Spanish Real, Philip III, 0.8 Ct Blue Sapphire AD 1598–1621

Philip III, a member of the House of Habsburg and the son of Philip II and his fourth wife, Anna, became king of Spain in 1598. He married Marguerite of Austria, with whom he had eight children. As ruler of the Spanish Empire at its height, he secured a temporary peace with the Dutch (1609–1621) and led Spain into the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648) with a highly successful initial campaign. His reign marks a pivotal chapter in Spanish history.

The real was a unit of currency used in Spain and its colonies for centuries. With the discovery of new silver deposits in the Americas, there was a pressing need to ship silver to Spain quickly. Beginning in the reign of Philip II, mints produced irregular hand-cut coins known as cobs—chunks of silver cut and stamped to the appropriate weight. These crude yet accurate coins were designed for easy transport and were melted in Spain to create jewelry, coins, and other items. Each coin has a unique shape and is a one-of-a-kind historical artifact.

Because these coins were exposed to ocean debris and marine elements during their time underwater, they require special care to maintain their luster and preserve their appearance.

• Avoid applying perfumes, creams, oils, or makeup directly onto the piece.
• Do not expose it to moisture or corrosive substances.
• Avoid contact with water or the skin's natural sweat and acidity, as this can dull or tarnish the material.
• Due to their antiquity, these pieces are more sensitive to chemicals, which may alter their color.
• To clean the piece, use mild soapy water and gently dry it with a soft, neutral-colored cloth to remove oils and residues that could tarnish it or affect its shine.
• Store the piece in its protective leather pouch.