Sophie Countess of Wessex’s £35k engagement ring from Edward has subtle ‘romantic’ meaning
Prince Edward wedding ‘welcome occasion for royals’ says expert
Sophie, Countess of Wessex, 55, and Prince Edward, 56, began dating in 1993. Around six years later, their engagement was announced in a statement made by Buckingham Palace.
Sophie and Prince Edward mostly kept their relationship private while they were dating.
But after their announcement was made they appeared for a photo call at St James’s Palace.
The royal couple posed for pictures and answered questions from the media about their upcoming wedding.
It was during this appearance royal enthusiasts caught the first glimpse of Sophie’s diamond engagement ring.
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The Countess will still often be seen wearing the diamond jewel.
Like the engagement rings of other royals before her, Sophie’s jewel was created by Garrad and Head of Design at 77 Diamonds Charlotte Price commented on the design.
She said: “The Countess of Wessex’s engagement ring given to her by Prince Edward was created by Garrard.
“It appears to feature a large two carat oval diamond, complimented by two 0.4 carat trillion shape diamonds on either side, set on a white gold band.”
Prince Edward did not reveal how much he paid for the diamond jewel, but the expert said it could be worth as much as £35,000.
Charlotte continued: “At 77 Diamonds, an engagement ring of this style and quality – a D or E colour grade, and VVS clarity – would typically cost approximately £20,000.
“If purchasing this specification of ring at many other Mayfair jewellers, it would be priced in the region of £35,000.”
Other reports have given the jewel a valuation of as much as £105,000.
Not only is the piece thought to cost a lot, Prince Edward could have made a sweet gesture when picking the design of the ring.
“This style of engagement ring is known as a Trilogy ring,” the expert told Express.co.uk.
“Traditionally the three central diamonds are said to represent the couple’s past, present and future, making it a very romantic and meaningful choice of design.”
The Trilogy style design was copied by Prince Harry when he designed an engagement ring for Meghan Markle, Charlotte explained.
She said the style of ring has increased in popularity which could be due to it’s royal link.
The expert added: “Meghan Markle’s engagement ring, given to her by Prince Harry, is made up of a central round brilliant diamond and flanked by cushion cut diamonds, and it has helped to revive the desire for the Trilogy look.
“The growing popularity of the Trilogy engagement ring has been a distinctly growing trend for 2020 which I believe will continue to be a popular choice in 2021.”
Just months after Sophie and Prince Edward’s engagement was announced, their wedding took place at Windsor Castle.
The royal ceremony was held on June 19, 1999 and watched by an estimated 200 million viewers from around the world.
As well as her eye-catching engagement ring, Sophie dressed up her wedding day outfit with other notable jewellery.
She wore the Anthemion tiara which came from the Queen’s private collection.
The Countess also wore a necklace and earring set which was designed by and gifted to her by Prince Edward.
The designs were made from white and black pearls and the necklace featured a cross pendant.
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