Kate Middleton’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring from Prince William has become one of the most famous pieces of jewelry in the world. If you’re wondering about the value of this iconic ring, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Kate Middleton’s engagement ring is worth approximately $500,000.
In this comprehensive article, we will look at the history of the ring, its design and specifications, ownership history, and analysis by jewelry experts to determine its estimated value in today’s market.
History and Background of the Ring
When discussing Kate Middleton’s engagement ring, it is impossible not to mention its fascinating history and background. This iconic piece of jewelry originally belonged to Princess Diana, the beloved mother of Prince William.
The ring was given to Diana by Prince Charles when they became engaged in 1981. It is a striking sapphire surrounded by diamonds, which instantly captured the public’s attention and became one of the most famous engagement rings in the world.
The ring originally belonged to Princess Diana
The stunning sapphire and diamond ring that now graces Kate Middleton’s finger was once worn by Princess Diana. This exquisite piece of jewelry was chosen by Diana herself from a selection presented to her by the renowned jewelers Garrard.
The ring features a 12-carat oval blue sapphire, which is surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds and set in white gold. The unique design and rich history of this ring make it a truly special heirloom.
Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with the ring in 2010
When Prince William decided to propose to his longtime girlfriend Kate Middleton, he chose to honor his late mother’s memory by presenting her with the iconic engagement ring. In 2010, during a romantic trip to Kenya, William got down on one knee and asked Kate to marry him, offering her the same ring that had once symbolized love and commitment between his parents.
It was a touching gesture that captured the hearts of people around the world and added another chapter to the ring’s remarkable story.
The significance of this engagement ring goes beyond its monetary value. It represents a connection between the past, present, and future of the British royal family. It is a symbol of enduring love, cherished memories, and the hope for a bright future.
The ring serves as a reminder of the deep bond that Prince William and Kate Middleton share, and the lasting legacy of Princess Diana.
Design and Specifications
Kate Middleton’s engagement ring is a stunning piece of jewelry that has captivated the world since it was first revealed to the public. Let’s take a closer look at its design and specifications.
12-carat oval blue sapphire
At the heart of Kate Middleton’s engagement ring is a magnificent 12-carat oval blue sapphire. This breathtaking gemstone is known for its vibrant blue color and exceptional clarity. It was originally purchased by Prince Charles in 1981 for his engagement to Princess Diana.
The oval shape of the sapphire adds a touch of elegance to the ring, creating a timeless and classic design. The rich blue hue of the sapphire is truly mesmerizing and adds a pop of color to the ring.
14 round brilliant diamonds
Surrounding the stunning blue sapphire are 14 round brilliant diamonds, which enhance the beauty and sparkle of the ring. These diamonds are expertly set in a halo around the sapphire, creating a dazzling display of light.
The round brilliant cut is renowned for its exceptional brilliance and fire, making the diamonds in Kate Middleton’s ring truly shine. The diamonds are carefully selected for their clarity and color, ensuring that they complement the sapphire perfectly.
18K white gold band
The band of Kate Middleton’s engagement ring is made of 18K white gold, adding a touch of luxury to the overall design. White gold is a popular choice for engagement rings, as it complements the brilliance of the gemstones and gives the ring a modern and sophisticated look.
The 18K gold signifies the purity of the metal, ensuring that the ring is not only visually stunning but also of high quality. The white gold band is sleek and slender, allowing the focus to remain on the magnificent sapphire and diamonds.
The combination of the 12-carat oval blue sapphire, 14 round brilliant diamonds, and the 18K white gold band makes Kate Middleton’s engagement ring a true masterpiece. Its design and specifications are a testament to the exquisite taste and style of the royal family.
Ownership History
The ownership history of Kate Middleton’s iconic engagement ring is quite fascinating. Let’s delve into its journey through the years.
Garrard jewelry made the ring for Prince Charles in 1981
The story of this magnificent ring begins in 1981 when Prince Charles commissioned the esteemed jewelry house, Garrard, to create a one-of-a-kind engagement ring for his soon-to-be-bride, Lady Diana Spencer.
The ring was meticulously crafted, featuring a stunning 12-carat oval sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, set in 18-karat white gold. It quickly became a symbol of love and royalty.
Princess Diana selected the ring for her engagement to Charles
Princess Diana had the opportunity to choose her own engagement ring from a selection presented to her by Garrard. She was immediately drawn to this particular design, captivated by its elegance and timeless beauty.
Her choice of this extravagant ring sparked a trend, making sapphire engagement rings highly sought after by couples around the world.
The ring passed to Prince William after Diana’s death
After the tragic passing of Princess Diana in 1997, her belongings were left to her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. As per Diana’s wishes, Prince William inherited the engagement ring, symbolizing the enduring love and connection between mother and son.
It became a cherished heirloom, carrying with it the memories of a beloved princess.
