Stone : Nephrite Jade
Colour : Black
Item : #1592
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2021
Design : Toki Scales with Toggle
Origin : Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 104.3 Carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 71X20.69X6.80mm
Price : PRICE ON REQUEST

Australian black nephrite jade is really beautiful stone to work it. It's really tough stuff and I've read a few times that due to its particular mineral structure it's one of the toughest materials in nature. I've carved this piece with a motif of scales, like a fish, lizard or perhaps a dragon. I wanted to imbue the piece with a sense of providing protection to the wearer. I've also carved two toggles, one in black nephrite and the other in spectrolite from Finland. The pendant is now ready for binding so I'll use one of these toggles for the cord that I also need to braid.

Jewel

Design : Scarab Cufflinks
Designed By : Doug Menadue, 2020
Metal : 18K Yellow Gold
Item : #bgj107

Stones

Stone : Black Spinel
Design : Scarab
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2020
Origin : Rubyvale, Central Queensland, Australia
Colour : Black
Weight : 16.12, 15.81 Carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 6x12mm
Price : Available exclusively from COURTESY OF THE ARTIST


Now these cufflinks I am absolutely in love with! These are the classic pair of black scarab cufflinks made in 18k yellow gold. I carved these matching scarabs out of natural Australian black spinel which is found on the Central Queensland gemfields around Rubyvale, the same region where our stunning sapphires are unearthed. I've always been fascinated by the scarab beetle and it's ancient symbolism and scarab gems have been worn as jewellery since antiquity, particularly in Egypt.

These beautiful timeless black spinel scarab cufflinks would suit any occasion from formal wear through to smart casual.

For all enquiries please contact COURTESY OF THE ARTIST
located in the Strand Arcade in the heart of the Sydney CBD.

Stone : Spinel
Colour : Black
Item : #1449
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2020
Design : Scarab Beetle
Origin : Rubyvale, QLD, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 16.58 Carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 16.33X12.03X7.62mm
Price : PRICE ON REQUEST

I really enjoyed carving this scarab beetle in Australian black spinel. I had just finished carving a scarab beetle in rose de france amethyst and loved how it turned out, so the next logical step was to carve one in black spinel and give it a glossy polish so that it looks just like the real thing. It took alot longer to do because of the polish but I am very pleased with the result. I'm thinking that I will set it as a pendant and I have a design in mind for it.

The scarab beetle has long been associated with Egyptian and African culture and is a symbol of the Sun and regeneration and the eternal cycle of life. We have scarab beetles here in Australia and they are found all over the world. They play an incredibly important role in the ecosystem by virtue of the dung rolling they do. They roll dung into balls which they then bury. These balls are either used by the females to lay their eggs into or as food for the adult beetles to eat. The eggs hatch and so the cycle of life continues.

Stone : Spinel
Colour : Black
Item : #1699
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2022
Design : Victoria Regent
Origin : Rubyvale, QLD, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 7.78 Carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 11.72x11.71x7.54mm
Price : SOLD

When it comes to black gemstones nothing beats a black spinel. These beautiful pure jet black stones cut amazing gems with a highly polished glossy finish and Austrlia has the best in the world.

Stone : Spinel
Colour : Black
Item : #1603
Design : Asscher Cut
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2021
Origin : Weld River, Tasmania, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 2.91 Carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 8.11X8.10X4.92mm
Price : SOLD

The black spinel asscher is such an awesome gem! I really love this combination, there is just something about it that really appeals to me. For some reason I also think of the "Black Knight" when I think of black spinel asscher cut gems. Black spinel is the ultimate black gemstone, the colour a pure jet black and the polish super glossy! A true favorite of mine.

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2016
Item : #876
Design : Signet Asscher (Doug Menadue)
Origin : Weld River, Tasmania
Treatments : None
Weight : 8.28 Carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 11.04x11.06x5.10mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : Now here is something very special and refined. This is a beautiful black spinel from the Weld River in Tasmania. I have cut it in my Signet Asscher design which I created specifically for a lower profiled gemstone, such that would go into a men's signet ring or as a pendant.

