The 317-carat Cullinan II diamond and the famous Black Prince’s rubya are the centers of splendor in the imperial state crown of England. The English scepter also contains one of the world’s most fabulous diamonds, the 530-carat Star of Africa.

“THEY are exquisite! It is unbelievable! You mean you found them yourself?” More compliments followed as the happy gem hunter shook her head to show off her natural ruby earrings to her admiring friends.

The stones were the fortunate result of several hours’ work at a roadside ruby mine in North Carolina.