value of Spinel

Spinel is associated with renewal, energy, and self-love. As a symbol of commitment, it reflects the grounding and emotional support at the heart of every lasting relationship. It’s a powerful choice for a partner who values meaning as much as style.

Spinel Engagement Rings in Australia – An Ethical and Stylish Choice

Sustainably Sourced, Responsibly Made

At Lizunova, every piece is designed and ethically handcrafted in Australia to a meticulous standard. Our spinels are sourced through ethical suppliers who prioritise fair practices. We only use natural spinels – no synthetic or lab-grown stones – ensuring each ring carries both physical beauty and peace of mind. 

Choosing a spinel engagement ring in Australia means supporting local craftsmanship and sustainable practices without compromising on elegance or quality.

Choosing the Right Spinel Engagement Ring for You

Popular Colours of Spinel – From Red to Violet to Grey

Spinel comes in a remarkable range of hues. While red is the most recognised, spinels also appear in pink, violet, blue, orange, and all tones of grey – offering a subtle alternative to both sapphires and rubies.

Grey Spinel – Modern, moody, elegant and unexpected, grey spinel comes in hues ranging from light silvery tones, to warm greys and deep bluish grey hues, with some stones displaying a secondary lilac hue.

Peach and Pink Spinel – Romantic and feminine, with soft pastel tones ideal for understated luxury.

Red Spinel – Classic and passionate, with deep, velvety tones. Red spinel offers much better value for money than ruby, with superior clarity.

Purple Spinel – Ranging from deep mauve and plum colours to lighter shades of lilac, purple spinel has a beautiful array of colours to captivate the heart.

Aida, a bespoke grey spinel and black diamond engagement ring in 18k rose gold.

What’s the Best Cut and Setting for Spinel?

Spinels work well in a variety of cuts – oval, cushion, round, and emerald cut are especially popular. Because of their brilliance and clarity, they shine in both solitaire and multi-stone settings. The best setting depends on your lifestyle and aesthetic: clean and contemporary or intricate and vintage-inspired? Our team can guide you through what will suit you best.

Which Metals Pair Best with Spinel Stones?

Spinel's versatility makes it a great match for any metal colour.

Rose gold enhances warmth and softness – ideal for grey, pink or peach tones.

Yellow gold creates bold contrast with blue, grey or purple spinels.

Platinum or white gold highlights the cooler hues and saturation of blue and grey spinels, and contrasts beautifully with deeper red or violet stones.

A bespoke Vera engagement ring holding a cushion cut lavender coloured spinel and kite diamonds, in 18k rose gold

Spinel vs. Other Coloured Gemstones – How Does It Compare?

Spinel offers many of the same benefits as ruby and sapphire – excellent hardness, vibrant colour, and rarity – but often at a much more accessible price point. Unlike many coloured gems, high-quality spinels are typically untreated, meaning what you see is what nature created.

If you're comparing spinel vs ruby, the key differences are clarity and price: rich red (also known as pigeon blood) rubies are significantly more expensive and more commonly treated to enhance colour, while spinels offer natural beauty, superior clarity and better value for money. 

Bespoke Spinel Engagement Rings at Lizunova

Our Custom Design Process

For those looking for a one-of-a-kind piece, we offer a bespoke jewellery design service. You'll have an opportunity to view a range of handpicked, natural spinel gemstones sourced specially for you, collaborate on the setting design, and watch your vision come to life – ethically handcrafted in our Sydney studio.

Whether you're drawn to vintage-style elegance or modern simplicity, our expert team can create a spinel ring that reflects you.

One-of-a-Kind for Your One-of-a-Kind Love

No two spinel gemstones are exactly alike, and that’s exactly the point. Set in a custom design created specially for you, your spinel engagement ring is truly one-of-a-kind.

Caring for Your Spinel Engagement Ring

Spinels are tough enough for everyday wear, but regular care ensures they stay brilliant.

• Remove your ring during sports, gardening, chlorinated pool water, or heavy cleaning

• Clean it regularly with mild soap and a soft brush

• Store it away from harder gemstones such as diamonds, to prevent scratches

Periodic professional cleaning and settings checks will help keep prongs secure and your stone sparkling.

Explore Spinel Engagement Rings at Lizunova

Whether you’re after a fiery red, a dreamy violet, or a smoky grey spinel, we’re here to help you find – or design – a ring that reflects your style, values, and story.

Browse our collection online, visit us in-store, or book a complimentary bespoke consultation to create a ring that’s uniquely yours.