This is a very nice stone, the polish on this black spinel is superb and incredibly glossy, like a black piano key. I personally love the simple, crisp geometric lines of this design, they look so good in polished black. Spinel is quite hard wearing and ideal for any jewellery application. I am very proud to be able to offer such beautiful and unique Australian gemstones.

Collaboration Piece : Black Spinel Rose Gold Engraved Signet Asscher Ring
Artists : Alistair Kelsey, Lado Shili, Doug Menadue

This piece holds special significance for me as it represents and embodies the magical alchemy that can come about from the flame of an idea in a person's mind. To manifest and bring forth an idea into the material draws upon the skills and experience of all involved, not just the artists but the client as well. To my eye, everything about this ring is beautiful and perfectly balanced. The black spinel asscher styled gem that originally came from the wild Weld River of Tasmania, a stone that is hundreds of thousands of years old, tumbled in the river's waters to one day be found by a lucky fossicker. That stone makes it way to me, only the second pair of hands to touch it. Then one day a client walks in and expresses his desire for a signet ring and it must have a Weld River black spinel in it. The Signet Asscher design seems to us the perfect design for this project and I proceed to cut and polish the new gem. I am, as a gemcutter, acutely aware that every act of creation (at least in the context of cutting a gemstone) requires an act of destruction. I must unmake some of the ancient rough stone, grinding it away in order to bring forth the new polished gemstone. It's a small thing I know, but it is something I am conscious of with every gem I cut.

Once the gem was finished I handed it over to the very talented Alistair Kelsey. Alistair has worked with and set quite a number of my gems in the past and I knew that he would be able to conjure up something very special for this project. Lado Shili, engraver extraordinaire, gave of his skills to really take the ring to the next level. I was very excited to see pictures of the finished ring and how it turned out. It was a job well done by all involved and the client was very happy with the results.

"A collaboration of artists - From the Weld River of Tasmania, a black spinel was chosen and precision cut to suit this ring design. Working closely with the client throughout every set, the ring was fashioned in 18ct rose gold, flowing from the corners of the gemstone around the finger, in a symmetrical signet style. The bespoke engraving pattern was then designed and beautifully hand engraved on the surface of the ring. Finally, polished, packaged and delivered to an extremely happy client. The piece was named by the client 'Bha neach-glèidhidh de chothroman' - The keeper/guardian of opportunities, and holds symbolic meanings to them throughout. This collaboration piece was designed and made by myself, the gemstone was sourced and superbly cut by Doug Menadue, and the engraving was designed and carved by Lado Shvili. Every step was carried out with precision to achieve this wonderful result." - Alistair Kelsey

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2016
Item : #879
Design : Signet Asscher (Doug Menadue)
Origin : Rubyvale, Central Queensland, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 3.33 Carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 8.02x8.03x3.99mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : Black spinel is THE black gemstone of choice. It has a superior pure black colour and the polish is superb, lovely and glossy. This is a very beautiful black spinel that I cut in my Signet Asscher design which gives a lower profile finished stone. This design would be suitable for any jewellery application but would really suit a suite of tailored men's jewels, like a signet ring, cufflinks and buttons. This would make for a very refined and unique finish to an evening suit or tuxedo for that special occasion.

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2014
Item : #695
Design : Asscher Cut
Origin : Thailand
Treatments : None
Weight : 10.4 Carat
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 11.3x11.3x9.7 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : Big and beautiful, this is a rare gem as you rarely see black spinel cut like this. Black spinel is THE black gemstone of choice and cuts a pure black. As an asscher it is awesome and has a definite presence. A great stone!

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2014
Item : #673
Design : Rose Brilliant (Doug Menadue)
Origin : Weld River, Tasmania, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 7.3 Carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 12x12x6.4 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : Here is a beautiful glossy black spinel cut in a design that would be perfect for any jewellery setting. Black spinel is THE black gemstone of choice. It has a pure black colour unlike black diamonds which tend to be a steely grey colour. This is a very fine natural black spinel gemstone!

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2014
Item : #647
Design : Tut's Pyramid
Origin : Weld River, Tasmania, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 20 Carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 15.4x15.4x11.5 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : Simply a big stunning black spinel! This gem was cut from a stone that the client found himself while fossicking in the Weld River in Tasmania. I cut this in the modern Tut's Pyramid design which is perfect for black spinel. A top shelf gem!

