Hope Spinel Blasts Estimates, Record at Bonhams

[PinkDiamond]

This is a really big WOW! Especially considering the fact that they only estimated it would sell for between $227,000 and $304,000.

Hope Spinel Blasts Estimates, Record at Bonhams
By Logan Sachon, Social Media Journalist - Posted on September 24, 2015

Courtesy of Bonhams
The Hope Spinel

The Hope Spinel, the 50.13 ct. octagonal-cut stone that was once part of Henry Philip Hope’s renowned gem collection, sold for an incredible $1.5 million at the Bonhams London Sept. 24 auction, breaking the record for price-per-carat for a spinel.

The price-per-carat was $30,000, nearly double the previous price-per-carat record for a spinel—$16,000, set in 2013.

The exceptional stone is set in ..."
http://www.jckonline.com/2015/09/24/hop ... -306540353

[m76steve]

This is a small bit of info but red spinel is going for @10,000.00/ct retail per the IGS web site, this in about the past 6-8 months. Lately there is a rise in the interest in spinel, especially the red color, much more rare than ruby from info I find-stevie...

[opalcreations]

When I was dealing in Sri Lanka sapphires back in 2002, I couldn't sell spinel to anyone, they had no idea what it was.

I think they thought it was some kind of lab grown stuff or something...lol.

[crazy8s]

I think the find of brilliant red spinel from Tanzania helped that. The GSN used to sell them.

[kjsspot]

Ah, that's the link I posted about a month ago. Thought Pink would like it even though it wasn't a diamond. Nice price it fetched!!

[m76steve]

This is becomming an interesting post-GSN has been selling a good amount of the 'pinkish-reddish, bubblegum color' african material-its bright, sparkly & clean, the red is not the deeper red that is red spinel, the red spinel, burmese is almost garnet-like in color & usually found within the same areas as rubies, burmese, the brighter stuff shows better & is more popular but the noble-red is the topper on the sunday. Most appraisers will verify the red color being the more desireable to the collector-stevie...

[crazy8s]

Tanzanian spinel specimen

P1000609.JPG (91.54 KiB) Viewed 377 times

Tanzanian spinel specimen

P1000609.JPG (91.54 KiB) Viewed 377 times

I think this spinel is worth seeing. Sorry about the double.

[OpalSpectrum]

WOW ! very nice 8's
I was looking for spinel specimen but it's hard to find good 'quality'
this one have nice color , crystal shape and it's transparent = awesome

[crazy8s]

Thank you OS.