It has been preserved more on account of its traditionary interest than for its intrinsic value.

Tradition tells us that at the taking of Jerusalem, in the first crusade, this jewel was snatched from the turban of Saladin, the Sultan, in single combat, by our wild crusading ancestor, Ranulph d' Arondelle.

It adorned his own hemlet at the siege of St.Jean d' Acre, some years later.

In short, it has been handed down from father to son through six centuries and sixteen generations.

It has "in the thickest carnage blazed" on battle-fields, and in the maddest merriment flashed in festive scenes.