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2011
Item : #418
Design : Victoria Regent Cut (Doug Menadue)
Origin : Rubyvale, Central Queensland, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 3.3 carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 9 x 9 x 5.5 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : Here is a fine Australian black spinel from the Central Queensland sapphire gemfields near Rubyvale. Black spinel is without equal when it comes to black gemstones. The colour is pure black with no secondary tones. The lustrous glossy polish is like the finest ebony piano key and creates a feeling of being able to look into the stone. If you are looking for a black gemstone, look no further.

* In terms of inclusions, there are two very very tiny specks on the surface of two facets on the crown. They are smaller then a pin prick and do not detract from the overall appearance of the gem. You really need a magnifying glass to spot them. I have a feeling that these might be very very tiny zircon crystals as I know they do occur in black spinel and sapphires from this location. However you'd really need a microscope and someone, a gemologist, who knows what they are looking at.



SEE THE ORIGINAL ROUGH STONE HERE

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2013
Item : #573
Design : Victoria Regent (Doug Menadue)
Origin : Rubyvale, Central Queensland, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 2.9 carats each
Clarity : N/A - Opaque
Size : 8x8x5 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : A beautiful pair of matched black spinel cut in my signature cushion cut, the Victoria Regent. I think this pair are destined for a pair of men's cufflinks.

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2013
Item : #570
Design : Antique Round 1910 (John Broadfoot)
Origin : Rubyvale, Central Queensland, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : .95 carats each
Clarity : N/A - Opaque
Size : 5x5x4 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : A very nice pair of matched black spinels.

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2013
Item : #571
Design : Emerald Cut
Origin : Rubyvale, Central Queensland, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 3.9 carats
Clarity : N/A - Opaque
Size : 7x9x5.7 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : A superb black spinel cut in the classic Emerald Cut. The long facets of this design really show off the glossy polish.

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2013
Item : #568
Design : Round Brilliant
Origin : Rubyvale, Central Queensland, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 3.3 carats
Clarity : N/A - Opaque
Size : 9x9x6 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : A fine natural black spinel gems from the Central Queensland gemfields, nice and glossy, beautifully polished. This gem was cut to complement the nice matched pair, #567.

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2013
Item : #567
Design : Round Brilliant
Origin : Rubyvale, Central Queensland, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 1.85 carats each
Clarity : N/A - Opaque
Size : 7x7x5 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : A wonderful matched pair of natural black spinel gems from the Central Queensland gemfields, nice and glossy, beautifully polished. Black spinel is THE black gemstone!

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2013
Item : #550
Design : Victoria Regent (Doug Menadue)
Origin : Thailand?
Treatments : None
Weight : 20.5 carats
Clarity : N/A - Opaque
Size : 16x16x11 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : This is truly a stunning black spinel gemstone. It is BIG and very very glossy. It is cut in my signature Victoria Regent design which works beautifully in this material. A very fine black spinel gem.

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2013
Item : #535
Design : Round Brilliant
Origin : Central Queensland
Treatments : None
Weight : 1.85 carats each
Clarity : N/A - Opaque
Size : 7x7x5 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : An amazing matched suite of black spinel round brilliant bespoke gems. Black spinel cuts the nicest black gem around... it truly is ultra glossy and looks great.

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2011
Item : #321
Design : Emerald Cut
Origin : Rubyvale, Central Queensland, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 4.5 carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 7 x 11 x 5 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : This beautiful gemstone is a lustrous black spinel cut in the classic Emerald Cut design. Black spinel takes an exceptionally glossy polish with the colour being a pure black. Black spinel is rarely seen precision cut, especially in a large size like this gemstone. A different and intriguing gem.



SEE THE ORIGINAL ROUGH STONE HERE

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2012
Item : #468
Design : Tut's Pyramid (Jeff Graham)
Origin : Weld River, Tasmania, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 2 carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 7 x 7 x 5 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : A beautiful, highly glossy black spinel from the Weld River in Tasmania. This is another location in Australia where very fine black spinel can be found. Black Spinel is the best material you can get if you are looking for a pure black gemstone. A very fine gem!

