Though the Princess of Wales owns one of the most famous engagement rings in history, she has recently been seen without it at several public appearances.
Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton in 2011 with a dazzling heirloom: a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire encircled by 14 solitaire diamonds, designed by the esteemed London jeweller Garrard.
The ring, originally purchased by Prince Charles for Princess Diana in 1981 for £28,000, is now valued at over £300,000.
Given its significant value and delicate design, it’s understandable that Kate occasionally opts not to wear it – especially during informal outings or active engagements, such as her recent appearance in a Scouts promotional video.
Comfort and practicality are likely considerations as well. Kate has been known to remove her engagement ring during hospital visits, presumably due to health and safety protocols.
In its place, Kate has adopted a more understated but equally meaningful look – a stack of eternity rings that express her personal style and love for her family.
Jewellery experts at Steven Stone estimate her stack to be worth close to £10,000. Maxwell Stone told MailOnline: ‘Kate’s choice of rings suggests that she values subtlety and meaning over grandeur, while still maintaining an air of elegance and sophistication.
‘Though her engagement ring has been seen less frequently, her continued display of commitment to Prince William through her eternity rings speaks to her desire for personal and understated expressions of love.’
Though the Princess of Wales possesses one of the most famous engagement rings in history, she has recently opted not to wear it on several public occasions
Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton in 2011 with a dazzling 12-carat sapphire ring that once belonged to his mother, Princess Diana
Mr Stone added that the rings reflect her preference for sentimental jewellery: ‘The rings showcase her affinity for classic, timeless pieces that reflect her role as both a mother and wife – they’ve been carefully chosen to be meaningful rather than overtly luxurious, which aligns with her image of grace, modesty and a strong connection to family.’
Traditionally, royal jewellery is passed down through generations, with engagement and wedding rings serving as treasured heirlooms. Kate’s sapphire engagement ring and Welsh gold wedding band follow this custom.
However, her eternity rings mark a quiet evolution in royal jewellery – favouring modern, personal symbolism over formality.
Here’s a breakdown of the rings that now make up Princess Kate’s signature stack.
Sapphire and diamond band – estimated value: £4,700
Kate’s Cartier ‘Étincelle’ band features 19 brilliant-cut diamonds, totalling 0.24 carats, alongside 19 matching sapphires, totalling 0.34 carats.
First seen in 2024, it’s believed to be a thirteenth wedding anniversary gift from William.
The more subtle alternative to her engagement ring, it reflects Kate’s enduring love for sapphire jewellery.
Kate has adopted a more understated but equally meaningful look – a stack of eternity rings that express her personal style and love for her family. Jewellery experts at Steven Stone estimate her stack to be worth close to £10,000
Slim diamond band – estimated value: £1,000
While its origin remains a mystery, this white diamond band brings understated elegance to Kate’s ring stack, capturing the attention of fans and jewellery enthusiasts alike.
Mr Stone notes that the delicate design is ‘a thoughtfully chosen piece, complementing her other rings while maintaining a refined simplicity.’
While its origin remains a mystery, Kate’s white diamond band brings understated elegance to her ring stack, capturing the attention of fans and jewellery enthusiasts alike
Diamond eternity ring – estimated value: £1,500
Gifted by William following the birth of Prince George, this pave-set ring from Annoushka’s Eclipse collection is crafted from 18-carat white gold and hand-set with 0.23 carats of diamonds.
Kate has worn the piece both with and without her sapphire engagement ring and Welsh gold wedding band.
Sentimental value plays a major role in Kate’s jewellery choices, making this a fitting favourite in her collection.
Gifted by William following the birth of Prince George, Kate’s pave-set ring from Annoushka’s Eclipse collection is crafted from 18-carat white gold and hand-set with 0.23 carats of diamonds
Wedding band – estimated value: £2,300
Crafted from Welsh yellow gold, Kate’s wedding ring is part of a royal tradition, shared by the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II.
While its gold content may not hold high retail value, Mr Stone explains, ‘considering the nugget of gold it was made from, and the legacy of the lady who wears it, it is likely to be worth a lot more in the coming years.’
Crafted from Welsh yellow gold, Kate’s wedding ring is part of a royal tradition, shared by the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II
