The New Princess with the Old Ring

[Pandora II]

Having done some more research, apparently it is a 12ct Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds and set in white gold.

In the UK it's quite common to pick out the e-ring after the engagement and I believe Diana chose the one she did because it was similar to her own mother's. She had already told Charles that she would like a sapphire and so Garrards brought a selection over for her to look at after a private dinner. It may well have been that the option to create one was there (I would have thought Garrards would have been very keen to do that), but she wouldn't have been the first girl to put a ring on her finger and just say 'that's The One!'. I very much doubt if Diana would have chosen the biggest at that time in her life.

Garrards is a very high-end jeweller and have been the Court jewellers for a long time. It may have been in their catalogue, but it wasn't exactly a stock setting. If you get the catalogue of any of the major designers they have one-off pieces in them. I'd be suprised if it wasn't extremely high quality. I'd love to have a proper look at it. I think it looks so much better on Kate's hand than on Diana's - Kate has bigger fingers and it looks more in proportion and e-ring sized. Always looked a bit cocktaily on Diana.

Weirdly it was Harry who chose the piece from his mother's belongings - wonder how William persauded him to hand it over!

I don't think there will be any problem with the public accepting Kate. I think she's lovely and it's nice to see someone with some brains as well as class, grace and beauty - and who seems normal and sane!

I, like many, many others in the UK was never a Diana fan. I felt sorry for her being shoved into such a marriage at such a young age, but she was a bit vapid, wasn't the brightest sandwich in the picnic, didn't behave appropriately, washed their dirty linen in public and could have made a lot more of the opportunities she had.

She did good things with her charity work (although the Princess Royal does more than any of them and never gets the sort of publicity Diana did) and she obviously adored her sons, but I never liked her. Cavorting around with a string of unsuitable men was not something the mother of the future King of England should be doing especially given her upbringing which should have instilled a sense of duty towards her country and the establishment that her son would one day be the head of at the very least (plus Dodi was engaged to someone else!). I was horrified by the behaviour of the public after her death, it was just hysterical (I am a very staunch monarchist).

But whatever any of us think of her, she was William's mother and he and Harry must have missed her terribly as they were growing up so I think the sentiments are very sweet, even if I wish she'd had her own e-ring and the Diana ring had been set into a necklace or tiara for the wedding day.

 

[gemgaga]

lovingdiamonds................

phallacy ??? pun intended?

 

[Fly Girl]

lovingdiamonds................

phallacy ??? pun intended?

I wondered about that, too. Fallacy - incorrect reasoning --- I wondered if the other was just the British spelling of the word... since LD thinks Diana was not going for a large one.

 

[ForteKitty]

Did you think she complained that she really wanted a diamond like all the American girls get?

Well, if I were Kate, I would have insisted on getting the "Star of Africa" for my e-ring!! It's being wasted in that nasty old sceptor!

I saw that sceptor at the tower of london.. the diamond looks fake!! do they have fake ones on display?

 

[Imdanny]

In the US we have a private company called Gallop that does approval/ disapproval polls for Presidents (and has done for decades).

I wonder if there's something equivalent in the UK that measures the approval ratings of royals (living and recently deceased).

It would be very interesting to see such data from a credible source.

 

[T L]

In the US we have a private company called Gallop that does approval/ disapproval polls for Presidents (and has done for decades).

I wonder if there's something equivalent in the UK that measures the approval ratings of royals (living and recently deceased).

It would be very interesting to see such data from a credible source.

After Diana died, there were polls to find out how displeased people were with the Queen, and I think polls were taken when Charles was getting ready to consider marrying Camilla, but I don't know if they're done on a regular basis.

There was a poll done to see who the 100 most beloved Englishmen or women are. Winston Churchill, Charles Darwin, Shakespeare, Newton, and many famous English people were on that list. It is interesting to note, that #3 was Diana. Winston Churchill who was #1.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_Greatest_Britons

The top monarch in the list was Elizabeth I, who I think, should be higher than Diana, but who am I to judge???

