London – The Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, has recently drawn attention for a subtle yet significant change in her choice of jewellery. At several public appearances, royal watchers noted the absence of her famed sapphire engagement ring—a storied heirloom once worn by Princess Diana.
The 12-carat Ceylon sapphire, surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds and set in 18-carat white gold, was originally purchased by Prince Charles for Diana in 1981. Valued at £28,000 at the time, the ring is now estimated to be worth over £300,000 (approximately ₹3.5 crore). Prince William presented it to Kate in 2011 upon their engagement, making it one of the most iconic royal pieces of jewellery in modern history.
However, Kate has recently been spotted without the ring, instead wearing a carefully curated stack of eternity bands. According to jewellery specialists at Steven Stone, these more understated pieces reflect her evolving personal style. The total value of the new ring stack is estimated at around £10,000 (₹11.5 lakh).
“Kate’s choice of rings suggests that she values subtlety and meaning over grandeur, while still maintaining an air of elegance and sophistication,” said Maxwell Stone, a jewellery expert at Steven Stone, in a statement to MailOnline. “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.”
This shift in style appears to reflect not just aesthetic preference but also a practical approach. Known for her active public engagements and hands-on involvement, the Princess has embraced a more streamlined and functional jewellery style.
During a recent promotional event for the Scouts, Kate was seen wearing a new set of four rings. Among them is a £4,700 (₹5.5 lakh) Cartier diamond-and-sapphire band, rumored to be a gift from Prince William in celebration of their 13th wedding anniversary. She also sported a £1,000 (₹1.15 lakh) white diamond ring, adding to the elegance of her understated ensemble.
Her collection includes other sentimental pieces, such as a £1,500 (₹1.72 lakh) diamond eternity ring gifted following the birth of Prince George. Additionally, she continues to wear her traditional Welsh gold wedding band, valued at £2,300 (₹2.65 lakh). This particular ring carries deep royal significance, as Welsh gold has been used for royal wedding bands dating back to the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II.
“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,” Stone added.
Overall, experts say Kate’s jewellery choices reflect her preference for deeply personal items that carry emotional weight rather than simply financial or ornamental value. Her evolving style underscores her roles as a modern royal, devoted wife, and mother—graceful, grounded, and modest.
