The British royal family own an abundance of jewels. From multi-million pound tiaras to diamond earrings, necklaces, and brooches set with the world’s finest gemstones, their collection is globally renowned.
Some pieces are more well known than others – for example, 168k people have searched for Kate Middleton’s engagement ring on Google in the last year. Originally belonging to Princess Diana, the ring features a 12 carat Ceylon sapphire, originating from Sri Lanka and is the most valuable and iconic Royal engagement ring.
One piece that goes under the radar is King Charles III’s pinky ring, which he’s been photographed wearing since the mid 1970s.
To celebrate the monarch’s 74th birthday, jewellery experts at Steven Stone have taken a close look at the ring that’s clearly a style favourite of the King’s.
A closer inspection shows that it’s a gold signet ring, likely to be made with Welsh gold. Members of the royal family have been using Welsh gold to create their wedding bands since the Queen Mother married the Duke of York on 26th April 1923 – and most are thought to be fashioned out of the Queen’s personal collection from the Clogau St. David Gold Mine in Dolgellau, Wales.
Engraved with the symbol of the Prince of Wales, the signet ring serves as a reminder that although he was born to be King, Charles spent 64 years of his life as the Prince of Wales.
The meaning of signet rings are associated with a symbolic family heritage. Initially being created and used to mark documents, the face of the ring typically bearing a family crest, would be pressed into hot wax.
Last worn by his uncle, Prince Edward, the Duke of Windsor, who was the Prince of Wales before he ascended the throne, the ring dates back 175 years.
“The meaning of signet rings are associated with a symbolic family heritage. Initially being created and used to mark documents, the face of the ring typically bearing a family crest, would be pressed into hot wax.
It is widely known that King Charles has owned and worn this same signet ring since the 1970’s, the bezel distinctly engraved with the crest of the Prince of Wales. This signet ring is likely to be made with Welsh gold, a royal tradition, carrying a weight of approximately 20g. Nowadays, signet rings are commonly worn as heirlooms, having been passed down through generations.
A signet ring like the King’s is likely to retail at approximately £4,000.”
maxwell stone, creative director, steven stone
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