William proposed to Kate Middleton with the ring in 2010
When Prince William decided to propose to his long-time girlfriend, Kate Middleton, in 2010, he chose to honor his mother’s memory and legacy by giving her the iconic engagement ring. This heartfelt gesture not only showcased the deep bond between William and his mother but also made the ring even more significant and symbolic.
The world watched in awe as Kate Middleton proudly wore the ring, now adorning the finger of the future Queen of England.
The ownership history of Kate Middleton’s engagement ring highlights its rich heritage and sentimental value. It serves as a reminder of the enduring love between Prince Charles and Princess Diana, as well as the deep connection between mother and son.
Moreover, it symbolizes the continuation of their legacy through Prince William and his marriage to Kate Middleton, ensuring that the story of this remarkable ring lives on for generations to come.
Estimated Value
When it comes to the estimated value of Kate Middleton’s engagement ring, experts believe it to be worth around $500,000 in today’s market. This stunning piece of jewelry has gained significant attention not only for its beauty but also for its historical significance.
Appraised around $500,000 in today’s market
The appraisal value of Kate Middleton’s engagement ring is estimated to be around $500,000. This value takes into consideration factors such as the rarity and quality of the gemstones, as well as the craftsmanship of the ring itself.
The ring has become iconic and is often compared to other famous engagement rings, such as Princess Diana’s.
The large sapphire commands a high price
One of the main reasons why Kate Middleton’s engagement ring is worth a substantial amount is the presence of a large sapphire at its center. The sapphire, which is surrounded by a halo of diamonds, is a stunning gemstone known for its deep blue color and rarity.
The larger the sapphire, the higher the price it commands in the market.
Diamonds add significant value as well
In addition to the sapphire, Kate Middleton’s engagement ring also features diamonds, which further contribute to its value. The diamonds surrounding the sapphire and along the band of the ring enhance its overall beauty and add to its appeal.
The quality and size of these diamonds play a role in determining the value of the ring.
Historical significance also boosts the value
Aside from its monetary value, Kate Middleton’s engagement ring holds historical significance, which further increases its worth. The ring originally belonged to Princess Diana, who wore it during her engagement to Prince Charles.
The connection to Princess Diana and the royal family adds a sentimental and historical element that collectors and enthusiasts find appealing, thus increasing its value.
Expert Analysis
Tobias Kormind of 77 Diamonds appraised the ring
When it comes to determining the value of Kate Middleton’s iconic engagement ring, there are few experts more qualified than Tobias Kormind, the managing director of 77 Diamonds. Known for his expertise in fine jewelry, Kormind carefully examined the ring and provided his professional appraisal.
According to Kormind, the ring is estimated to be worth around $500,000. The stunning piece features a 12-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, set in 18-karat white gold. Kormind explained that the sapphire’s rich color and the high-quality diamonds contribute to its significant value.
However, Kormind also noted that the sentimental value attached to the ring is immeasurable. As the engagement ring of the Duchess of Cambridge, the piece has become an iconic symbol of love and royalty.
Lisa Levinson of the Natural Sapphire Company weighed in
Another expert who has offered her insights on Kate Middleton’s engagement ring is Lisa Levinson, the vice president of the Natural Sapphire Company. With her extensive knowledge of sapphires, Levinson provided her expert opinion on the ring’s unique features.
Levinson highlighted the exceptional quality of the sapphire, noting its deep blue hue and impressive size. She explained that the stone exhibits excellent clarity and brilliance, further enhancing its value.
Levinson emphasized that the sapphire’s rarity and the craftsmanship involved in creating the ring contribute to its overall worth.
Levinson also mentioned that sapphires have a long history of being associated with royalty and romance, making this particular ring even more special. The combination of the sapphire’s beauty, the ring’s design, and its royal connection makes it a truly remarkable piece.
Diamond experts have commented on the quality
Aside from the sapphire, the diamond accents on Kate Middleton’s engagement ring have also garnered attention from diamond experts. These experts have praised the quality of the diamonds and their contribution to the overall value of the ring.
Diamonds are known for their brilliance and sparkle, and the diamonds on the ring certainly live up to that reputation. The solitaire diamonds surrounding the sapphire are carefully selected and expertly cut, showcasing their exceptional clarity and color.
This attention to detail adds to the ring’s allure and value.
Experts agree that the combination of the rare and stunning sapphire, the high-quality diamonds, and the ring’s royal significance make it a truly exceptional piece of jewelry. Its value extends far beyond its monetary worth, symbolizing a love story that has captured the world’s attention.
Conclusion
Kate Middleton’s engagement ring from Prince William has an astounding history and iconic design. As one of the most famous jewelry pieces in the world, experts estimate the value of the ring to be around $500,000 in today’s market.
The large sapphire commands a high price on its own. Combined with the added value of the diamonds and the ring’s rich history, this engagement ring is truly priceless.
