The Unconventional Backstory of Caesar's Red Gemstone

The Unconventional Backstory of Caesar's Red Gemstone

Historical Gemstone's Identity Revealed: Caesar's Ruby is a Rubellite Tourmaline

The Caesar's Ruby, a renowned 255.75ct gemstone, has been a part of both the Russian and Swedish Crown Jewels. Historically believed to be a ruby due to its rich red colour and royal association, modern gemological analysis has reclassified it as a rubellite tourmaline.

During the late 16th century, the stone was documented in King Charles IX of France's possessions. After Christina's abdication in 1654, she took the Caesar's Ruby with her and it eventually found its way to Stockholm, becoming a part of the Swedish Crown Jewels.

The stone's identity as the same as the one given to Catherine II was proven by professor Aminoff in the 1900s through comparison of measurements and specific gravity. However, it was not until 1922 that mineralogist Aleksandr Evgenevich Fersman identified the Caesar's Ruby as a rubellite tourmaline, a member of the tourmaline family that exhibits a similar deep red or pink coloration.

The transition in identification from ruby to rubellite tourmaline resulted from advancements in gemstone analysis techniques and a better understanding of the nuanced differences among red gemstones, especially those found in historic royal collections. Initially, many prominent red gemstones in royal collections were identified as rubies due to their status and the lack of advanced gemological testing at the time.

In the 17th century, the Caesar's Ruby was pawned in Amsterdam, an early indication that the stone was not a ruby. The decision to model Caesar's Ruby was made in 1748 due to potential financial needs for war, with court jeweller F. Bergh ordered to create a model of the gemstone in red wax. Another model was made in lead by F. Bergh, and a third model was crafted in red glass by Johan Feychting, cut into a facetted pear shape.

The Caesar's Ruby was captured during the Battle of Prague in the Thirty Years' War and was given to the Swedish Crown Princess Christina. Later, in 1777, Gustav III received the gemstone as a gift from Catherine II and it became a part of the Russian Crown Jewels. During the First World War, the Caesar's Ruby was moved from St Petersburg to the Kremlin in Moscow.

The true identity of Caesar's Ruby became more widely known after Fersman published "Russia's Treasure of Diamonds and Precious Stones" in 1925-26. As the risk of war declined and the Swedish Crown's urgent need for cash decreased, the Caesar's Ruby remained a fascinating piece of history, now recognised as a unique rubellite tourmaline rather than a ruby.

1. In the 20th century, various courses in gemmology were developed, allowing more precise identification of stones like Caesar's Ruby, which was reclassified as a rubellite tourmaline.
2. For those interested in the world of gemstones, books on education and self-development, such as "Russia's Treasure of Diamonds and Precious Stones," offer valuable insights into the origins and classifications of stones like the Caesar's Ruby.
3. Visit travel destinations like museums and historical sites to appreciate the Caesar's Ruby, alongside other pieces of fashion-and-beauty and lifestyle artifacts, that were once part of royal collections.
4. While the Caesar's Ruby may not have valued as highly as diamonds in the jewelry market, its historical significance and magnificent appearance make it a sought-after piece among collectors.
5. Combining a selection of books on education and self-development, especially those focused on gemmology, can provide a comprehensive understanding of the difference between a ruby and a rubellite tourmaline, like the Caesar's Ruby.
6. Upon moving to a new home, consider adding the Caesar's Ruby replica or a tourmaline jewelry piece to your home-and-garden decor, paying homage to its rich history and the fascinating transition from being identified as a ruby to a rubellite tourmaline.

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