Why Kate Middleton is elevating her jewellery collection, and what each piece symbolizes

Kate Middleton has stepped back from regularly wearing her iconic sapphire engagement ring, once belonging to Princess Diana, and is instead embracing a more personal trio of rings that speak volumes without saying a word.

Since returning to public life following her cancer diagnosis and treatment, the Princess of Wales has appeared with a new stack of eternity bands, sometimes worn alone, other times alongside her sapphire ring.

Jewellery specialist Maxwell Stone of Steven Stone says the updated ring stack reflects enduring themes of legacy, motherhood, and resilience.

“While Kate’s legendary 12-carat Ceylon sapphire engagement ring needs no introduction, her eternity rings have largely flown under the radar,” Stone noted.

One of the bands is thought to have been gifted by Prince William to mark the birth of Prince George. 

Set in 18-carat white gold and adorned with 0.23 carats of diamonds, it’s valued at around £1,500. 

Another slim white diamond band, whose origin is less certain, is estimated to be worth around £1,000.

The third and most striking of the set appears to be the Étincelle de Cartier wedding band, a £4,700 piece featuring 19 brilliant-cut diamonds and 19 sapphires. 

According to Stone, it’s believed to have been a 13th wedding anniversary gift from William last year.

“It’s a noticeably symbolic gesture,” Stone explains. “The Cartier band’s sapphires echo the engagement ring, while the eternity rings themselves traditionally represent everlasting love and milestones in a couple’s journey.”

“For the Princess, wearing them alongside her engagement ring for the first time may reflect a deeper, more personal story, one rooted in family, motherhood, and quiet strength,” he said. 

“It’s a subtle shift that suggests she’s embracing not just the legacy of a single iconic gem, but the layered journey that has followed.”

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