A Guide to Kate Middleton’s Engagement Ring

In November 2010, Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with a blue sapphire engagement ring once owned by his late mother, Princess Diana. Kate’s engagement ring became the most famous sapphire ring in history, leading to an increase in sapphire engagement ring sales worldwide. 

Diamond Heaven’s guide explores the fascinating history and story of the Princess of Wales’s engagement ring.

A Brief History of Kate Middleton’s Engagement Ring

The origins of Kate’s engagement ring go back to the mid-19th century. Prince Albert asked Garrard, a British jeweller to create a piece of jewellery for his future wife Queen Victoria. They designed an exquisite sapphire and diamond brooch, which she adored. 

After Queen Victoria’s passing in 1901, the sapphire brooch became an heirloom of The Royal Family. Queen Victoria’s brooch has been worn by other sitting Queens for over a century. The late Queen Elizabeth II was the last sitting Queen to have worn the brooch. When Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana Spencer, he picked a blue sapphire ring as it reminded him of the brooch his grandmother wore. 

When William proposed to Kate, he chose Princess Diana’s ring to ensure his mother was with him on his wedding day.

How Much is the Princess of Wales Engagement Band Worth?

When Princess Diana got engaged to Prince Charles in February 1981, her blue sapphire engagement band cost £28,000. More than four decades later, Diana’s engagement ring would have cost over £116,000 due to inflation. In literal terms, Kate’s ring is believed to be worth between £300,000 to £400,000.

How Many Carats is Kate Middleton’s Engagement Ring?

Kate Middleton’s engagement ring features a 12-carat oval blue sapphire centre stone surrounded by 14 round-cut solitaire diamonds. The sapphire and diamonds on the ring are set on a pristine 18-carat white gold band, making it a unique and one-of-a-kind sapphire engagement band.

Where Did the Oval Blue Sapphire on Kate’s Ring Come From?

The 12-carat oval-cut Ceylon blue sapphire on Princess Kate’s engagement ring originated from Sri Lanka, which is known as one of the main sources of beautiful sapphire stones.

Has Princess Kate’s Engagement Ring Been Resized?

After receiving the blue sapphire ring from Prince William, Kate had her ring resized as it was a bit too big for her. The Princess of Wales found the ring was consistently sliding and turning around on her finger. Royal jeweller G. Collins and Sons had resized Kate’s engagement band from size H to I by putting small platinum beads inside the ring.

Bring a splash of royalty to your proposal with a deep blue sapphire engagement ring from Diamond Heaven. Create your very own royal-inspired sapphire engagement ring by booking an appointment and our diamond consultants can help bring your vision to life just book in with your nearest Diamond Heaven showroom today. Our friendly team will be here to help create the sapphire engagement ring of your dreams and make that moment perfect when the time comes to ask that all-important question.