While there was much speculation over Princess Kate’s new eternity ring revealed for the first time this year by the royal in a video message congratulating Team GB athletes who competed at the Paris Olympics in August 2024 — the accessory was later identified as a piece by Cartier called the “Étincelle de Cartier Wedding Band” in platinum with sapphire stones.
Still, the fanfare over the ring was in large part due to speculation that it hailed from Kate’s keepsake jewelry box and was a gift from Prince William. Early on in their courtship as students at St. Andrews University, the prince presented the former Miss Middleton with an antique gold Victorian ring featuring pearls and garnets (both their birthstones).
The special ring denoting commitment and fidelity is believed to be a piece made of 15 carat gold and thought to be designed during the late 1800s. Estimated to have cost the prince around $2500, the ring became a favorite for Kate to wear on her middle finger as a symbol of her romantic relationship with William.
As a working royal, Kate recycled the ring from her bachelorette days and wore the ring for visits to youth charities and nonprofits. She was spotted wearing the ring at her college graduation in 2005, at a Nelson Mandela concert in June 2008 and on royal duty for a visit to Hope House in February 2013 and again in northern England at Great Tower Scout Camp in March 2013.
Luckily, there are a number of rings that look strikingly familiar to the piece William gifted his future princess. Many of the rings have the same dome-like shape and are made of antique yellow gold along with similarly placed starburst garnets and seed pearls (or diamonds).
Vintage Yellow Gold Ring
Antique Ruby and Diamond Ring
Starburst Trilogy Three-Stone Ring
Vintage Ruby Ring
