1. While Sally's Ruby of Agrapur is fictitious, there are many famous gemstones, some of which have legends or dramatic tales surrounding them. Examples of famous gems include the Hope diamond, the Koh-i-noor diamond, the Cullinan diamond, the Rosser Reeves star ruby, the Star of India sapphire, and the DeLong star ruby. Research one or several of these or other well-known gemstones and chronicle their histories.

2. The Ruby belongs to the family of gems called corundum. Explore the corundum gems. What is included in the family? Where are they found?

What are the properties of the gems?

3. Sally Lockhart was an independent woman, just like Queen Victoria who ruled the British Empire during the time of Sally's adventures. Describe the life of Queen Victoria and discuss her importance in history.

4. Write an overview of the Opium Wars of 1839-1842 and 1856-...