Kate Middleton’s Engagement Ring: Get the Look

Kate Middleton has become a royal fashion icon. Her most influential look? Her sapphire cluster engagement ring!

A Look at the Ring

Kate’s engagement ring boasts a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire. Around the gem are 14 solitaire diamonds, all set in 18 carat white gold.

The ring was inspired by a sapphire and diamond brooch that Queen Victoria received from Prince Albert, which the queen wore on her wedding day. So Kate’s ring is not just a symbol of royal tradition but enduring royal love.

The Proposal

Prince William picked his mother Princess Diana’s engagement ring. Reflecting on his choice, William explained that he wanted his late mother to be part of the important milestone. Giving Kate her ring was his way of including Diana in their marriage journey.

Prince William proposed to Kate during a private holiday in Kenya in October 2010 where the two were able to enjoy the intimate moment away from the public eye. William was carrying the ring in a rucksack for weeks before hand he explained, ‘I literally would not let it go, wherever I went I was keeping a hold of it because I knew if this thing disappeared I’d be in a lot of trouble.’

The Ring’s Impact on Style and Fashion

Photos of Kate Middleton’s engagement started a craze for sapphire cluster engagement rings. After the public announcement sapphire engagement ring sales went up 300% globally. Today, the ring is still considered one of the most recognized and replicated engagement rings in the world.

Many couples have since been inspired to break from tradition by choosing non-diamond center stones for their engagement rings, with blue sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and other colorful stones rising in popularity.

The Ring’s Journey: From Diana to Kate

Prince Charles originally gave the engagement ring to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. Diana adored it. Even after her divorce from Prince Charles she continued to wear it as a symbol of her royal connection and her motherhood to Princes William and Harry.

(Learn Why Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring Caused Controversy when she first picked it!)

When Diana passed she left her jewellery collection to her sons. Prince Harry originally chose their mother’s ring while Prince William opted for Diana’s gold Cartier watch. But Harry later gave William the ring when he saw how in love Will was with Kate (remember Harry was still a philandering party-boy at the time).

The Symbolism Behind the Ring Today

The ring is more than a royal accessory for Kate, it’s also a connection to William’s mother. Wearing Diana’s ring is an honor and a responsibility for Kate as the new Princess of Wales. This is because it ties her to Diana’s legacy of compassion, grace, and humanitarian efforts.

Since receiving the ring, Kate has embraced her role with a style and dedication that echoes Diana. Her commitment to charitable causes, mental health advocacy, and early childhood development mirrors her would-be mother-in-law.

The ring even fit Kate’s finger without the need for alteration. Could Kate’s success as the current people’s princess be because of an ‘if the shoe (or ring) fits, wear it’ mentality?

Care and Value of the Heirloom

Kate’s engagement ring is estimated to be worth around £300,000 to £400,000, though its historical value is priceless. The Duchess likely takes great care to maintain the ring’s condition, as it’s an irreplaceable piece. Kate removes the ring whenever she visits a germ-controlled hospital or medical facility, in line with recommended safety guidelines.

More tips on engagement ring aftercare are in our guide on How to Look After and Clean Your Jewellery.

A Lasting Legacy

Kate Middleton’s engagement ring has become iconic just as Diana’s was before her. It is a reminder of love, legacy, and the continuity of the royal family. The ring represents not just a marriage but a bridge between past and present, a constant connection to those who came before.

As the ring continues its journey with the Duchess of Cambridge, it symbolizes the unity and resilience of the British monarchy and will undoubtedly remain a cherished heirloom passed down through future generations.

Want to start your own jewellery legacy? Book your appointment to find a piece that you (and those after you) can add your chapter to. Continue the story.

More Royal “Get the Look”s:

• Meghan Markle’s Engagement Ring: Get the Look
• Princess Eugenie’s Engagement Ring: Get The Look
• Grace Kelly’s Engagement Ring: Get The Look
• Queen Elizabeth II’s Engagement Ring: Get the Look