Ruby: The King of Gems was commissioned by mining firm Gemfields and follows the first book that Hardy wrote for the company on emeralds.
She travelled around the world from Burma to Mozambique to research the book, which features the ancient cutting and polishing techniques for rubies; the royalty, celebrities and famous wearers of stand-out pieces; as well as unseen designs from royal and private collections.
Hardy posted on social media: “Everyone asks me how long did it take me to write it, to which I say it took two and a half years but really 35 years. I see it as a collaboration with many friends of mine in the jewellery industry who I have formed a relationship with over the last 35 years and without their generous support this book would never have happened.”
