Kate Middleton, 35, is the wife of Prince William, the second in line to the British throne.
When he proposed to his now wife, the prince opted to use his late mother’s engagement ring – a stunning sapphire set in diamonds.
The move may have inadvertently boosted the value of the royal ring, which is now worth almost nine times its original value.
The ring was originally bought for Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, and cost an eye-watering £28,500.
This amount seems costly now, but taking into account inflation, which has average 3.7 per cent year on year according to the bank of England, the ring really lost the equivalent of £100,252.37.
Even taking this into account, the ring has more than doubled in value.
Kate’s ring is now valued at over £300,000.
The average cost of an engagement ring from a specialist jeweller is £3,000.
According to recent reports spending on engagement rings over the past five years has fallen by 6 per cent.
The average engagement ring bought by Britons today costs £1,080, according to jewellery insurer Protect Your Bubble.
Kate has some other very expensive jewels, including a gold and diamond hoop earrings given to her by Prince William, and costing £35,700 from Cartier.
Prince Charles has also gifted his daughter-in-law jewellery, including a £150,000 diamond bracelet.
Kate will break with tradition drastically when she becomes a monarch.
She has already set a record as the oldest royal bride, aged 29.
If Prince William is coronated there is will one more unique string to her royal bow.
Kate, who would then be known as Queen Catherine, would be the only female British monarch to have a degree.
Daily Express :: Life and Style Feed
