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The Greater Gems in the Jewel House: Edward

The ruby appears as the central ornament in the state crowns of Queen Victoria and Edward VII., and occupies the same position in the state crown of George V. now at the Tower.

The ruby is known as a ballas ruby and is of irregular drop-shape, about two inches in length and of proportionate width. Generally it may be described as being the size of a small hen's egg. It has a highly polished surface, but is uncut and is backed with a gold setting, which darkens the stone and gives to it the colour of port wine. It was, as has been mentioned, originally pierced at one end, but this hole has been at a later date closed with a small ruby set in gold.