She was seen without her beloved sapphire ring, which once belonged to Princess Diana. This has added to the curiosity, especially after she was spotted wearing four different rings with Prince William in Southport, excluding the famous sapphire. Catherine has sported a stylish mix of rings that reflect her personal preferences and hint at the potential reasons for the change. In this appearance, she wore her usual Welsh gold wedding band alongside her Anish Kar eternity ring, which is believed to have been a gift from William after the birth of Prince George. She also sported two new rings.

One is a sapphire and diamond, which first appeared in the congratulatory message to Team England in August, and another eye-catching eternity band. While the origins of the second ring remain unclear, many believe that the sapphire and diamond ring was a practical alternative to an engagement ring, reflecting the deep blue color of the sapphire and allowing Catherine to honor Diana's heritage while still fitting in with her current lifestyle and health needs. Princess Diana chose a sapphire engagement ring because it resembled her mother's and complimented her blue eyes.

During the engagement photoshoot, Catherine continued this theme by pairing the ring with a similarly-toned dress, making the ring a staple in her public appearances throughout her marriage. She was rarely without her ring, except for hospital visits when she was not allowed to wear jewelry. Experts point out that there may have been practical reasons behind Catherine's ring choice. Health issues can cause physical changes such as water retention, making tight rings uncomfortable or impractical.

This practical approach allows her to wear symbolic jewellery while still being able to deal with the challenges associated with more delicate heirlooms. Specialist pharmacist Daru notes that the issue can lead to water retention on the hand, making it uncomfortable to wear the ring. Each royal jewellery piece has its own history, and Ben Roberts from Clor stresses the need to take good care of these precious pieces. He explains that Princess Catherine’s engagement ring needs regular attention to keep it in great condition, especially since it is worn every day. Many people are unaware of the maintenance required for heirlooms.

Catherine and her team ensure regular checks, gentle cleaning and, if necessary, professional repairs to maintain the ring’s durability. This allows her to wear it regularly while still being connected to her past. By introducing new rings, Catherine may be creating her own tradition. These new pieces, while not direct replacements, help her honor Diana’s memory while also reflecting her unique style.

Whether this change is temporary or permanent remains to be seen. One thing is certain, Princess Catherine blends old and new, redefining her royal image with each thoughtful choice. Now, everyone is eagerly watching to see if and when Diana’s iconic engagement ring will make a comeback. Meanwhile, Catherine’s collection is both practical and iconic, capturing hearts and sparking conversations around the world.