Everything You Need to Know About Kate Middleton’s Iconic Engagement Ring
Kate Middleton’s engagement ring is one of the most iconic and influential pieces of jewelry in recent history. With its stunning 12-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds, the ring has influenced countless contemporary designs—even among jewelers in New York, one of the world’s fashion capitals. While its timeless aesthetic contributes to its ongoing fame, the deep emotional and historical significance behind the piece is equally compelling.
When Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their engagement on November 16, 2010, the sapphire sparkler was immediately recognized as the same ring that once belonged to his late mother, Princess Diana. In their joint interview with ITV, William and Kate explained that choosing this heirloom was a way to keep Diana’s memory alive. The ring has since become one of the most talked-about royal jewels—even making headlines in major media outlets from London to NYC.
Yet the story of this storied ring began long before Diana or Kate. Let’s dive into its rich past, symbolic importance, design details, and how it has evolved into a globally recognized treasure.
The History Behind Kate Middleton’s Engagement Ring
While Diana was the first to wear the ring, its roots can be traced back to the 19th century.
1840: The Original Inspiration
In 1840, Prince Albert commissioned a sapphire and diamond brooch from British jeweler Garrard as a gift for Queen Victoria. She adored it so much that she wore it on her wedding day as her “something blue.” According to Garrard’s Creative Director Sara Prentice, it became one of Victoria’s favorite pieces. The brooch was eventually passed down through generations, remaining part of the royal collection and later worn by Queen Elizabeth II.
1981: Diana Chooses the Ring
When Prince Charles proposed to Diana, he offered several Garrard rings to choose from. She selected the sapphire-and-diamond piece, which reminded her of her mother’s engagement ring. However, it was a controversial choice because it came from a public catalog—making it technically available to non-royals as well.
1997: The Ring is Inherited
Following Diana’s tragic passing in 1997, her sons inherited pieces of her jewelry. Early reports claimed Prince Harry chose the sapphire ring but later gave it to Prince William to use for his proposal. In Spare, Harry contested this version, saying the ring was always William’s. Diana’s former butler Paul Burrell supported the original account, stating Harry had indeed selected the ring.
2010: Kate Wears the Ring Publicly
William proposed to Kate during a trip to Kenya. When they announced their engagement, Kate wore the ring publicly for the first time, matching it with a royal blue Issa dress. William shared, “It’s my mother’s engagement ring… This is my way of keeping her close to it all.”
Design and Value
The engagement ring features a 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire from Sri Lanka, framed by 14 diamonds and set in 18-karat white gold. At the time of Charles and Diana’s engagement in 1981, it was valued between $37,500 and $60,000. Today, its historical importance and royal connection have elevated its estimated worth to around $520,000. Jewelry experts from NYC to London consistently rank it among the most valuable royal rings in the world.
Symbolism of the Sapphire
Sapphires symbolize loyalty, trust, love, and wisdom—traits that resonate strongly within a royal marriage. The ring is not only an emblem of tradition but also a tribute to Diana’s legacy. Its symbolism continues to resonate with couples and jewelry lovers from the U.K. to New York, where royal-inspired trends often take root.
The Ring’s Modern Evolution
Kate’s ring has undergone subtle changes over time, both functionally and stylistically.
Resizing
Initially, the ring was slightly loose on Kate’s finger. Instead of resizing the band, G. Collins & Sons added small platinum beads inside to ensure a snug fit without altering the original design.
A Welsh Gold Wedding Band
Upon marrying in April 2011, Kate began wearing a Welsh gold wedding band alongside the engagement ring. It was crafted by Wartski and given as a wedding gift by Queen Elizabeth II.
A Diamond Eternity Band
Following the birth of Prince George in 2013, William gifted Kate a white gold and diamond eternity band from Annoushka, signifying their new chapter as parents.
A Vintage Promise Ring
In 2024, fans spotted Kate wearing a rose gold Victorian-inspired promise ring featuring the couple’s birthstones garnet and pearl during a video message to British Olympians.
A Sapphire-and-Diamond Eternity Band
After finishing chemotherapy in September 2024, Kate appeared in a video wearing a new sapphire-and-diamond eternity band, symbolizing strength, hope, and continuity. She later wore the same piece during her first public appearance post-treatment.
Kate Middleton’s engagement ring isn’t just a dazzling royal jewel. It’s a piece with emotional weight, historic depth, and enduring elegance treasured in Britain and admired globally, from NYC fashion houses to collectors in New York. Its legacy is bound to inspire generations to come. Similar timeless designs, like those found in JewelryNest’s curated collection of Sapphire Engagement Rings in New York, reflect the ongoing influence of royal styles. Their experienced team of gemologists and designers continues to draw from both classic and contemporary inspirations, much like the ring worn by the Princess of Wales.
