Prior to the 1930s, ruby and sapphire were mysteries, arcane gems oft-confused with spinel and other look-alikes. Enter JF. Halford-Watkins. Living in Mogok for more than two decades, he penned several articles and an entire monograph on the subject of these rare gems. Sadly he passed away before it could be published. In 1994, Richard Hughes came across a note regarding the manuscript while doing research for his magnum opus, "Ruby & Sapphire." Patrick Streeter, grandson of G. Skelton Streeter, and great grandson of the famed London jeweler, Edwin Streeter, had referenced the Halford-Watkins manuscript while writing his book, "Streeter of Bond Street." Following up on that obscure lead, Richard Hughes found something truly fantastic, an undiscovered jewel of the gemological literature. Over ten years in the making, "The Book of Ruby & Sapphire" is the realization of Halford-Watkins’ vision. Professionally edited and illustrated, it represents a gemological tour de force.