About Us

General Ruby and Sapphire Company was founded in 1974 by our father, Warren Mills Sr. But its origin traces back to 1853 when L.H. Keller, a Swiss watchmaker, established the L.H. Keller Company in New York City. L.H. Keller Company was founded in order to provide American jewelers with Swiss quality watch parts and jewel bearings.

In 1921 Hugo P. Keller Jr., grandson of the founder, became owner and manager. During his time the synthetic sapphire industry grew in size and application as many different fields were now beginning to use synthetic sapphire products. This aided L.H. Keller’s growth and made it recognized internationally as a major supplier of synthetic sapphire.

In 1968 our father began work as the Controller for the Keller Company. After Hugo Jr.’s passing he took over the L.H. Keller Company and changed names to General Ruby and Sapphire Company. After years of being located in New York City he moved operations to the Gulf Coast of Florida in 1981.

With the help of our mother, Maria, and dedicated staff they expanded the product lines to include other optical and mechanical materials; while also maintaining a great deal of stock parts in Ruby and Sapphire as L.H. Keller Co. did before him. At the turn of the century the next generation of Mills’ began work in the family business. In September of 2008, with our father’s passing after years of service and dedication to you the customer; we now continue his legacy.

General Ruby and Sapphire Company is one that is founded on family values and tradition which has carried on for over 150 years. As we move into a new generation please let us know how we can serve you.