In a black and white photo, dark colours show up black. Ruby beads would look black to the viewer.
--Previous Message-- : The photo below has me perplexed, as I cannot : see the details of the brooch clearly. : Nevertheless, I wonder if this could be the : feather shaped brooch with rubies mentioned : in the Sunday Times 27 June 1937? : : : : The more I look at the photo below, where : the Princess is wearing a feather shaped : brooch on her hat, the more I think that it : contains black pearls. : :