A replica of Amir Temur’s ruby is planned to be featured in the exhibition of the Center of Islamic Civilization

A replica of the Amir Temur Ruby, which once adorned a piece of jewelry crafted for Queen Victoria, is expected to be featured in the exhibition of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan.

Amir Temur acquired this legendary gem during his military campaign in India in 1398. The ruby weighs 72 grams (361 carats). Following his death, the jewel passed through the hands of various dynasties and empires, including the Timurids, Safavids, Mughals, Afghans, Sikhs, and eventually the British.

The names of several historical figures are inscribed on the ruby: Amir Temur Kuragon, Mirzo Ulughbek, Shah Abbas, Jahangir Shah, Shah Jahan, and Ahmad Shah. An inscription on the stone reads: “A ruby brought from India, one of the twenty-five thousand original jewels of the King of Kings, Sultan Sahibqiron”.

The precious gem became the property of the East India Company in 1849. In 1851, it was set as the central element of a piece of jewelry crafted for Queen Victoria. In 1853, the jewel was redesigned by Garrard & Co. Ltd., with the central stone repurposed as a standalone ornament (brooch). It was specially adapted to be interchangeable with the “Koh-i-Noor” diamond, allowing it to be worn alternately.

Although the piece was later redesigned again by Garrard & Co. Ltd. at the Queen’s request, it has never been worn. Queen Elizabeth II once remarked that she was deeply impressed by the jewel and even noted that a special dress should be made to match it. However, like her predecessors, she never wore this unique piece of jewelry.

Today, the ornament is housed in the “India room” of Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom.