1. HEIRLOOM PASSED DOWN FROM DIANA
This iconic sapphire ring previously belonged to Princess Diana. After her tragic car crash in August 1997, her jewellery was left to her sons, so that one day their wives could use it. According to ‘The Diana Story’ - an Amazon Prime documentary - Princess Diana’s former butler, Paul Burrell, revealed that Princess Diana’s engagement ring was originally passed down to Prince Harry. During Prince William’s courting of Catherine Middleton, Prince Harry offered the ring to his brother.
Prince William reportedly said to ITV at the time of his engagement: "It was my way of making sure my mother didn’t miss out on today and the excitement and the fact that we’re going to spend the rest of our lives together.”
2. RING ADJUSTMENTS
When Catherine Middleton received the ring, it was slightly too big for her, so the ring was adjusted from size I to H by the Crown Jeweller, G. Collins and Sons. They did this by placing small platinum beads on the inside of the band in order to adjust the size as the ring. This alteration is reversible so it can be removed if necessary and keep the original ring and band intact.
3. KATES PROPOSAL
Although Kate and William did not announce their engagement until November 2010, William revealed that he actually proposed to Kate on a trip to Kenya in October.
They stayed at Rutundu Cabin beneath Mount Kenya with the backdrop of Kenya's Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. William explained that he had carried his mother’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring around Africa in his rucksack for almost three weeks before he proposed to Kate. The scene was set for a romantic gesture that would forever cement their love story in history. The proposal was a blend of tradition and modernity, symbolising the couple's commitment to each other while honouring their shared legacy.
The Duchess of Cambridge has been seen wearing the ring countless times, including at official royal events and public appearances. It has become a beloved symbol of the couple’s enduring love and has cemented Kate’s place as a true style icon.
4. DESIGNER & CREATION
The ring was first bought by the Prince of Wales for $37,000 in 1981 and created by the official crown jeweller Garrard & Co. The design features a cluster of 14 solitaire diamonds surrounding the sapphire on an 18k white gold band. The ring is now reportedly worth $500,000.
Cluster rings are a favourite type of design among royals. There are two styles: a more prominent centre stone surrounded by other stones sometimes of various sizes and shapes, and multiple main stones that are placed closely together in a cluster. This particular cluster is a flower-inspired design that has graced many royal fingers.
Essentially a floral-inspired cluster ring, the history, romanticism, and unexpected style have given this ring a coveted place in engagement ring inspiration.
5. CARATS, CARATS, CARATS
The ring showcases as its centrepiece a 12 carat oval Ceylon sapphire in a rare and highly coveted deep, royal blue hue. Surrounding the sapphire is a large halo of 14 round cut diamonds. All stones are set on a polished and shining 18K white gold band. The ring quickly became one of the world's most recognizable pieces of jewellery and was worn by Princess Diana for the rest of her life.
6. THE MOST COVETED SAPPHIRE RING STYLE IN THE WORLD
Princess Diana initially received criticism for her choice of ring and was dubbed the “commoner’s sapphire”. Ironically Lady Diana became known as a style icon and her engagement ring became the world’s most sought after engagement ring style for more than a decade.
In 2010, after William and Catherine announced their engagement sales of sapphire engagement rings skyrocketed once more. Jewellers all over the world frantically bought blue gems to satisfy the public’s demand for “Duchess of Cambridge rings”.
7. ROYAL BLUE
Ceylon is the name given to sapphires that originate from the island nation now known as Sri Lanka. The island was originally colonised by the British in the early 1500s, and they took control of the island in 1798, officially giving the nation the name of Ceylon. Blue sapphires that were mined from the region during this colonial period still carry the Ceylon name in their description. The country gained its independence in 1948 and adopted the name Sri Lanka in 1972.
8. MATCHING SET
The Duchess of Cambridge was later seen wearing jewellery that matches her engagement ring while attending a ceremony at St. Paul’s Cathedral to commemorate the withdrawal of British troops from Afghanistan. The set includes a sapphire and diamond cluster necklace, and matching earrings.
9. CULTURAL IMPACT
In August 1996, Princess Diana stopped wearing her wedding ring, but not her sapphire engagement ring. The couple's divorce was finalised, but Lady Diana would still style the ring when she wore other sapphire jewellery, treating the ring more as an accessory than a symbol.
The sapphire ring is a symbol of love, tradition, and continuity. From its origins as Princess Diana's cherished possession to its central role in Prince William and Kate Middleton's love story, this iconic ring continues to capture the imagination of people worldwide.
Beyond its significance within the royal family, Kate Middleton's engagement ring has left a lasting impression on popular culture and become one of the most iconic pieces of jewellery in modern history. Even years after its debut, it continues to influence engagement ring trends with its classic design and regal appeal that has cemented its status as a timeless symbol of love and sophistication.
10. YOU CAN OWN A REPLICA OF PRINCESS DIANA’S ROYAL ENGAGEMENT RING
This iconic ring replica features a flawless 6 ct. Tru-Sapphire surrounded by a cluster of perfectly matching, pure white Tru-Diamonds™, and is one of the most sought after pieces in our entire collection.
