Princess Kate, also known as the Duchess of Cambridge, proudly wears one of the most iconic engagement rings in the world.

This stunning piece of jewelry, given to her by Prince William when he proposed in November 2010, is not only visually captivating but also cleverly designed to make it appear more expensive than its true value.

The centerpiece of the ring is a dazzling 12-carat oval blue sapphire, surrounded by a halo of 14 brilliant round solitaire diamonds.

What makes this ring even more special is its history.

It originally belonged to Prince William’s mother, the late Princess Diana.

While it was intended for Prince Harry, he graciously allowed his older brother to use it in his proposal to Kate.

Contrary to popular belief, the ring was not custom-made.

In fact, its design was inspired by a brooch commissioned by Prince Albert for his bride, Queen Victoria, back in 1840.

To shed light on the design and value of this exquisite piece, Express.co.uk spoke exclusively to diamond experts at the diamond store.

According to them, the ring features a 12-carat blue sapphire sourced from Ceylon, known for producing the finest sapphires with rich color and exceptional clarity.

Surrounding the sapphire are 14 diamonds, each weighing approximately 0.40 to 0.50 carats, possessing high-quality color and clarity.

These stones are securely set in white gold.

When Princess Diana received the ring from Prince Charles, it had only eight claws holding the sapphire.

However, Kate had it altered for extra security, and now it boasts 14 claws, ensuring the precious gem will never be at risk of falling out.

As for the value of the ring, it originally cost just under £40,000 when Prince Charles proposed to Princess Diana in 1981.

Today, due to both inflation and its historical significance, the ring is worth approximately £400,000.

The diamonds surrounding the sapphire contribute to its value.

Without them, the ring would be worth less, estimated at around £300,000 to £350,000.

The diamond experts explained that the 14 solitaire diamonds in Kate’s ring have a total weight of about 6 carats.

In today’s market, high-quality diamonds like these can cost up to £3,000 each, totaling up to about £42,000 for all 14 diamonds.

Hence, the addition of these diamonds significantly enhances the overall value of the ring.

Furthermore, the experts highlighted the impact of the extra diamonds surrounding the sapphire.

Placing diamonds around a central gemstone in a halo or petal design achieves several visual effects.

Firstly, it creates an illusion of a larger ring size.

Secondly, it adds extra sparkle.

Lastly, it offers a striking contrast between the brilliant white color of the diamonds and the colored gemstone.

For those looking to make their engagement rings appear more expensive, the diamond experts shared some clever tips.

One option is to choose a three-stone ring, similar to Meghan Markle’s, featuring three smaller diamonds or colored gems instead of one large stone.

This design is surprisingly affordable as three smaller diamonds often cost less per carat than a single large gem, while still giving the illusion of a bigger and more luxurious ring.

Another trick is to opt for elongated gemstone or diamond cuts, such as the oval cut, emerald cut, marquise cut, or pear shape.

These cuts create the perception of a larger and more luxurious stone compared to a round cut of the same carat weight.

Additionally, considering lab-grown diamonds and gems is an interesting and sustainable option.

Lab-grown sapphires, for example, are genuine gemstones grown in a laboratory using a method that replicates the natural growth process.

They are more affordable per carat compared to mined sapphires, allowing individuals to acquire a larger gemstone within their budget.

Moreover, choosing lab-grown gems contributes to environmental conservation, making them an attractive and responsible choice.

In conclusion, Kate’s engagement ring is not only a symbol of love and commitment but also a masterpiece of design and craftsmanship.

Its clever arrangement of diamonds around the sapphire creates an illusion of grandeur and enhances its overall value.

Whether through smart design choices or sustainable alternatives, there are various ways to make an engagement ring look more expensive without breaking the bank.