KATE Middleton’s 12-carat engagement ring is instantly recognizable to many royal fans, in part because it belonged to Princess Diana.
But Kate’s sister Pippa Middleton also has a jaw-dropping sparkler – although it comes with some “challenges.”
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Princess Kate’s younger sister was proposed to by wealthy hedge fund manager James Matthews in 2016 after less than a year of dating.
To seal the deal, James – Made in’s brother Chelsea star Spencer Matthews – popped the question with a three-carat diamond engagement ring.
Turns out Pippa’s ring also has some royal ties, like the diamond characteristics an “Asscher cut,” which was invented in 1902 by Joseph Asscher, founder of what is now known as the Royal Asscher Diamond Company.
The prestigious diamond brand provided jewelry for Queen Juliana of the Netherlands.
The ring had a price tag to rival Kate’s, with the octagonal diamond ring reportedly costing around £250,000 – and will keep Pippa busy.
Caring for a royal ring can be tricky, according to Ben Roberts, Managing Director of Clogau – the brand responsible for the Welsh gold that royals have used to create their wedding rings since 1923 (when Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, who became The Queen Mother, married the Duke of York, later King George VI).
Speaking about Kate’s 12-carat sapphire engagement ring, he said Hello! magazine: “Even without any changes, caring for such a valuable heirloom brings its own challenges.
“Kate and her team will need to carry out careful maintenance, with regular inspections and in-depth assessments, gentle cleaning to restore shine and, if necessary, specialist repairs to ensure its longevity.
“This way she can continue to use it every day and maintain a constant connection with the past, whilst also grounding her in the present as a beloved senior member of the Royal Family.”
Pippa and James married on May 20, 2017, with a budget of £250,000 for their big day.
The pair shunned a lavish ceremony in favor of a more intimate family affair in Pippa’s home village.
She wore a spectacular dress by designer Giles Deacon, which featured short sleeves and an elegant high neckline and is said to have cost more than £40,000.
The couple married at St Mark’s Church in Englefield, Berkshire, and resident priest Reverend Nick Wynee-Jones officiated.
The church dates back to the 12th century and was extensively restored by Sir George Gilbert Scott in 1857.
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The £6 million Middleton family home in nearby Bucklebury hosted the wedding reception.
A £100,000 glass marquee was built at the family home and had space for more than 350 guests.
Guests also enjoyed an aircraft flyover, including a World War II Spitfire.
Designer Giles Deacon designed the lace dress Pippa wore to marry James Matthews. He was spotted visiting Pippa and her mother Carole just before Christmas, holding a bag of clothes.
Special role that Pippa Middleton could have when Kate is queen
KATE Middleton is extremely close to her family, including her mother Carole and sister Pippa.
And when Prince William’s wife one day becomes queen, her beloved family members could be in line to receive some special honors.
Royal author Phil Dampier told Fabulous that Pippa Middleton could be given a similar role to Queen Camilla’s younger sister Annabel Elliott, who is one of her six “companions.”
He said: “I certainly think there could be a role for Pippa as a lady-in-waiting or companion.
“This needs to be someone the queen can trust and rely on, and who better than her sister?
“Pippa has some business interests but I’m sure when Kate becomes Queen she would be happy to fulfill that role if necessary.
“It’s not necessarily a full-time job, so she would be available.
“We all know what a sensation she was at their wedding in 2011 and since then she has kept a relatively low profile and is, of course, happily married.”
Another person he thought might be in line for a “companion” position is Kate’s stylist and close friend Natasha Archer, as she is “another person she trusts and would be ideal for a support role.”
Meanwhile, Kate and Prince William announced his engagement in 2010, with the royal proposing with his mother’s ring in Kenya.
At the time of its creation, the ring was worth £28,000, according to Maria Clara.
Vintage rings specialist Sam Mee currently estimates its value to be around £390,000.
However, given the historical significance it now has, some believe it is priceless.
For his proposal, Prince Harry used stones from Princess Diana’s collection to create a ring for Meghan Markle.
Prince Harry popped the question in 2017 with a classic gold band set with three diamonds, although Meghan later upgraded the ring to feature a diamond-set band, valued at £150,000.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
