Kate Middleton and Prince William are celebrating their 12th wedding anniversary on Saturday and Express.co.uk have taken a look back at the couple’s promise ring, which has not been seen since 2013. Although the Princess of Wales’s engagement ring is unquestionably her most recognisable piece of jewellery, it wasn’t the first ring the Prince of Wales gave her.
The Prince gave Kate a very special piece of jewellery when they were first dating while still in university, and she publicly wore it on her graduation day in 2005.
While enrolled at the University of St Andrews, the couple began dating in 2001 when they were aged just 19 years old.
Kate wore a promise ring that William gave her at that time on her middle finger. The ring has been closely examined by engagement ring and fine jewellery experts at the UK store Steven Stone.
Maxwell Stone, the Creative Director at Steven Stone told Express.co.uk: “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.”
READ MORE: Prince Louis is ‘lapping his two older siblings’ with ‘fearlessness’
The jewellery expert explained that despite Kate owning much pricier items, this piece is likely much more precious to the Princess.
Maxwell explained: “While Kate has a very high-value jewellery collection, this particular piece is priceless.”
The jewellery expert suggested a period in history when the ring was likely created.
“Design-wise, it looks to be from the Victorian era, from the late 1800s,” Maxwell opined. “It is most likely set on a 15ct gold band, which is what they used at the time.”
In terms of its monetary value, Maxwell gave a rough estimation and explained why it is irrelevant when it comes to the ring’s “symbolism”.
He claimed: “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.”
The ring has two garnets, Kate’s birthstone for January, and pearls, William’s birthstone for June, both set on a rose gold Victorian band.
The ring is full of symbolism because it bears both William’s and Kate’s birthstones.
READ MORE: Harry & Meghan’s former home will cost £1,134 to clean, expert claims
This demonstrates a great deal of dedication, especially in the early stages of a relationship.
Kate’s birthstone, a garnet, is a stone that represents endurance and fortitude, according to the jewellery experts.
It is also a stone of commitment, which adds to the significance of the ring.
Because garnets are crystals of passion, their relationship’s love is heightened. They are also believed to be among the oldest crystals ever utilised for spiritual protection, which may indicate that William wanted to keep Kate safe.
Conversely, pearls, the birthstone for June babies, have traditionally been linked to innocence, humility, and purity, which highlights their youth.
Pearls were also frequently given as bridal presents, which might have been a sign that a wedding was about to take place.
On the day of her graduation in 2005, Kate wore the ring, marking not just a significant occasion for her own accomplishments but also the beginning of a new chapter in her relationship with William.
She rarely flaunts the ring in public, but it was spotted on her twice in 2013—once when she attended an Action on Addiction event and the other time she showed up at the Great Tower Scout Camp.
For all the latest Lifestyle News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