 

[Largosmom]

I think if you just consider the gesture of a loving fiance to the girl he wishes to marry, offering her his beloved mother's engagement ring as a sign of respect for her and in memory of his mother is quite a wonderful gesture. It also speaks well of the fiance that she embraces the gesture in the spirit it was intended. I wish them the best, despite the politics and paparazzi.

 

[Imdanny]

There was a poll done to see who the 100 most beloved Englishmen or women are. Winston Churchill, Charles Darwin, Shakespeare, Newton, and many famous English people were on that list. It is interesting to note, that #3 was Diana. Winston Churchill who was #1.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/100_Greatest_Britons

Wow. Very Interesting.

Thanks.

 

[LD]

lovingdiamonds................

phallacy ??? pun intended?

What do you think? *evil giggles*

 

[LD]

TL - who am I to disagree with a Poll but honestly, I am shocked that Princess Diana came in at #3. Yes, she was admired by many and Pandora is so right about the mass hysteria that accompanied her funeral (totally unnecessary and ridiculous) but there are those who also remember how she damaged the Monarchy, leaked stories to the Press, was the best self-publicist for a very long time and had numerous (and questionnable) affairs that have brought her into disrepute. As Pandora also said, Princess Anne works tirelessly for charities and does a phenomenal job. She however doesn't ensure it gets in the Press and is happy to operate under the radar.

I understand the sentiment for William to give Kate the ring but I doubt very much whether the ring was given to his Mother with any love or thought behind it - unfortunately. Let's hope it's not an omen.

 

[Imdanny]

TL - who am I to disagree with a Poll but honestly, I am shocked that Princess Diana came in at #3.

Well, she did, so maybe your idea of "mass hysteria" was others' idea of genuine respect, appreciation, and loss.

 

[Pandora II]

Did you think she complained that she really wanted a diamond like all the American girls get?

Well, if I were Kate, I would have insisted on getting the "Star of Africa" for my e-ring!! It's being wasted in that nasty old sceptor!

I saw that sceptor at the tower of london.. the diamond looks fake!! do they have fake ones on display?

The sceptre contains the largest colourless diamond - the Cullinan I - and it really is real!

However, a lot of the lesser diamonds in some of the crowns etc are rock crystal. The monarchs who commissioned them were told that they had x budget and could either have a smaller and less elaborate design and buy all the stone, or a larger fancy one and hire some of the stones.

In the display they are rock crystal, but if they are needed for a coronation or similar then they go out to the Crown Jewellers and diamonds are hired in to replace the rock crystal for the occasion and are then swapped back afterwards.

I had the chance to go to a Private View of the Crown Jewels two weeks ago but didn't get my name on the list quite fast enough.

 

[Pandora II]

Regarding polls...

I'm always amused at Churchill coming in at No. 1...

He was voted out of office in the first election after the war (July 1945) with a landslide victory for the Labour Party and Clement Atlee. In his own constituency over 10,000 people voted against him.

According to most of his own party to say nothing of his opponents he was regarded as a royal PITA and half the reason he got the top job during the war was because no-one else wanted it. IMO, he was one of the greatest statesmen Britain has ever had and I'm a great admirer, but I'm not so sure he was very 'lovable'. History has been very kind to him.

 

[T L]

TL - who am I to disagree with a Poll but honestly, I am shocked that Princess Diana came in at #3. Yes, she was admired by many and Pandora is so right about the mass hysteria that accompanied her funeral (totally unnecessary and ridiculous) but there are those who also remember how she damaged the Monarchy, leaked stories to the Press, was the best self-publicist for a very long time and had numerous (and questionnable) affairs that have brought her into disrepute. As Pandora also said, Princess Anne works tirelessly for charities and does a phenomenal job. She however doesn't ensure it gets in the Press and is happy to operate under the radar.

I understand the sentiment for William to give Kate the ring but I doubt very much whether the ring was given to his Mother with any love or thought behind it - unfortunately. Let's hope it's not an omen.

