Kate Middleton became the world’s envy on November 16, 2010 when Clarence House announced that she and Prince William were engaged to be wed. Besides the obvious excitement of a royal wedding, fans could not get over her unique sapphire engagement ring that carries a sweet story.
The world’s most famous blue sapphire ring once belonged to Prince William’s mother, Princess Diana. Here are some facts about this deeply personal ring.
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Prince Charles first proposed to Princess Diana with a selection of rings from crown jeweller Garrard, and she chose the blue sapphire. At the time, it caused a scandal and many called her decision to go with a ready-made ring ‘common’.
Upon Charles and Diana’s divorce, she returned the ring to her ex-husband and it remained in storage in Kensington Palace. After her untimely passing in 1997, however, sons William and Harry were allowed to choose mementoes to remember her by. Harry chose the engagement ring while William picked a gold Cartier watch.
When William was really to propose, the brothers agreed to exchange mementoes so that he could do so with their mother’s ring. He chose this ring to be symbolic of his mother being a part of her wedding and marriage in general.
The ring consists of a 12-carat oval blue sapphire cut into facets, which is surrounded by fourteen solitaire diamonds. The setting is crafted from 18K white gold.
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Immediately after their engagement announcement, sapphire engagement rings sales went through the roof and jewellers rushed to supply customers with this trendy item.
Her wedding band was fashioned from a piece of Welsh gold that was given to Prince William by The Queen shortly after the engagement was announced.
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Picture: Instagram / Kengington Royal
