While Kate Middleton’s engagement ring is no doubt her most iconic piece of jewellery, it wasn’t the first ring she received from Prince William.
When they were dating back at University, the love-struck Prince gifted Kate with a very meaningful piece of jewellery, that actually reveals a lot about their relationship and their personalities.
The couple started dating in 2001, while at the University of St Andrews. During that time, William gave Kate a promise ring, which she wore on her middle finger.
Engagement ring and fine jewellery experts at Steven Stone have taken a close look at the ring – and what it reveals about the royal couple’s relationship.
Set on a rose gold Victorian band, the ring features two garnets which are Kate’s birthstone for January, and pearls to represent William’s birthstone for June.
The ring is simple, stunning, and contains a lot of symbolism as it features the birthstones of both Prince William and Kate, which shows a lot of commitment – even in the early days.
Garnets which represent Kate’s birthstone, symbolise perseverance and strength and are traditionally known as commitment stones, which reinforces the meaning behind the ring. Garnets are crystals of passion which amplifies the love in their relationship. They are also thought to be one of the oldest crystals used for spiritual protection throughout history, which could imply Prince William’s desire to protect Kate.
Pearls on the other hand – the birthstone of those born in June – have long been associated with purity, humility and innocence, which amplifies their youth. Pearls were also traditionally given as a wedding gift, which could hint that wedding bells were soon to be on the way.
Kate wore the ring on the day of her graduation in 2005 – not just a milestone day which marked her own achievements, but also a day which opened a new chapter in her life with Prince William.
She doesn’t wear the ring in public very often and was pictured with it on a few times in 2013 – once when attending an event for Action on Addiction and the other when she turned up for the Great Tower Scout Camp.
“This ring reveals a lot about Prince William and Kate Middleton’s relationship and their personalities. Gifted to Kate by William during their time at University, it’s no doubt very sentimental and while Kate has a very high value jewellery collection, this particular piece is priceless.
Design wise, it looks to be from the Victorian era, from the late 1800’s and is most likely set on a 15ct gold band, which is what they used at the time.
“Though it’s probably worth no more than £2,000, it’s one of our favourite pieces from Kate’s collection thanks to the beautiful symbolism that it holds.”
maxwell stone, creative director, steven stone
If you’re looking for an engagement ring or a promise ring, why not get in touch with one of our experts who can help you create a design that’ll last a life time.
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