Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-06-16
KING OF ENGLAND's CROWN.
Contains a Large spinel Ruby, Pale
Sapphire and Small Colored Sapphire.

From the London Globe.
The most important historic jewels in
the present imperial crown are the large
spinel ruby in the center of the front cross
patee, the large pale sapphire on the cir
clet of the crown in front, and the small,
but finely colored sapphire in the center of
the oss-patee above the mound at the top
of the crown.
known and is of great interest In the four
teenth century, says Mr.. Cyril Davenport
in the Connoisseur it belonged to the King
of Granada, and Pedro the Cruel, King of
CASTLE, received this king under the guise
of friendship in the AlcaZar at Seville
Here he was murdered for the sake of his
jewels, among which was this stone Pedro
afterward gave it to Edward, the Black
Prince. after the battle of Navarette, as
mark of gratitude for his successful help,
and 1t is also supposed to have been worn
in the crown of Henry V at Agincourt.
On this occasion it may have helped to save
a kings life as the Due d Alencon aimed
blow at Henry, which was turned by his
crown, then worn over his helmet.
The stone is a finely colored, deep red
spfnel mineral which is chiefly found in
the river beds of Ceylon, Burma and Siam.
Like most oriental stones, this particular
Jewel has been pierced the top of the
piercing is now filled by small ruby set
in gold, and the stone is uncut, but polish
ed on its natural irregular surface. 1t is
irregularly drop-shaped and about two
inches in length.
The second notable jewel in the imperial
crown is the large pale sapphire in the
front of the circlet.>- 1t was worn in the
crown by Charles II, and ultimately became
the property of Cardinal York, who be-
queathed it to the Prince Regent, afterward
George w. The prince gave it to the Prin-
cess Charlotte, but on her death 1t was re-
turned. as it was properly considered to be
crown jewel. 1t is partially pierced, which
may mean 1t was intended to be used as
q bead, but never finished; or 1t might per-
to
port for an aigrette, in which case half
piercing would be enough. 1t is cut en-.
cabochon as most ancient and medieval
stones WERE and as colored stones should
be, the edges being trimmed into the form
of a long symmetrical oval. No doubt this
is an oriental stone; it is about two inches
In length.
Edward the Confessor's emerald is much
smaller and of deep color; it has been
recut in brilliant form, lprobably for
Charles II. which was quite unnecessary.
1t is said to have been taken out of the
Confessors ring, which was buried with
him, and 1t has the reputation of being an
antidote to cramp A story told about it re-
lates that the Confessor in one of his
walks about Westminster, met a beggar
who asked for aims and the saint being
at that moment short of money gave him
his ring in charity in the name of ST. John.
Some time afterward some English pill
grims, travelling in the HolyaLand, got into
difficulties and consulted an old man.
stranger. who happened to be in their COM
pany. On hearing that the travellers were
English. he revealed himself to them as
st. John, the special patron of Edward,
King of England, and he assisted them out
of their troubles, and gave them a ring to
take back to their monarch, with the mes
sage that he would meet him in paradise
In six months time. When in due time
Edward received the ring, he at once recog-
nized it as that he had given to the West
minister beggar and when he died, accord
ing to the saints prediction, 1t was buried
with him In his shrine at Westminster