What is Ruby?

Blood red rubies are actually a naturally occuring form of aluminium oxide, with traces of chromium actually providing the colour.

Rubies are almost as hard as diamonds and some have flaws in them that lead to amazing star effects when cut and polished with skill and care.

Most of the world's natural rubies come from Burma but small deposits have been found all over the world from Greenland to Madagascar.

The rich red hues have made rubies a favourite of gem collectors for centuries. The Imperial State Crown, made for the coronation of Queen Victoria in 1838 contains 5 rubies.

The biggest Ruby of these is the Black Prince’s Ruby. It has been set in the state crowns of twenty generations of sovereigns. It had originally been given to Edward, the Black Prince, in 1367 by the King of Castile, Pedro the Cruel.