Elliot Rowe

Founder & Head of Sourcing

Elliot founded The House of Spinel to bring natural, untreated spinel to collectors who value it on its own terms. He sources at first hand — Luc Yen in Vietnam, Mogok in Burma and Tanzania's Mahenge — hand-selecting loose stones and commissioning an independent certificate for each. He writes on where spinel comes from, why fine colour is rare, and how the market prices it.

Spinel sourcingOrigin & provenanceRarity & valueUntreated gemstones

Guides by Elliot

Gem Guide6 min read

What Makes Spinel So Extraordinary?

For centuries it was mistaken for ruby, adorning crowns and mistaken for something it was not. Today, spinel is prized on its own remarkable terms.

Spinel vs Ruby: What’s the Difference?

They shared a name for a thousand years. Here is how the two great red gems actually differ — and why it matters.

How to Care for Your Spinel Jewelry

Spinel is hard-wearing enough for daily life — but a few simple habits will keep it brilliant for generations.

The Many Colours of Natural Spinel

Red is only the beginning. From cobalt blue to steel grey, spinel spans a spectrum few gems can rival.

Mogok: The Valley of Rubies and Spinel

In the highlands of Burma lies the valley that gave the world its finest red gems for a thousand years.

Spinel Joins the August Birthstones

After decades in ruby's shadow, spinel has taken its rightful place on the birthstone calendar.