| | | | The Black Prince's Ruby
| This is a spinel (170 carats) of Moorish origin that has been pierced in the Eastern style. It is found in the front cross pattee above the band of the Imperial State Crown. The traditional story is that Pedro the Cruel, King of Castile, presented it to the Black Prince after the battle of Najera in 1367. The Black Prince had given Pedro refuge from his enemies. Pedro is said to have obtained it from the King of Granada, whom he murdered for the sake of his jewels.
Throughout its history it has been called the 'Great Balas Ruby', and it has been in many State Crowns. It has always been considered lucky to have a large red stone as one of the major ornaments in the Imperial State Crown. It was in the helmet of Henry V at the battle of Agincourt, who nearly lost it when the Duc d'Alencon struck the helmet from his head after a famous charge. King Henry VIII added it to the Crown Jewels. The 'rock ruby' sold during the Commonwealth to a 'Mr Cooke' for £15 is believed to have been this very jewel.
Apparently it soon returned to the royal possession, for it is known to have been set in the State Crown of Charles II and later in that of his niece, Queen Mary II who ruled as joint Sovereign with her husband, William III. A cabochon ruby fills the hole made by the piercing and, in true Victorian style, it is mounted with a red backing, although its natural colour does not require enhancing.
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