The giant stone on Kate’s finger cannot go unnoticed. Prince William proposed to her with a stunning sapphire and diamond engagement ring that is valued nearly $400,000. However, the most interesting part about this ring isn’t its price, but the story behind it. This ring previously belonged to Princess Diana. Prince Charles bought it for her when they were shopping from the official royal jeweler, Garrard, back in 1981. This stunning 12-carat sapphire with 12 diamonds really attracted his attention.
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This ring has some similarities with the brooch that Prince Albert had custom made for Queen Victoria before their wedding in 1840. She loved it so much that it became one of her go-to accessories, and she even wore it as “something blue” on her wedding day.
After Queen Victoria died, the brooch stayed in the family. Her will was for it to become a Crown heirloom. Queen Elizabeth II wore it at special occasions, such as meeting John. F. Kennedy and at Prince William’s christening.
Source: rd.com
Knowing that this design has an incredible history, it isn’t surprising at all that Prince Charles proposed with a sapphire ring.
When Princess Diana died in 1997, her sons were brought to Kensington Palace to choose a “keepsake,” and a surprising fact is that William chose a Cartier watch, while Harry picked the engagement ring. Then 13 years later, when William proposed to Kate Middleton, his brother gave him the ring. Apparently, they had an agreement that says that whoever gets engaged first gets to have Diana’s ring.
Source: rd.com
