Prince William and Kate Middleton are 'phony' says caller
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The Duchess of Cambridge’s engagement ring is instantly recognisable as it originally belonged to Princess Diana when she was alive. The ring features an oval-shaped sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
Princess Diana broke royal protocol when she chose the engagement ring now belonging to Kate Middleton.
A 12-carat blue sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, the ring was a unique choice as, at the time, royals usually opted for diamond engagement rings.
It was also a ring offered to the general public, featured in Garrard’s catalogue – this is different to the norm as members of the Royal Family usually get their rings specially made and designed for them.
Prince William offered his mother’s engagement ring to his future wife, Kate, in Kenya in 2010.
The pair wed a few months later, in April 2012, in a lavish ceremony in Westminster Abbey.
Since then, Kate has worn the sapphire engagement ring to attend almost every royal engagement, visit, or event.
However, before becoming attached to the jewel, the Duchess had it altered.
According to reports at the time, the ring was taken to royal jeweller G Collins and Sons to get it tweaked.
But instead of resizing the band, the jewellers are believed to have placed small platinum beads inside the bottom of the ring to give it a better fit.
A source told the Sun at the time that Kate “adored” the ring, but it was too big for her finger.
“A bride’s worst nightmare is looking down and seeing her ring has fallen off,” the source said.
“One can only imagine how this is magnified when you are marrying the future King of England.”
After Diana’s death in August 1997, her jewellery was shared between her sons and Harry was given the late Princess’ engagement ring.
However, since William was ready to propose to Kate long before Harry had even met his future wife, Meghan, Harry offered the ring to his brother.
He “selflessly” gave up the ring, according to Diana’s former butler Paul Burrell, who spoke in the documentary series The Diana Story.
Comparing Diana and Kate’s ring to other recognisable engagement rings within the Royal Family, such as the Duchess of Cornwall’s, a diamond expert shared their insight with Express.co.uk.
Max Stone of jewellers Steven Stone said: “Camilla’s three-stone diamond ring is traditional, while Diana’s sapphire ring is bold, and broke royal tradition at the time.
“I’d estimate Camilla’s ring to be worth around £212,500 on today’s market, while Princess Diana’s is worth around £390,000 and is likely to increase further due to its history, beauty and priceless legacy.”
Although Diana’s ring is more valuable, the diamond expert added that the Duchess of Cornwall’s ring is still “one of the most extensive and expensive in the Royal Family”.
Camilla wed Prince Charles on April 9, 2005.
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