"Off with your head!!"

It's very interesting to hear what actual Brits like yourself and Pandora think of Diana. I thought she was Britain's "Evita."

I do find it quite shocking and surprising that Diana came in #3 in that poll, but it just goes to show you, that recent events and people are better stored in peoples' fond memories. I think Elizabeth Tudor should have been #1 as she made England a world power, and I doubt the United States would have been speaking English if it wasn't for her. I'm such a Gloriana fan! It's amazing she came in as high as she did considering she died 400 years ago. I wonder where Diana will be in people's minds 400 years from now?

It's so funny, but only on Pricescope, can we discuss the poor quality of that sapphire. The whole world probably thinks it's the best sapphire out there, and it's a billion carats in size.

As for Churchill, regardless if he was a PITA, he was a great leader and really rallied England when they needed it most. Elizabeth I did the same thing when the Spanish Armada was about to attack. They were actually both PITA's and lost favor towards the end of their office, but history notes them for being great and enduring leaders.

Darwin and Newton are also two favorite Brits of mine, and I'm so glad to see them on the list.

 

[T L]

Did you think she complained that she really wanted a diamond like all the American girls get?

Well, if I were Kate, I would have insisted on getting the "Star of Africa" for my e-ring!! It's being wasted in that nasty old sceptor!

I saw that sceptor at the tower of london.. the diamond looks fake!! do they have fake ones on display?

Maybe they should send it to me to double check the authenticity!

 

[Nomsdeplume]

I have never liked that ring. I think the sentiment is sweet, but it is sad that Harry was not given the ring if he picked it out to remember his mother by.
I also think it has bad Ju-Ju.

 

[oobiecoo]

I'm sure you all have heard that Prince William asked Kate Middleton to marry him, and she, because she is not a fool, accepted.

He has presented her with Princess Diana's beautiful sapphire (will that wrankle the Queen each time she sees it?), which is a beautiful tribute. It's pictured here.

Now, as PS CS experts, what do we think of this sapphire? Does anyone know the specs?

Is it just me or is it a little dark? Or is it just the lighting? Anyone have a better picture?

My sapphires are very similar to this color.. I don't find anything wrong with it at all..

If memory serves, the sapphire is approximately 12cts.. I love that she is wearing her fiancee's Mother's ring..

I LOVE the darker sapphires... IMO they look very regal. So there. All hail Queen SDL!

 

[loriken214]

I was completely taken with Diana's ring back in 1980....it was gorgeous then and still is now, TO ME! Being 18, and a year behind Diana, it was my obsession to watch the whole royal romance/wedding unfold. We didn't have PS back then and I'm sure Diana chose the ring that SHE liked the best. Charles didn't get down on bended knee to present a ring to his true love. We all know that story.

Diana did the best she could with what she had to work with, IMHO, and I still adore her. She had a hard time of it and I was really happy to see that William chose to give his Mother's special ring to his TRUE LOVE. There is no doubt that it is true love this time around. Once again, IMHO.

Lori

 

[Maisie]

I feel sad that Diana is being referred to as 'potty' on here. I wonder if you would say the same about someone who might post here with similar issues to hers.

I am english and I loved her. I'm not ashamed to admit that.

I have read of ps'ers using their parents engagement ring or the stone from the ring for their e-ring. I bet some of them were the result of divorces. Why is this so different?

I don't believe in 'ju ju'. We make our own lives. A ring isn't going to change the path of your life.

I read that Harry and William decided between them that whoever got engaged first would have the ring.

 

[LD]

I feel sad that Diana is being referred to as 'potty' on here. I wonder if you would say the same about someone who might post here with similar issues to hers.

I am english and I loved her. I'm not ashamed to admit that.

Well that's my opinion, I stand by it and it's just as valid as somebody saying they love her. I feel sad when I see a person being adored that I personally don't feel is warranted. Differences of opinion are always a good thing.

