You can’t think of the British Royal Family without thinking of the breathtaking crown jewels. Passed down from generation to generation, it’s not unusual for one gemstone to be switched out for another. The family believes that these are meant to be worn, not stored on a shelf collecting dust. Some are seen in public more often than others and for different reasons, they are all tied to the family and will continue to be passed down. Here are just a few of the most notable items and the stories behind them:
Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring
This is the ring that captivated the world in the early 1980s. It wasn’t just the ring that enchanted us, but a young Diana Spencer who accepted the proposal to become a Princess. The ring made a second showing on the world stage in 2010 when Prince William would propose to Kate Middleton, continuing the family tradition. It’s also unique in the choice of gem. Instead of a “traditional” diamond, this ring has a 12-carat oval blue sapphire, cut into facets, and surrounded by fourteen solitaire diamonds. The setting is made from 18-karat white gold and single-handedly kicked off a trend of choosing non-traditional gemstones in engagement rings.