The Captivating Tale of the Black Prince's Ruby

The Crown Jewels of England have long captured the imagination of the world, with their dazzling array of precious gemstones and rich history. Among the most renowned of these treasures is the Black Prince's Ruby, a magnificent spinel that has been a part of the British royal regalia for centuries.

The Black Prince's Ruby

Most likely mined in Afghanistan, the spectacular 170-carat red stone that would become known as the Black Prince's Ruby was what was known as a balas ruby. For centuries, people in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia classified these gems as a type of ruby but with some differences in properties and value. The French mineralogist Jean-Baptiste L. Romé de l'Isle scientifically distinguished spinels and rubies (corundum) as distinct mineral species in 1783. Since then, many "balas rubies" have been identified as spinels, including the Black Prince's Ruby.

First Discovery

The first recorded mention of this spinel dates to the middle of the 14th century CE and finds the gem in the Muslim Emirate of Granada in what is now Spain. Ismail II overthrew and exiled his half-brother, Muhammad V, and became the Sultan of Granada in 1359. His reign didn't last long. In 1360, he was killed by his brother-in-law, Abu Said, who assumed the throne as Muhammad VI. However, Muhammad V returned and overthrew him in 1362. The famous spinel entered the story when Muhammad VI fled to Seville, hoping to ally with the Christian King Pedro the Cruel to retake Granada. Supposedly, Muhammad VI brought the royal treasury with him, including the spinel. Unfortunately for the erstwhile Sultan, Pedro the Cruel was far more interested in his treasure than his plans. He was killed, possibly by Pedro, who seized the gem as a prize.

Enter the Black Prince

Just a few years after acquiring the beautiful balas ruby, Pedro the Cruel found his rule challenged by his own half-brother, Henry the Fratricidal. He found himself forced to seek an alliance with the English Prince Edward of Woodstock, who became known as the Black Prince. Edward took the gem from Pedro as payment for his debts to him. Sometime after this, the gem became known as the Black Prince's Ruby.

A Crown Jewel

Although the Black Prince never became King of England, his namesake gemstone became a prized jewel for the English Royals. King Henry V mounted the gem on the helmet that saved his life in the legendary Battle of Agincourt in 1415. Some time afterward, it became a Crown Jewel. Although the crown was melted down and the gem sold during the Protectorate (1653-1659), the spinel was recovered and returned when the monarchy was restored and King Charles II assumed the throne in 1660. In 1838, Queen Victoria commissioned a version of England's Imperial State Crown for her coronation. It prominently featured the Black Prince's Ruby. Since then, all versions of this crown have included the celebrated gem.

The Allure of the Black Prince's Ruby

The Black Prince's Ruby is not only a captivating piece of history, but also a stunning natural wonder. Its deep, rich red color and impressive size have made it a coveted treasure for centuries. The gem's unique story, intertwined with the rise and fall of dynasties, has only added to its allure and mystique.

The Spinel Distinction

As a spinel rather than a true ruby, the Black Prince's Ruby is a rarer and more valuable gemstone. Spinels are known for their brilliant, saturated colors, and the Black Prince's Ruby is no exception. Its hue is a deep, almost blood-red shade that is simply mesmerizing.

A Storied Past

The gem's journey through the hands of various rulers and its role in pivotal historical events have only enhanced its significance. From the Emirate of Granada to the English Crown, the Black Prince's Ruby has borne witness to some of the most dramatic moments in European history.

A Lasting Legacy

Today, the Black Prince's Ruby remains a centerpiece of the Crown Jewels, a symbol of the enduring power and prestige of the British monarchy. Its inclusion in the Imperial State Crown, worn by the monarch during the State Opening of Parliament, ensures that this captivating gem will continue to captivate and inspire for generations to come.

The Black Prince's Ruby is a testament to the enduring allure of natural gemstones and the rich tapestry of history that can be woven into a single, magnificent stone. Its story is a captivating tale of power, intrigue, and the enduring legacy of the Crown Jewels of England.