On 16th November 2010,
Clarence House announced that Prince William and his girlfriend, Catherine
Middleton, were engaged. Royal fans rushed home to switch on BBC News
to find out every detail.
For jewelry lovers, the
story had additional intrigue: Kate Middleton had received a very
special engagement ring from Prince William. Here are some
fascinating facts about the world’s most famous blue sapphire ring.
1.
Poignant Meaning
The sapphire ring that William
gave his now wife; Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge; has deep personal
meaning for him.
2.
Carats, Carats, Carats
Kate Middleton’s engagement
ring consists of a 12-carat oval blue sapphire, cut into facets, and
surrounded by fourteen solitaire diamonds. The setting is made
from 18K white gold.
3. Resized for Catherine
When Catherine Middleton
received the ring, it was slightly too big for her.
It kept sliding and turning
around on her finger, so the Crown Jeweller, G. Collins and Sons, were asked to
resize it from size I to H.
4. Royal Blue Engagement Outfit
When Kate and William were
interviewed on television a few hours after the engagement had
been announced, Kate wore a sapphire-blue silk jersey dress, cleverly
matched with her engagement ring’s colour. The dress was by Issa, a London
designer who the Duchess of Cambridge loves.
7. Now the Most Coveted Sapphire Ring Style in the World
Despite the initial criticism
for her choice of ring, Princess Diana quickly became known as a style
icon. Her hairstyle, outfits and of course, her ring, were copied by millions
all over the world.
