The Black Prince’s Ruby- The Spinel At The Centre of the Kings Coronation
A gargantuan stone set in British history.
As we all prepare for the regal spectacle that is sure to be delivered by the coronation of our newly appointed monarch, we thought that a look into his grand attire would be quite fitting. Specifically the striking, gem-clad Imperial State Crown, that is a stunning centrepiece in the Royal collection.
Constructed from gold, silver and platinum and adorned with 2,868 diamonds, 269 pearls, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds and 4 rubies, (that is one blinging bit of head wear) and including a 317 carat diamond known as ‘the Second Star of Africa’,
However the real centrepiece of our monarchs state imperial crown is the Black Prince's Ruby (that is really a red spinel).
The Black Prince's Ruby is an irregular 170 carat cabochon set in the front cross of the crown.
Legend would have us believe that this magnificently irregular gemstone found it’s way into our monarchs collection of jewellery as early as 1367, and is thought to have originated from the Badakhshan mines in present day Afghanistan/Tajikistan. The sought after gem was later claimed by Don Pedro who took it from the prince of the emirate of Granada Abu Said (forcibly), it was then gifted to Edward ‘The Black Prince’ for his aid in thwarting a revolt,and this crimson gemstone has been popping up in royal attire ever since.
As there is no concrete evidence to support the origins of this stone we can only speculate based on some sketchy historical references.
So why is it called a ruby?
Before modern classifications all red stones were thought to be rubies.
It wasn’t until 1783 that technology allowed spinels to be differentiated. Rubies are a mineral called corundum, whereas a spinel is a naturally forming compound of magnesium, chromium, iron and oxygen.
The beautiful imbalances in a spinels composition are what bring so much variety to their colour, from reds, greens, blues and blacks each gem has its own beauty.
With strong links to stress relief and endurance all I can say is that if it is good enough for royalty then......
Interested in Spinel jewellery.
6.04ct Teal Spinel Asscher cut
1.58ct Pink Spinel Oval Cut