The Black Prince’s Ruby is in fact not. It is a large spinel, which resulted in its infamous name “The Great Imposter”. This blood-drenched red stone has an intriguing and violent history. According to record, back in the 14th century, the stone was pillaged by Don Pedro the Cruel, the king of Castile & Leon, in Spain, from Adu Sai’d, the Prince of Granada , the stone’s original known owner. The “ruby” was next famously owned by the “Black Prince” – Edward of Woodstock, so known because of his success on the battlefield during the Hundred Year’s war. The next conqueror to own the stone was yet another successful warrior,  King Henry V. The king had the stone set in his helmet and wore it when he defeated the French at the Battle of Agincourt. With some near losses, the gem remained in the … Continue reading The Black Prince’s Ruby-The Greatest Imposter of All