JEWELS OF HISTORY

Grey River Argus, 10 November 1931, Page 3

JEWELS OF HISTORY

THE FAMOUS HOPE DIAMOND. From many parts of the world have come jewels which have made historv—and tragic history at that. There was the Hope diamond, perhaps the most trag'c of all. And there have been many other diamonds which have brought their owners nothing bu’ misery. The diamond being the most coveted of precious stones ha s natural ly had more of romance and crime associated with its acquisition than any other jewel. However, the ruby, +he emerald and 'he sapphire have had their own dramatic episodes. The Pegu Ruby, a beautiful but malevolent gem. measures about l?.in from tip to t'p and is the colour of pigeon’s blood It was found by a Dutch miner. Zeef-eld. in Burma, during ithe reign of Henry VIII. He returned to Europe, was pursued and tor ured until he finally jumped in the Seine and was drowned. The stone was found in a hole under the ankle bone. Eventually the ruby was given to the English King. Every one of Henry VIII.’s wives wore the ruby in turn—and no one can say that to be the wife of Henr v VIII. meant f safe or a happy lot. Charles I. also w’ore this jewel of calamity It was while this ruby was in the Tower that the only attempt to rob the Crown jewels was made. The keeper was killed in the attempt. Then, on the day of James H.’s flight ‘.o France, the King —perhaps wisely—threw the stone overboard. It lay in the ooze of the Thames for many years but was later fished up b v a dredger and identified. This, stone of evil omen is new kept at Windsor castle.