August babies have a new birthstone to choose for birthday gifts. The spinel gemstone (pronounced spin-elle) is joining peridot as an August birthstone! You can learn all about what makes spinel special here. Let's look at our picks for spinel birthstone jewelry gifts.

Spinel is a beautiful gemstone that sparkles in a variety of colors. It is most known for its red and pink hues, so much so that it was mistaken for prized rubies by royalty long ago.

For birthday gifts, spinel is a great option due to its relative affordability, especially as an alternative to ruby or sapphire. As you can see, spinel can match anyone's style with colors of purple, fiery oranges, black, gray and intense blue, in addition to red and pink.

When shopping for spinel jewelry gifts, it's good to note that spinel is not usually treated, but there are synthetic,or lab-grown, versions available. These have the same properties as natural spinel gems but are not as rare. Professional jewelers will always disclose if jewelry contains synthetic, lab-grown spinel, or gemstones that have been treated.

Jewelers of America is currently running a "Spectacular Spinel Sweepstakes," enter through August 19, to win a pair of 18K gold and spinel earrings by Carelle. 

Browse jewelry and jewelry gift ideas by other Jewelers of America designer members in our Jewelry Gallery.

All spinel birthstone jewelry pictured is by jewelry designers who are members of Jewelers of America and uphold the highest social, environmental and ethical business practices.