Mastery of Design: The Townshend Red Spinel, 1840

Red Spinel set with Diamonds
1840
From the Collection of the Reverend Chauncy Hare Townshend at
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Natural red spinels were once known as “Balas Rubies.” However, spinels come in a vast array of colors. Throughout history, red spinels have often been confused with rubies, but actually have a different chemical composition.

This famous red spinel is part of the collection of 154 gems which were bequeathed to the V&A by the Reverend Chauncy Hare Townshend, a cleric and poet. The gorgeous stone has been mounted in a gold setting surrounded by a sparkling border of brilliant-cut diamonds.