Black Prince's Ruby

The Black Princes Ruby is one of the most famous Gemstones in the English Crown Jewels collection and it has one of the most fascinating stories too. Supposedly gifted to the  Black Prince (Edward Of Woodstock) by  PedroI Of Castile, legend would have us believe that it adorned the crown of  HenryV at the Battle Of Agincourt and that of Richard III at the Battle Of Bosworth. In fact, we cannot substantiate these rumours. It does appear to have been in the Crown Jewels collection before most of those jewels were broken up and sold under the rule of Oliver Crom well though which would make it one of the few items which made its way back into royal hands after the Restoration Of TheMonarchy in 1660. It is now in the 1937 Imperial State Crown and frequently seen at State Openings of Parliament and other key royal events. When not in use it (and the crown it adorns) are kept in the jewel house at the Tower Of London.

 Interestingly, the stone is actually a fake ruby as it is in reality a spinel. It is so called because for the most of history, all red transparent gemstones were thought to be 'rubies' - however, since advancements around the late 1700's and study into mineralogy and gemmology we now know that spinel is very different to ruby in terms of it's chemical, physical and optical properties! It sits majestically above the 317.40ct Cullinan II Diamond. It weighs in at a much more manageable 2.3lb, and is worn after a coronation . The Black Prince’s Ruby is set into the central panel of the crown. The ruby looks like a clot of congealed blood. It is one of the most interesting and admired gems in existence. If you are looking for black princes ruby replica, please feel free to contact us !

Imperial State Crown:

The Imperial State Crown is one of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom and symbolises the sovereignty of the British monarch. It has existed in various forms since the 15th century. The current version was made in 1937 and is worn by a new monarch for the first time in the royal procession following their coronation (having been crowned with St Edward's Crown during the ceremony) and subsequently used at State Openings of Parliament. The crown is adorned with 2,901 precious stones, including the Cullinan II diamond, St Edward's Sapphire, the Stuart Sapphire, and the Black Prince's Ruby . The Imperial State Crown is 31.5 cm (12.4 in) tall and weighs 1.06 kg (2.3 lb), and has four fleurs-de-lis alternating with four crosses pattée, supporting two arches topped by a monde and cross pattée. Its purple velvet cap is trimmed with ermine. The frame is made of gold, silver and platinum, and decorated with 2,868 diamonds, 273 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 5 rubies.