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2012
Item : #452
Design : Flat Oval Inlay
Origin : Rubyvale, Central Queensland, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 5 carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 10 x 12 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : WOW! What a combination... black and gold! You've probably seen this style of ring before, its often worn as a man's ring. Usually the black stone is onyx, which in the majority of cases is simply agate that has been dyed black (yes, they do dye stones especially agates in many colours). Naturally occurring black gemstones are very few and the best of the lot is black spinel. Black spinel is a pure jet black, its hard and takes an incredible polish. I cut this gem to replace a stone that had fallen out of a gold ring. I had to cut the oval shape freehand in order to get the stone to fit the space for it. The end result is a beautiful stone that really sets the ring apart. I have included some "action" shots to show you how the stone was cut.

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2012
Item : #449
Design : Asscher Cut
Origin : Rubyvale, Central Queensland, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 2.3 carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 7 x 7 x 5.5 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : I do like black spinels! If you want to see just how lustrous and glossy a gemstone can be, check out a bespoke black spinel. These gems are really beautiful, without equal when it comes to black gemstones.

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2011
Item : #413
Design : Victoria Regent Cut (Doug Menadue)
Origin : Rubyvale, Central Queensland, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 7.5 carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 11.7 x 11.7 x 7.3 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : When it comes to black gemstones, black spinel is par excellence. The incredibly glossy lustre and polish of black spinel is superb and something to behold. The colour is true black, no dark greens or dark blues here. Black spinel is hard, being 8 on the Moh scale so it is ideal as a jewelry stone. Large spinel such as this one are very scarce, generally being found in the rough in smaller sizes. Some of the best black spinel is found in Australia on the Central Queensland sapphire gemfields around Rubyvale and in Tasmania.

The beauty of black spinel is perfectly suited to my classical design, the Victoria Regent cut. It works well in this design and the flash and reflections of the glossy polished facets is such that it creates a sense of transparency in being able to see into the stone. Black spinel is something special and this gemstone is a fine example. Imagine this gemstone set in white gold or platinum surrounded by diamonds... breathtaking!



SEE THE ORIGINAL ROUGH STONE HERE

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2011
Item : #322
Design : Swirl Dutch (Jeff Graham)
Origin : Rubyvale, Central Queensland, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 6.7 carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 11 x 11 x 7.5 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : A big beautiful black spinel from the Central Queensland sapphire gemfields. This beauty is cut in a facinating design that features a swirling motion. It has a dome (hi-top) style crown and is really something special to see. A lovely black spinel gemstone!



SEE THE ORIGINAL ROUGH STONE HERE

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2011
Item : #376
Design : Step Cut Briolette (Glenn & Martha Vargas)
Origin : Rubyvale, Central Queensland, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 2.2 carats each
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 10 x 5 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : A special request order by a customer for a pair of step cut briolettes resulted in these little beauties. They are for a pair of drop earring and certainly add a wonderful finishing touch.



SEE THE ORIGINAL ROUGH STONE HERE

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2011
Item : #324
Design : Mini Mint (Jeff Graham)
Origin : Rubyvale, Central Queensland, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 1.8 carats each
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 7 x 7 x 5 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : A wonderful matched pair of round black spinels. The design is basically a round brilliant style. These gemstones are the beautiful glossy pure black that is the hallmark of black spinel. These are ideally suited for earrings.



SEE THE ORIGINAL ROUGH STONE HERE

Stone : Black Spinel
Cut By : Doug Menadue, 2011
Item : #318
Design : Antique Round 1910 (John Broadfoot)
Origin : Rubyvale, Central Queensland, Australia
Treatments : None
Weight : 3.24 carats
Clarity : Opaque
Size : 8 x 8 x 6.5 mm
Price : SOLD

Comments : This is an unusual gemstone and something that you don't often see, certainly not one that has been precision cut like this beauty. It is a black spinel that has been cut in a classic round design. It is pure black and opaque... it is not transparent at all. Being spinel it is quite hard and durable and takes a very glossy shiny polish. Most black stones, such as black onyx and black diamonds (yes, you can get natural black diamonds but the vast majority of commerical black diamonds...) have been treated either by irradiation, heating or have been dyed. Black spinels are completely natural and have not been treated in any way. If you are looking for a black gemstone, black spinel is for you!



SEE THE ORIGINAL ROUGH STONE HERE