Why Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring was SO controversial at the time
The ring caused quite a bit of upset in royal circles
PRINCESS Diana's 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire engagement ring has become one of the most famous pieces of jewellery in royal history.
But despite its stunning white gold band and circle of 14 solitaire diamonds, it wasn't initially popular within the Palace.
When it was made, Garrard - the crown jeweller - was inspired by a sapphire and diamond cluster brooch that was crafted for Prince Albert in 1840.
But the reason the royal family were unhappy was because the stunning ring had featured in Garrard's catalogue, which meant it wasn't bespoke.
In fact, anyone with $60,000 (£47,000) at the time could have bought it.
Albert gave it to Queen Victoria as a wedding present, which she wore that day as her "something blue".
Queen Elizabeth II has since worn the brooch on a number of occasions.
Diana actually picked out the jewel herself, after Princes Charles presented her with a selection from Garrard.
Some claim she chose it because it was the biggest, but others say it reminded her of her mother’s engagement ring.
Whatever the case, she loved it so much that she continued to wear it on occasion after her and Charles's divorce.
And isn't the bride's seal of approval the most important thing?
When Diana passed away in 1997, her sons Prince William and Prince Harry inherited her jewellery collection.
The late princess wrote: "I would like you to allocate all my jewellery to the share to be held by my sons, so that their wives may, in due course, have it or use it.
"I leave the exact division of the jewellery to your discretion."
Now the ring belongs to William's wife Kate Middleton, and is allegedly worth over $500,000 (£393,850).
Not bad for a stock item, eh?
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