 

[LD]

Regarding polls...

I'm always amused at Churchill coming in at No. 1...

He was voted out of office in the first election after the war (July 1945) with a landslide victory for the Labour Party and Clement Atlee. In his own constituency over 10,000 people voted against him.

According to most of his own party to say nothing of his opponents he was regarded as a royal PITA and half the reason he got the top job during the war was because no-one else wanted it. IMO, he was one of the greatest statesmen Britain has ever had and I'm a great admirer, but I'm not so sure he was very 'lovable'. History has been very kind to him.

Well said. Totally agree.

 

[JewelFreak]

As for Churchill, regardless if he was a PITA, he was a great leader and really rallied England when they needed it most. Elizabeth I did the same thing when the Spanish Armada was about to attack. They were actually both PITA's and lost favor towards the end of their office, but history notes them for being great and enduring leaders.

It takes a strong personality to rally a country whose back is to the wall. That very strength can make one a PITA the rest of the time.

I don't believe in ju-ju for a ring. If this were just the plumber's kid, say, whose divorced mother died in a car accident, everybody would get all misty about what a sweet gesture it is. I think so for William.

--- Laurie

 

[LD]

Laying the ring aside, what I do think is lovely is that the couple MAY have chosen Westminster Abbey as the venue for their marriage. If that's the case, that's where the funeral ceremony was conducted for Princess Diana and I wonder if William will feel like his Mum will be closer to them there?

 

[Porridge]

I like it. Dark, sure, but I concur that gives it a rather regal look. I think it looks great on Kate! I am an all-round fan.

 

[SereneSolange]

I LOVE the darker sapphires... IMO they look very regal. So there. All hail Queen SDL!

Here, here!

 

[T L]

Dark sapphires are gorgeous if you can actually see the blue in them. The problem with the photos of Kate/Diana's ring is that you can only see a few flashes of blue here and there. The tone is so dark, you see black more than any blue, but in San Diego Lady's photos, I can see blue! Again, maybe Diana/Kate's ring is gorgeous in person and it's just a very unphotogenic gem????

 

[lyra]

I searched for decent pics of Diana's ring long before this engagement, and never found any good closeups. I have seen it look very blue and not blue-black like the one photo in this thread. I believe it is very high quality and colour though. I always loved the ring and I'm happy that it is being used again. It is the definition of an heirloom ring and has great sentiment behind it for William.

 

[Pandora II]

Looking at most photos of my own e-ring I am quite prepared to believe that IRL it is far more blue and beautiful than it appears. My tsav often blacks out with only sparks of green unless the lighting is right. In person and in daylight it is very, very green and not overly dark at all.

I would be amazed if Garrards presented her with a poor stone - especially when the ring is likely to be one of the most photographed and looked at pieces they will have ever sold - just wouldn't make commercial sense.

LD - I'm really hoping for Westminster Abbey - the scene of most Royal Weddings including the very happy marriages of the Queen & Queen Mother. St Pauls plus the e-ring would be a bit too much rinse and repeat IMHO. The Chapel Royal at St. James's, where Queen Victoria was married, could be another choice as it is much smaller (age of austerity) and has no Diana connections whatsoever...

ETA: Isn't is sad that Kate's paternal grandfather died aged 90 last week - I do hope she told him about the engagement on the QT.

 

[february2003bride]

I know I'm in the minority here, but I love the ring. To me it's a very romantic ring, a princess ring. I love the history of Diana's ring and I don't care if it's a bit too dark (which I don't feel it is) or too many prongs. To me, it's stunning and I teared up when I read that William gave it to Kate.

 

[Tanzigrrl]

San Diego Lady - I love your sapphire/diamond ring. My mother's upgrade for their 25th anniversary looks just like yours! She had inherited 2 (.75 carat each) sapphires from her grandfather and added a 1.5 carat D color VVS1 diamond and had the jeweler set it in a trellis setting. Wish I had a photo on me, but I do not. Looks just like yours from the top!