Prince William Gives Kate Princess Di's Engagement Ring
Credit: BEN STANSALL/AFP/Getty Images; Tim Graham/Getty Images
Credit: Emitations.com
When Prince William popped the question to longtime love Kate Middleton, he did it with a truly historic piece of jewelry: the same engagement ring that belonged to his late mother, Princess Diana.
Prince William, 28, confirmed the news during a press call in London Tuesday. The platinum ring features an oval blue 18-carat sapphire surrounded by 14 smaller white diamonds.
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"It is very special to me," William told press at St. James' Palace Tuesday. "It was my way to make sure my mother did not miss out on today and the excitement that we are going to spend the rest of our lives together."
He added of the engagement: "The timing is right now, we are both very, very happy."
28-year-old Kate, who shall now be known as Catherine, admitted: "[It was] a daunting prospect. Hopefully I'll take it in my stride."
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William's father, Prince Charles, gave Diana the same ring when he proposed in February 1981. Back then the piece was originally priced at $65,000 according to the Garrard catalog.
But jewelry expert Michael O'Connor tells UsMagazine.com the same style ring today would be valued at about $150,000.
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"Obviously, Diana's ring is priceless, since it's part of the royal family jewelry collection, but it also has deeper meaning for William and his family because it belonged to his mother," O'Connor notes. "This is a sign of true love since William is showing the world that Kate is worthy of this special ring... It's the ideal piece of heirloom jewelry."
Prince Charles and Princess Diana famously divorced in 1996; Diana was killed the following year in a Paris car crash at age 36.
Tell Us What You Think
20The ring is an oval genuine sapphire. The reporter is really bad to not counting the diamonds around right: 16 diamonds, not 14 diamonds. Give old ring from mother is personal choice. However, I would love thing come from the man I love, not from his mother... He must work hard to gain it, not inheritant it...
the ring had nothing to do with the divorce, it's not 'bad luck' because if anyone who knows the story about that ring. Diana picked it out herself, she choose that ring as 'her' ring diana was my hero, I followed everything about her, every story and so on and she told this story about the ring and how she had to choose from over 40/50 rings, He didn't pick it, she did. So I don't believe it's cursed, that ring was something diana wanted and now it's on Kates finger where it should be. I wish them the best of luck and a wonderful life together. they have made it this far.
Denise... put aside the religious soap box... and take this for what it is... something that sells papers. This couple will be no different except they will live in a fish bowl. And for those of us who don't believe in Christian... we're pretty okay with our soul, so you can stop wasting your energy on praying for something that doesn't need it -- like fixing a broken door when it's just fine the way it is... The ring -- Personally, I'd want my own, as their marriage was a disaster... What I want to know is Kate going to have to through all the doctor's exams to "prove" she's a virgin like Diana did???? Hmmmmm
seriously what things don't bring bad luck...the ring at first brought untouched mysterious waters...im sure love and romance...that's a pretty sweet memory for the family im sure & kate should be bestowed that he would honor her enough to let her keep forever something of his mother who past...despite her history
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Beautiful Ring, i just love the color blue! Congrads to the Couple! Princess Diana would have been very Proud!
Sara, I Pray you learn the truth before it is too late for you! There is a wonderful and glorious God! Kathryn is correct and I will Pray for your lost soul. I honestly feel sorry for William, he looks more like Charles the older he gets. May William and Catherine be blessed with children that look like her and Diana!
I would be absolutely honored to wear Diana's ring. And Sara Ruecker - there IS such a Supreme Being as God. Better change your mind before you stand before Him. Hell is no joke, either.
Yes, it's true when the boys went through Diana's apartment/home, Harry chose the ring as a keepsake. He willingly gave it to William so a little part of his mother could be a part of the current proceedings, and frankly, in my opinion, a part of her will now sit on the throne as Queen! The current Queen and her spoiled boy can just grin and bear it...
Kathryn, There is no such thing as god ;)
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS GOOD OR BAD LUCK. GOD IS IN CHARGE OF EVERY THING IN THE WORLD AND I AM SURE HE WILL BLESS THIS MARRIAGE. MAY GOD BLESS THEM BOTH.
Bad choice. The ring represents a commitment that is to be made, neither Charles or Diana were even faithful, and the divorce bitter. Kate should have had her own, picked by William.
@Judy-Excellent point!
I think this is very very sweet. I'm sure it is something he and Kate discussed first. I wish them the very best of luck and hope they can live their lives without too much meddling from his dad and grandmother. I know they will have responsibilities being royalty....but poor Diana was drug into such a miserable exsistance.
the marriage was doomed......the ring is beautiful...i believe what he did was great...thinking of his mom...this is true love!...can not compare his relationship to his mom's
I THINK THIS IS AWESOME.....HE LOVED HIS MOTHER SO MUCH AND I UNDERSTAND THIS IS HIS WAY OF BRINGING HER INTO THE MOMENT. MANY BLESSINGS TO THIS COUPLE
it's hard to believe anything you hear because it was reported in books even that Prince Harry chose that ring as a keepsake of his mother. i don't think the ring is bad luck but the Monkey -eared man who gave it sure was.
what about all the talk that Prince Harry had picked that same ring to keep as a momento when his mother was killed? it is hard to believe anything you hear really.the ring wasn't bad luck but the monkey-eared man who she married surely was.
I don't agree with this at all, but it's not my place to say. That engagement ring, eventually led to a very bitter and nasty divorce between his parents. I think that was a bad call on his part. He could have found another way to honor his mother's memory.
Considering the bad luck it brought Diana, I'd want my own.