Kate's Rings: Beyond the Sapphire Sparkle

Princess Kate's collection of rings includes her renowned sapphire engagement ring, a gold wedding band, and several sentimental eternity bands, with the sapphire piece valued at approximately £390k. This engagement ring, once belonging to Princess Diana, has inspired a trend in sapphire jewellery. Kate added a gold wedding band following her 2011 marriage.

Prince William does not wear a wedding ring, a choice attributed to his personal dislike for jewellery. This decision was announced prior to their wedding in 2011. Royal commentator Eloise Parker noted that men in the Royal Family have not traditionally worn wedding rings, citing Prince Philip as another example, and suggesting public knowledge of a royal marriage lessens the need for a ring.

King Charles III wears a signet ring, a departure from his father's no-ring policy, while Prince Harry sports a platinum band. The tradition of women wearing wedding rings is ancient, with a significant increase in men wearing them occurring during World War II as reminders of home. Kate's gold wedding band originates from the Clogau St David's mine in Wales, a source also used for other royal wedding bands.

Over the years, Princess Kate has added to her ring stack, including diamond eternity bands gifted by Prince William and a Cartier band. During her recent chemotherapy recovery, she found it practical to wear only her wedding band and lighter eternity rings, leaving her heavier sapphire engagement ring safely stored.