Published on December 14, 2010
The official engagement pictures of Prince William and Kate Middleton became instant classics. A couple in love, ready to set off on a life together and a sapphire holding it all together. It seems almost too good to be true for the sapphire market. The royal nuptials are really going to make sapphires a...
Published on February 23, 2010
When we think of England’s Crown Jewels, we think of orbs and scepters, but first and foremost, we think of the Imperial State Crown, adorned with its 3 great gems. Kept in the Tower of London, the Imperial State Crown is adorned by the Cullinan II and the Black Prince Ruby (which happens to be...
Published on January 19, 2010
By definition, precious gems are rare and valuable … but at the top of the pile are the named gemstones. Standouts like the Hope Diamond, the Black Prince Ruby, and the Black Star of Queensland are set apart by their size and their historical provenance. The Black Star of Queensland is freshly in the news...
Published on September 10, 2008
In the Western world, there is a longstanding tradition of engagement rings being presented to women in order to propose marriage. The ancient Greeks are thought to have created the tradition of the engagement ring with their version of a betrothal ring, which was given before marriage. However, the presentation of these rings was not...
Published on May 7, 2008
Known for its on unprecedented color it is no surprise that the name ruby comes from the latin word ruber which means “red.” The ruby a variety of corundum is one of the rarest and most sort after gemstones. Over the centuries rubies have come to be associated with stories, beliefs, and great legends. In...
