When the Princess of Wales appeared in a new video congratulating Team Great Britain on their achievements at the Olympics ahead of the closing ceremony in early August, she appeared to be relishing in her summer downtime.
The mother of three was filmed in her Norfolk garden basking in the glow of the summer sun alongside husband Prince William (sporting a new ‘dad beard’). Outfitted in a simple nautical-minded striped boatneck shirt from Ralph Lauren, the princess was in high spirits for the social media message alongside celebrities like rapper Snoop Dogg and soccer star David Beckham.
In the social media video, the British beauty wore a few interesting accessories. The princess opted for a glittery ring stack and donned a number of bands in lieu of her 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire wedding ring from the late Princess Diana’s collection. Specifically, Kate wore her Annoushka Eclipse Diamond Eternity Ring which was gifted to her by William following the birth of their eldest son Prince George in July 2013.
Designed with a high polish finish in 18 karat white gold –the ring is crafted with brilliant cut, micro-pavé diamonds covering its circumference. The $1900 eternity ring is still available for public purchase.
In addition to her eclipse band from London jeweler Annoushka Ducas, the British beauty wore her Wartski gold wedding band.
Simple and elegant, the band offsets her sparkling sapphire wedding ring from Garrad. Made of pure Welsh gold, the gently rounded ring is polished to reveal a lustrous and gleaming shine.
It’s believed by some royal fans that Kate also rewore her promise ring given to her by Prince William as a token of their dedication to one another during their pre-marital courtship. Described as a rose gold band, the “commitment ring” was presented to the princess from her princely suitor during their college days.
With garnets and pearls covering the Victorian band, there is great sentimental meaning to the piece. Thought to be made of 15-carat gold and valued around $2000, the ring is designed with three garnets and two pearls lodged in round and star-like settings.
As garnets are the stone of love and commitment, the sparkler implies longstanding devotion and represents unending love. In addition, the red gems are said to inspire romance as they symbolize the cardinal color of the heart. As Kate’s birthday falls on January 9th, garnet is also her birthstone.
In addition to the glossy garnets, the ring features two pearls. Often associated with love and affection, the pair of pearls expresses the giver’s loyalty and fidelity. With a history rooted in Greek mythology, pearls were thought to symbolize the white tears of Aphrodite, the goddess of love.
Kate wore the romantic ring for outings like the Gold Cup horse race event at the Cheltenham Horse Racing Festival on March 16, 2007. She later donned the ring on royal duty at the Great Tower Scout Camp in March 2013 and again for an Action on Addiction Event in February 2013 clad in a Max Mara Studio wrap dress.
While Kate’s promise ring likely holds a special place in her heart and is surely a permanent keepsake in her royal jewelry chest, the ring is most likely still hidden away.
Many royal watchers think Kate’s ring from the video is a new piece with multiple bloggers noting that the garnets on her ring in the video appear to encircle the entire band.
As Kate only ever wore her garnet promise ring on her middle finger (even after marriage), it’s likely the sparkler is new (as it appeared on Kate’s ring finger in the video).
It’s quite possible the prince gifted his beloved wife a new eternity ring or an upgraded lookalike amidst her health crisis and ongoing cancer treatment. Demonstrating his admiration and everlasting love, William may have presented Kate with a pricey bauble or two during her recovery. Offering a reminder that they’re united in their lifelong journey together, the new gem-encrusted metal band could be William’s way of demonstrating his infinite and enduring love.