It wasn’t the only new (to the public) item of jewellery which the mother-of-three sported. She also wore a very thin metallic chain choker around her neck which appeared to be devoid of any charms, trinkets or stones, bringing just the subtlest element of bling to her casual Ralph Lauren striped top.
Although Kensington Palace declined to comment on Kate’s new eternity-like ring, it wouldn’t be surprising if Prince William had treated his wife to an alternative to her famous Garrard engagement ring, which was first chosen and worn by his mother Diana, Princess of Wales. “It’s the same ring and it was exactly the same size when I tried it on.” Kate told a member of the public in Wales last year of her unmissable heirloom: “I’m honoured to wear it, I never sadly got to meet her.”
Despite the emotional significance of her original ring, it’s hardly a practical style for activities like tennis, gardening and playing with children. Besides, it has been a challenging year for the couple, who have been married for 13 years. The Princess underwent major abdominal surgery in January, subsequently discovering that cancer was present. Since the spring, she has been receiving preventive chemotherapy. So a new ring could be a heartfelt gesture from the Prince to his wife.
Jessie Thomas, founder of Jessie Thomas Fine Jewellery felt there are several reasons why women like Kate are opting for eternity rings rather than engagement rings. Kate joins a growing number of women who are opting for an easy-to-wear eternity ring. “It’s low profile and small stones are practical and less obvious,” she said. “Many want a stacking ring they can layer up with other bands for everyday wear. Some feel that a traditional single stone engagement ring is something they’d never wear, whereas an eternity ring is something they will just have on all the time and isn’t a big statement piece.”
