Common Mistakes When Storing Multi-Coloured Spinel Collections

Spinel gemstones are striking on their own, and when collected in a variety of shades, they form an eye-catching and valuable parcel. A carefully assembled parcel of spinel reflects a spectrum of colour and light that captivates the eye and holds long-term significance for both collectors and jewellers. These gems are more than visual treasures, they represent an investment in quality and rarity.

The way multi-coloured spinels are stored has a major impact on their condition over time. From dullness to discolouration, small storage mistakes can undermine their natural brilliance. Whether you're collecting spinels as a hobby, curating a professional parcel, or preparing stones for jewellery settings, handling and storage decisions can either preserve or damage their beauty. Here are some common mistakes people make with storage and how to avoid them.

Understanding Multi-Coloured Spinel Collections

Multi-coloured spinel collections are assortments of natural gemstones that include a range of hues. These can feature deep purples, pale greys, vivid blues, soft pinks, and more muted earthy tones like brown or olive green. The wide colour spectrum makes these collections visually interesting and functional for future jewellery work.

Collectors, craftsmen, and stone traders appreciate such curated collections for their diversity and contrast. Arranging by colour, clarity, or shape gives structure to the collection and boosts its practicality in design or resale. But even though spinels are strong compared to many other gems, improper storage can still cause damage. Surface scratches, scuffs, and even subtle colour changes can develop over time if the stones are not properly housed.

Spinel sits at 8 on the Mohs scale, which places it high in terms of hardness. Yet no gemstone is immune to damage. Improper containers, sunlight exposure, and mishandling can all contribute to a drop in quality. That’s why proper storage methods are a must, especially when dealing with a varied parcel of spinel.

Mistake 1: Storing Spinels in Direct Sunlight

A very common mistake, especially among new collectors, is leaving gemstones in areas exposed to natural light. It might be tempting to place your parcel on a windowsill or a shelf in a sunny room, but this exposure can lead to lasting damage. Spinel is typically stable under light, but it’s still best to avoid prolonged direct sunlight as a precaution.

UV rays from sunlight are known to alter gemstone colours over time. However, untreated spinel does not normally change colour; any dullness is usually due to dirt, oils, or packaging materials.

For instance, someone might line up their parcel in a display box, thrilled with how it catches the sun each morning. Months later, some stones, especially the pink and light purple ones, begin to seem less intense while the greys look unchanged. The result is a collection that no longer feels cohesive. Preventing this means covering or relocating spinels to light-safe environments.

Mistake 2: Using Inappropriate Storage Cases

Not every container is made with gemstones in mind. Soft tissues, thin plastic bags, or rigid plastic boxes without internal padding might seem harmless, but these often cause more problems than they solve. Without proper support and separation, stones can shift, scratch each other, or collect dust and moisture.

Cases that should be avoided include:

- Zip-top plastic bags without padding

- Hard cases with no soft lining

- Pouches that flatten under weight or movement

- Packaging not intended for long-term storage

When storing a parcel of spinel, aim for a structured and padded system. Each stone should rest in its own space to prevent contact with others. Fabric-lined trays, gem jars, and containers with cushioned sections are best. These setups absorb shock, limit movement, and keep external materials from touching the stone surface.

If you're still using a makeshift system with paper wraps or an old container, consider upgrading. Quality storage doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. What matters most is keeping each spinel safe from contact and external exposure.

Mistake 3: Failing to Separate Different Gemstones

Keeping a mixture of colours and cuts jumbled in one bag or tray can create risks. Spinels, while tough, can still damage one another during movement. This happens especially when sharp-edged cuts interact with smoother ones or when stones have different polish quality.

Storing a mix of shapes and sizes without barriers increases the chances of one stone scratching another. In a multi-coloured parcel, these scratches can be harder to spot but still impact visual tone and resale value.

Here’s how to organise properly:

1. Use trays with sections for individual stones.

2. Group similar colour tones together to maintain visual clarity.

3. Separate stones with noticeable size differences.

4. Wrap in gem papers for short-term storage if trays aren’t available.

Think of your parcel like a drawer of spectacles without their cases. Each shift in movement leads to more wear, and eventually everything becomes a bit more scratched. Correct separation is a small step that safeguards long-term quality.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Humidity and Temperature Control

Spinel is non-porous and chemically stable; humidity affects packaging (papers, fabrics, boxes) rather than the gem itself. Moisture buildup, dust from stale air, and temperature extremes can gradually alter the clarity and finish of the stones. Even when the gem itself remains intact, the surrounding materials may corrode or become musty, affecting the presentation and appeal of your parcel of spinel.

Fluctuating humidity can impact packaging materials and introduce unnecessary contaminants. Similarly, leaving stones near heat sources like radiators or in windowsills can result in slow and steady deterioration. Over time, even strong gemstones begin to show dullness or fine spotting.

Tips for maintaining a stable storage setting:

1. Store your parcel in rooms with mild, consistent temperature.

2. Avoid spaces like attics or basements where moisture accumulates.

3. Use silica gel packets in boxes or drawer spaces to absorb dampness.

4. Air out safes or enclosed cabinets regularly to prevent stale air buildup.

5. Choose natural material storage boxes lined with soft, breathability-friendly fabrics like velvet or suede.

If you've ever stored your parcel in a sealed container for an entire season, only to open it and be hit with a stale smell or see slight lifting of packaging, this is exactly what those small environmental tweaks can prevent. It’s also helpful to handle your parcel periodically even when not in use, to check on the state of the container and inspect each stone.

Preserving Your Spinel Parcel for the Long Haul

Every parcel of spinel holds potential, whether it’s meant as a display piece, future jewellery, or part of a broader collection. That potential remains intact only when care is taken to protect what time and nature has made. From protecting stones from light damage to storing them in well-chosen containers, every smart habit adds up to a longer lifespan for the gem’s clarity and colour.

Taking a few minutes now to organise, upgrade, or relocate your storage setup could make all the difference for the years to come. These gems are investments in both style and substance. Shielding them from contact, UV exposure, and poor environments keeps that investment worthwhile, future-ready, and striking in every shade.

To keep your treasured spinels looking their best for years to come, consider how you store them. Proper storage not only protects their beauty but also enhances their value over time. If you're looking to grow your collection with beautifully varied pieces, explore our parcel of spinel options at Natural Spinel Gemstone. Embrace the character of natural, untreated gems and let each one bring something special to your collection.