Kate Middleton’s Iconic Engagement Ring: The World’s Most Famous Sapphire Sparkler

Since its first appearance in 1981, the sapphire and diamond engagement ring that Prince Charles gave to Diana has become incredibly famous. When Prince William later gave the same ring to Kate Middleton in 2010, it solidified its status as the most well-known engagement ring in the world. While many people recognize its design, there are numerous intriguing stories behind this iconic jewel. Here are 10 interesting facts about the ring:

Official engagement portraits: Charles and Diana in 1981 and William and Kate in 2010. The Garrard sapphire and diamond engagement ring shines in both images. Photo Getty

1. 1. After accepting Prince Charles’ proposal, Diana chose her sapphire and diamond engagement ring from a selection by the British Crown jeweler Garrard.
   2. There are various theories about why Diana picked a sapphire instead of a diamond. Some gossips claim that the queen actually selected the ring, while others believe Diana chose it because it matched her eye color. Additionally, the sapphire may have been her favorite gem. However, there is a dispute about the popular claim that Diana chose the ring because it was the biggest one available.

Lady Diana Spencer reveals her sapphire and diamond engagement ring as she poses with Prince Charles in the grounds of Buckingham Palace following the announcement of their engagement. Photo by Tim Graham/Getty Images

1. 1. Contrary to popular belief, the design of the ring was not custom-made but rather a pre-existing option. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, it was trendy to have a ruby, emerald, or sapphire surrounded by diamonds, and many jewelers offered similar designs. For instance, Prince Charles’ brother Andrew presented a similar ring to Sarah Ferguson in 1986 when he proposed.
   2. Princess Diana’s engagement ring features an oval-shaped Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 round diamonds set in white gold. The weight of the center stone remains a mystery, with reports varying from 9 to 18 carats. Most sources claim it to be around 12 carats. Neither the royal family nor Garrard, the jeweler, have confirmed its exact weight, as it is customary to keep such information private.

Princess Diana wearing the Spencer Family Tiara with a suite of sapphire and diamond jewels that match her engagement ring. The sapphire jewels were a gift from the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. Photo Tim Graham/Getty Images

1. 1. The ring is officially known as the Marguerite, which means “daisy” in French.
   2. Since Kate Middleton received the ring, a new story has emerged about its inspiration. Garrard stated that the design was inspired by a sapphire surrounded by diamonds, which Prince Albert gave to Queen Victoria the day before their wedding. Queen Elizabeth has also worn this jewel on various occasions throughout the years.

Queen Elizabeth wearing Queen Victoria’s sapphire and diamond brooch in 1979. Photo Getty

1. 1. After Princess Diana passed away, it was Prince Harry who requested the engagement ring from her possessions, not Prince William. Harry later handed the ring over to William, who used it to propose to Kate in 2010.
   2. Before proposing, Prince William carried the ring in a backpack during a trip to Kenya, where he and Kate were vacationing.

Kate Middleton wearing the sapphire and diamond engagement ring by Garrard poses with Prince William in the State Apartments of St James Palace on November 16, 2010 in London, England as they announce their engagement to the press. Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images

1. When the engagement was made public, William described the ring as “very special” to him. He explained that giving the ring to Kate was a way of including his late mother in the joyous occasion and ensuring that she wouldn’t miss out.

10. When Prince Charles gave Diana the ring in 1981, its estimated value was around $42,000. Although it is highly unlikely that the ring would ever be sold, if it were to be auctioned, it could fetch tens of millions of dollars due to its historical and sentimental significance, similar to famous items like Paul Newman’s Rolex watch and Elizabeth Taylor’s 33.19-carat Krupp diamond ring.