Kate Middleton’s stunning sapphire engagement ring, which once belonged toPrincess Diana, has quite the romantic back story.
The iconic ring thatPrince William used to propose to Kate with in 2010is well known as being the same one thatPrince Charlesgave to Diana, but the design of the piece dates back to the mid-19th century.
Queen Elizabeth wearing Queen Victoria’s blue sapphire and diamond brooch.Indigo/Getty
According to Garrard,Prince Charlespicked a selection of their rings to be presented to Diana at Windsor Castle in preparation for the proposal. The collection included the bold sapphire and diamond ring because it reminded Charles of the brooch he had so often seen his grandmother and mother wear. Diana reportedly chose it as it matched her blue eyes, and the rest is history.
Kate Middleton and Princess Diana wearing the same engagement ring.Tim Graham Photo Library via Getty Images; Chris Jackson/Getty Images
“It’s my mother’s engagement ring so, I thought it was quite nice because obviously, she’s not going to be around to share any of the fun and excitement of it all — this was my way of keeping her sort of close to it all,” he said.
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Kate Middleton and Prince William on the day of their engagement announcement.Chris Jackson/Getty
Sapphires have long been a go-to jewel for royal women, especially when it comes to marriage proposals. In addition to Kate and Diana, the Queen Mother had a blue sapphire engagement ring as doesPrincess Anne. Meanwhile,Princess Eugenie’s engagement ring fromJack Brooksbankfeatures a rare padparadscha sapphire, which is pink in color.
source: people.com
