Princess Diana's Wedding Ring: A Legacy of Beauty and Tradition
Did Princess Diana Wear a Wedding Ring?
Yes, Princess Diana definitely wore a wedding ring. Her journey through royal life and marriage to Prince Charles in 1981 was marked by a stunning engagement ring, followed by her divorce in 1996, during which she wore a simple wedding ring.
The Engagement Ring: A Stunner from Garrard Co.
Princess Diana's engagement ring was a true eye-catcher, featuring a stunning sapphire encircled by diamonds. This exquisite piece was crafted by the renowned jeweler Garrard Co.. The ring became instantly iconic and is fondly remembered as a symbol of the couple's love and the grandeur of the British monarchy.
The Wedding Gold Ring: A Pragmatic Choice
Upon her marriage to Prince Charles in 1981, Princess Diana transitioned to a plain gold wedding ring. This simple yet elegant design allowed the larger and more striking engagement ring to take center stage during important royal engagements. The gold ring continued to be worn during her marriage, playing a supporting role to the engagement ring.
After the Divorce: A New Tradition
When Princess Diana and Prince Charles announced their divorce in 1996, she discarded the gold wedding ring and returned to the engagement ring. The engagement ring, with its sapphire and diamond setting, became her defining piece of jewelry.
Continuity in Friendship: Catherine Duchess of Cambridge
In 2011, the engagement ring passed into the hands of Catherine, Princess William's wife, who became the Catherine Duchess of Cambridge. When Prince William proposed to Catherine, he took the ring from his mother's box and returned it to its rightful place on the bride-to-be's finger. This gesture not only honored the memory of Princess Diana but also perpetuated the royal tradition of wearing the same piece of jewelry through generations.
The Welsh Gold Connection
Interestingly, Princess Diana also wore a Welsh gold wedding ring. Like many royal brides, she received a lump of Welsh gold for her wedding. This adds an extra layer of significance and tradition to the jewelry she wore during her royal duties.
Kate and William's Engagement Ring
During the engagement of Prince William and Catherine, Kate was often seen wearing a blue sapphire ring that many speculated to be the engagement ring. The large and striking nature of the sapphire ring often overshadowed the simple gold wedding ring on her ring finger. However, if you look closely, you can see that before she was married, she wore a single band, and post-marriage, the double band resembling her wedding ring became evident.
Famous Quotes and Memorable Moments
Princess Diana's choice of rings during her royal marriage and subsequent divorce has become a part of her iconic legacy. She once said, 'I wore a plain gold band after my marriage, but the engagement ring always took precedence.' This statement highlights how the engagement ring held a special place in her life and her choice to wear it as a constant reminder of her first love.
Conclusion
Princess Diana's wedding rings, whether the sapphire engagement ring or the simple gold band, each carried their own significance. They were not just pieces of jewelry but symbols of love, commitment, and a rich history of royal traditions.