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The Worlds Most Famous Ruby is Really a Spinel
Would you be surprised to know that some of histories best know rubies are actually red spinels? Until fairly recently most red gemstones were called rubies because the scientific equipment necessary to tell them apart simply did not exist. Devices to measure a gemstone's hardness, density or optical properties such as refraction or dichroism have become more widely available in the last 100 years and have enabled modern gemologists to establish the true identity of many historical gemstones.
One of the most famous masqueraders of all times is surely the Black Prince's Ruby, currently set in the cross pattée above the 317.40 carat Cullinan II diamond on the front of England's Imperial State Crown. The Black Prince's Ruby is one of the oldest of the Crown Jewels with a documented history dating back to the middle of the 14th century and belonging to the British crown since its acquisition in 1367 when it was given to its namesake, the original Black Prince; Edward of Woodstock.
The gemstones documented history begins with it in the possession of Abu Said, the Moorish Prince of Grenada. In the 14th century the Moors were being systematically attacked by Spain under the rule of Don Pedro the Cruel. According to written accounts, Abu Said wished to surrender to Don Pedro but the conditions offered were unclear. What is clear is that Don Pedro wanted what Abu Said had and when the two met he had Said's servants killed and may have stabbed Said himself. Don Pedro searched Said's body, found the gemstone and added it to his possessions.
In 1366, Don Pedro's illegitimate brother, Henry of Trastamara, lead a revolt against Don Pedro. Lacking the power to put down the revolt on his own, Don Pedro made an alliance with England's Edward of Woodstock who demanded Abu Said's ruby in exchange for his services. Unable to refuse, Don Pedro gave the gem to Edward who took it back to England.
The Black Prince's Ruby has seen many a battle over the years; Henry V wore it in a gem encrusted helmet during his campaign against France and Richard III wore the famous ruby at the Battle of Bosworth. James I had the Black Prince's Ruby set into the state crown near the turn of the 16th century and in the time of Oliver Cromwell, a British jeweler purchased the Black Prince's Ruby and then sold it back to the crown when the monarchy was restored in 1660.
While the Black Prince's Ruby has been part of the Crown Jewels for hundreds of years, it is only in recent times that gemologists have determined that the Ruby is in fact a Spinel. The Black Prince's Ruby is really a large, semi-polished octahedral Spinel that is backed by gold foil (as were many ancient gems) to improve its brilliance. The stone measures two inches in length and is of proportionate width. The exact weight of the gemstone is unknown but estimates put it at approximately 170 carats. The gem has also been drilled at one end and a smaller ruby is set in the opening.
And so, that brings us to the question most often asked of gemologists - what is the value of the stone? Given its history, the safest answer is simply that it is priceless. The Black Prince's Ruby - the most famous gemstone in the world's most famous gem collection, a pretty good end for the world's most famous imposter.
For More Information:
Gem Library - Spinel
Gemstone Collection - Spinel
One of the most famous masqueraders of all times is surely the Black Prince's Ruby, currently set in the cross pattée above the 317.40 carat Cullinan II diamond on the front of England's Imperial State Crown. The Black Prince's Ruby is one of the oldest of the Crown Jewels with a documented history dating back to the middle of the 14th century and belonging to the British crown since its acquisition in 1367 when it was given to its namesake, the original Black Prince; Edward of Woodstock.
The gemstones documented history begins with it in the possession of Abu Said, the Moorish Prince of Grenada. In the 14th century the Moors were being systematically attacked by Spain under the rule of Don Pedro the Cruel. According to written accounts, Abu Said wished to surrender to Don Pedro but the conditions offered were unclear. What is clear is that Don Pedro wanted what Abu Said had and when the two met he had Said's servants killed and may have stabbed Said himself. Don Pedro searched Said's body, found the gemstone and added it to his possessions.
In 1366, Don Pedro's illegitimate brother, Henry of Trastamara, lead a revolt against Don Pedro. Lacking the power to put down the revolt on his own, Don Pedro made an alliance with England's Edward of Woodstock who demanded Abu Said's ruby in exchange for his services. Unable to refuse, Don Pedro gave the gem to Edward who took it back to England.
The Black Prince's Ruby has seen many a battle over the years; Henry V wore it in a gem encrusted helmet during his campaign against France and Richard III wore the famous ruby at the Battle of Bosworth. James I had the Black Prince's Ruby set into the state crown near the turn of the 16th century and in the time of Oliver Cromwell, a British jeweler purchased the Black Prince's Ruby and then sold it back to the crown when the monarchy was restored in 1660.
While the Black Prince's Ruby has been part of the Crown Jewels for hundreds of years, it is only in recent times that gemologists have determined that the Ruby is in fact a Spinel. The Black Prince's Ruby is really a large, semi-polished octahedral Spinel that is backed by gold foil (as were many ancient gems) to improve its brilliance. The stone measures two inches in length and is of proportionate width. The exact weight of the gemstone is unknown but estimates put it at approximately 170 carats. The gem has also been drilled at one end and a smaller ruby is set in the opening.
And so, that brings us to the question most often asked of gemologists - what is the value of the stone? Given its history, the safest answer is simply that it is priceless. The Black Prince's Ruby - the most famous gemstone in the world's most famous gem collection, a pretty good end for the world's most famous imposter.
For More Information:
Gem Library - Spinel
Gemstone Collection - Spinel
Submitted on: May 14, 2009 @ 2:24pm
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