Kate Middleton’s Engagement Ring: The Story Behind the Iconic Sapphire and Diamond Cluster

It has been seven years since Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with a stunning 12-carat sapphire and diamond cluster ring valued at over $500,000.

The Duchess of Cambridge's engagement ring is not only gorgeous but has also become an iconic piece of jewelry.

However, most people only know a part of its backstory, if they know anything at all.

The origins of the ring go back to the mid-19th century when Prince Albert commissioned British jeweler Gerard to create a blue sapphire and diamond brooch as a present for his soon-to-be bride, Queen Victoria.

She loved it so much that she decided to wear it on her wedding day as her something blue on the front of her dress.

In a 23-year reign tragedy dawn, Queen Victoria amassed a grand collection of jewels, rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, of emeralds, sapphires, opals, more sapphires.

Albert had a particular fondness for the blue stone, but time and time again, she returned to the sapphire brooch, wearing it up until her dearest Albert's death in 1861.

In her will, she made the brooch a crown heirloom, meaning it will always belong to the reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth.

It's reported that Queen Elizabeth II is just as enamored with Victoria's wedding day brooch, if not more so.

She's worn it on many occasions, including her first, and only, meeting with President John F. Kennedy, Prince William's christening, and at last year's royal ascot.

However, the antique became top of mind for another royal, Prince Charles.

After asking Lady Diana to marry him, he went to Gerard to select a small amount of rings for her to choose from, including the house's sapphire and diamond cluster marguerite ring, which looked remarkably similar to Queen Victoria's wedding brooch.

Diana fell in love with it as well, and it was said to be a strong influence on Prince Charles when he came to Gerard to purchase a ring for Lady Diana.

He actually ended up setting a sapphire cluster ring for her, which was later given by Prince William to the Duchess of Cambridge on their engagement.

This year, which marked the 20th anniversary of Diana's death, a rumor emerged about the ring.

Allegedly, two of her most prized possessions, her engagement ring and her gold Cartier watch, were given to her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.

Each boy chose one, however, an anonymous source said it wasn't William who picked the ring, it was Harry.

So, if the tabloids are to be believed, how did it get in William's possession?

Apparently, when Harry saw how much his older brother loved Kate Middleton, he made a touching sacrifice and offered to take the watch instead.

The Duchess wasn't just special to William, Harry has described her as like a sister.

When Prince William and Kate Middleton announced their marriage in November 2010, the ring was central to the narrative.

“It's my mother's engagement ring, and it's very special to me, as Kate is very special to me now as well, it was only right the two were put together,” William said on British news channel ITV.

“It was my way of making sure mother didn't miss out on today and the excitement in the fact that we're going to spend the rest of our lives together.”

There will be a day, after William ascends the throne and inherits all the crown jewels, when Kate is in possession of the ring and the brooch that inspired it.

Who knows the next woman who will do the same?

Perhaps Prince George's wife, or an heir after that, or an heir after that, but whoever it is will surely recognize the special significance of uniting the two emblems of strength, love, and the steadfastness of the Windsor women who came before her.