Levi KeswickKey Takeaways:
- Black spinel price per carat ranges from $2.00 to $5.00
- Factors affecting the value of spinel include color, clarity, carat weight, and cut
- High-quality spinel prices have been steadily increasing over the years
- Rarity and limited deposits contribute to spinel’s high price per carat
A Closer Look at Spinel: Colors and Origins
Spinel is a versatile gemstone that comes in a variety of colors, including red, blue, purple, rose, black, brown, and even colorless. This gemstone is often mistaken for ruby or sapphire due to its striking resemblance to these corundum varieties. The primary sources of high-quality spinel are Mahenge, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, and Tajikistan.
Determining Spinel Value: The Four Cs
To evaluate the value of a spinel gemstone, it’s essential to consider the four Cs: color, clarity, carat weight, and cut. These factors are critical in determining the black spinel price per carat.
Color: The Most Influential Factor
Color is the most crucial aspect when evaluating the value of a spinel. The more intense and saturated the color, the higher the gemstone’s value. Red spinel is the most sought-after variety, followed closely by blue spinel. In recent years, steel grey spinel has gained popularity due to its unique hue. The rarest and most valuable spinels exhibit a neon-like glow, which commands the highest price per carat.
Clarity: A Prized Feature
Clarity is another significant factor affecting a spinel’s value. Buyers and collectors prefer stones without visible internal inclusions. Spinel gemstones can range from flawless to heavily included. To accurately determine a spinel’s clarity, a 10x loupe and a high-powered microscope are necessary tools.
Carat Weight: Size Matters
Carat weight plays a role in a spinel’s value, with larger stones being rarer and more valuable. Spinel gemstones can range from under 1 carat to over 10 carats. Stones between 3 and 5 carats with high color saturation and clarity are considered rare, while stones over 5 carats with exceptional color and clarity are extremely rare.
Cut: A Less Impactful Factor
Although cut has the least impact on a spinel’s value, it can still be significant if it negatively affects the stone’s appearance. A poorly cut spinel may exhibit a window or a rough circle inside the stone, which can lower its value.
Black Spinel Prices and Other Color Varieties
The black spinel price per carat ranges from $2.00 to $5.00. Other colors of spinel, such as cobalt blue, red, purple, green, grey, and pink, have varying price ranges depending on their rarity and demand. Overall, spinel prices have been steadily increasing, especially for high-quality stones over 1 carat.
Why Spinel is So Expensive
Spinel’s high price per carat can be attributed to its rarity and the lack of large deposits producing high-quality gems. Additionally, spinel has never been used in mass-produced jewelry, which adds to its exclusivity and allure.
Spinel: A Gemstone of Increasing Value
As the demand for high-quality spinel gemstones continues to grow, their value is expected to keep rising. For those in the market for a precious gemstone, spinel should be at the top of your list. Its rarity, beauty, and steadily increasing value make it an excellent choice for collectors and jewelry enthusiasts alike.
Gemstone Appraisals: Ensuring Accurate Valuation
If you’re unsure how to properly value a spinel gemstone, consider getting a professional gemstone appraisal. This service is particularly valuable for those who acquire gemstones through inheritance, estate sales, or auctions. An appraisal not only helps determine the gemstone’s value but also verifies its authenticity.
In Conclusion
Black spinel price per carat, as well as the value of other spinel colors, is influenced by a combination of factors, such as color, clarity, carat weight, and cut. Spinel’s rarity and limited deposits contribute to its high price per carat, making it an increasingly valuable gemstone for collectors and jewelry lovers.
As the market for high-quality spinel gemstones continues to grow, their value is projected to increase over time. If you’re considering investing in a spinel gemstone or simply looking to add a unique and stunning piece to your collection, now is the perfect time to explore the captivating world of spinel.
