Historical Ruby Jewelry Pieces

The Timur Ruby, a 352-carat engraved ruby, is one of the most famous historical rubies in existence.

• Once believed to be a ruby, it was later identified as a red spinel, but its history remains closely linked to royal ruby treasures.
• This gemstone was passed down through Persian, Mughal, and British monarchs, eventually becoming part of Queen Victoria’s collection.
• It is now housed in the British Crown Jewels and remains a significant part of ruby history.

One of the most legendary historical ruby jewelry pieces, the Black Prince’s Ruby is set in the Imperial State Crown of England.

• Weighing 170 carats, this ruby is mounted in the front of the British Crown, worn by British monarchs at coronation ceremonies.
• First owned by Pedro the Cruel of Castile, it was later acquired by Edward, the Black Prince, after a victorious battle.
• Though later identified as a spinel, it remains one of the most famous “rubies” in royal history.

Commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II in 1973, this stunning tiara features 96 Burmese rubies.

• The rubies were gifted by the people of Burma as a wedding present to the Queen.
• Designed by Garrard & Co., the tiara is set in a floral diamond framework, symbolizing protection from illness and misfortune.
• It remains one of the most iconic pieces in the British royal jewelry collection.

Marie-Thérèse, Duchess of Angoulême and daughter of Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI, owned an exquisite ruby and diamond necklace.

• This necklace featured perfectly matched cushion-cut rubies, framed by diamonds in a regal design.
• It was part of the French Crown Jewels and was auctioned after the fall of the monarchy.
• The necklace is now considered a priceless historical treasure.

Queen Marie of Romania was known for her love of extravagant jewelry, and her Burmese ruby necklace was among her most cherished pieces.

• Designed by Cartier, it featured large Burmese rubies and diamonds arranged in an intricate pattern.
• The necklace was often paired with her ruby tiara, making it a signature part of her royal image.
• This piece was later passed down through Romanian royalty and remains a significant historical ruby treasure.

The Romanov family of Russia possessed an extraordinary ruby and diamond parure, commissioned during the reign of Tsar Alexander II.

• The set included a tiara, necklace, brooch, and earrings, all featuring deep red Burmese rubies.
• After the Russian Revolution, many of the Romanov jewels were sold or lost, making this collection highly sought after by collectors.
• Some pieces resurfaced in auctions, while others remain lost royal treasures.

India has a long history of ruby-adorned jewelry, particularly among Mughal emperors.

• The Neelam Ruby, weighing 1,370 carats, is one of the largest rubies known, often believed to be a royal treasure of the Mughal dynasty.
• The Mogul Ruby Necklaces, worn by emperors, featured intricate carvings and inscriptions in Sanskrit or Persian, symbolizing divine protection.
• Many of these historical rubies were later acquired by European royalty and collectors.

Rubies have played an essential role in Thailand’s royal jewelry, as the country (formerly Siam) is one of the world’s leading ruby sources.

• The Thai Royal Family possesses an extensive collection of Burmese and Thai rubies, set in elaborate gold and diamond pieces.
• The Great Crown of Victory, worn by Thai monarchs, features large rubies set in intricate gold designs.
• These gems are believed to bring power, protection, and prosperity to the ruling dynasty.

Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor owned some of the most famous ruby jewelry pieces of the 20th century.

• A Cartier ruby necklace, gifted to her by Mike Todd, became one of her signature pieces.
• She also owned a Burmese ruby and diamond ring, designed by Van Cleef & Arpels, which was later auctioned for $4.2 million.
• Her collection is considered one of the most valuable celebrity-owned jewelry collections in history.

• Sold at $30.3 million at Sotheby’s, this pigeon blood ruby is one of the purest and most valuable rubies in existence.
• Its intense color and perfect clarity make it a benchmark for ruby quality in the modern era.
• Though not ancient, it is already considered a legendary gemstone in auction history.