SIX CARATS EXTRA FINE NATURAL RED SPINEL (historically called "Balas Ruby", the gem that made ruby famous)

SIX CARATS Natural Red Spinel
rare size – rare brilliance & quality

Nearly all the famous rubies through history were not actually ruby at all, but natural fine red spinel. Mined since the 600's in Tajikisthan's Kuh-i-Lai, or "Red Mountain ... according to Marco Polo, in ancient times they were dug out only for the King.

This one is of rare size – rare brilliance & quality -- with subadamantine (near diamond) lustre

1950’s Platinum Ring with Diamond Baguettes

Natural Red Spinel, rectangular step cut (emerald cut) in 4-prong basket mount, 6.02 cts (11.31 x 10.11 x 5.85mm),
vivid Red, medium to medium dark, VS fine clarity* fine subadamantine polish lustre adds to the brilliance

Tapered Baguette Diamonds, 5.2 mm pair .40 ct, each in shoe-end mounts, est each .20ct VS GH

Platinum : quality mark “10% irid plat”, “3 3 3”

Finger size : 5-3/4;
Gross wt of Ring : .21 troy oz

# 85023 .................................................................................................$ 18,000.