Prince William’s proposal to Princess Kate back in November 2010 included a stunning engagement ring that has since become a symbol of their love story.
The ring features a magnificent 12-carat oval blue sapphire at its center, surrounded by 14 dazzling round solitaire diamonds.
Interestingly, the ring originally belonged to Princess Diana, Prince William‘s late mother, and was passed down to him by his brother, Prince Harry, who generously allowed him to use it for the proposal.
Despite its distinctive appearance, the ring was not custom-made.
Gerrard, the official manufacturer, revealed that the design was inspired by a brooch ordered by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria in 1840.
In an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk, diamond specialists from the store shed light on the intricate details of the ring’s design and value.
According to a representative, the ring boasts a 12-carat blue sapphire from Ceylon, renowned for its exceptional color and clarity.
The additional sparkle in the ring comes from 14 brilliant diamonds, each weighing between 0.40 and 0.50 carats, with superior color and clarity ranging from D to IF.
Set in white gold, the ring’s sapphire, which originally had eight claws, now sits securely in 14 claws, possibly to enhance its safety and prevent any mishaps.
The historical significance of the ring, previously worn by Princess Diana, significantly contributes to its current value.
Reports suggest that when Prince Charles proposed to Princess Diana in 1981, the ring was valued at just under £40,000.
Today, due to its historical importance and inflation over 41 years, the ring is estimated to be worth around £400,000.
The presence of the surrounding diamonds significantly elevates the ring’s value, with experts estimating the total weight of the 14 solitaire diamonds to be approximately 6 carats, costing over £42,000 in today’s market.
Discussing the impact of additional diamonds encircling the sapphire, the diamond specialists emphasized how they enhance the overall appearance and value of the ring.
Placing diamonds around a central gemstone can create a variety of effects, including enlarging the ring’s size, adding more sparkle, and providing a striking contrast with the colored gemstone.
This design technique is known to make the ring appear more luxurious and valuable.
Furthermore, experts highlighted creative ways to enhance the perceived value of an engagement ring.
Opting for multiple diamonds or colored jewels set in the ring, similar to Meghan Markle‘s design, can create a luxurious look without the hefty price tag.
Additionally, choosing elongated gemstone cuts like oval, pear, marquise, or emerald can give the illusion of a larger and more opulent stone, deceiving the eye effectively.
For those looking for a sustainable and cost-effective option, lab-grown gems and diamonds were recommended as a viable alternative.
Lab-grown sapphires, for instance, offer genuine quality at a fraction of the cost of mined stones, making them an environmentally friendly choice.
By exploring innovative design options and embracing sustainable practices, individuals can create a stunning and valuable engagement ring that truly stands out.
