GEM & JEWELRY ARTICLE

Prince William Proposes in Kenya .... and with a Colored Stone

Just as his grandmother before him had learned that she had become Queen of England whilst she was in Kenya, Prince William proposed to his long term girlfriend Kate Middleton whilst he too was in Kenya

Nicky Thomas

Gemstone & Jewelry
Style & Trends Editor


Just as his grandmother before him had learned that she had become Queen of England whilst she was in Kenya, Prince William proposed to his long term girlfriend Kate Middleton whilst he too was in Kenya.

Whilst staying at the 55,000 acre Lewa Private Estate, William ostensibly flew Kate high up the slopes of Mt Kenya to propose on the shores of one of the mountains stunning glacial lakes at over 12,000 feet, close to the famed ice caps. By choosing Kenya and a Sapphire, Prince William has eloquently joined our two loves – this beautiful, wild part of the world and the majesty and lure of colored gemstones.


The engagement ring first belonged to Prince William’s late mother, Princess Diana.   It features a spectacular 12 ct oval Ceylon Sapphire surrounded by 14 Diamond brilliants, all set in 18k white gold.  It was created by former Crown Jeweler Garrard & Co.  


WOULD LOVE ONE... BUT CAN'T AFFORD ONE? 

Yes, I now the feeling! It’s a gorgeous, classic ring and though the British Royal Families budget is over most peoples, it doesn’t mean that you can’t have one. The same design would be sensational using a Tanzanite as the center stone instead. A fine, top grade Tanzanite would easily match the color of a fine Sapphire but a fraction of the cost… 

A Tanzanite and Diamond Ring.jpg

Above is a stunning Tanzanite and Diamond Ring recently designed by Sheelagh Zagoritis of The Rare Gemstone Company featuring a phenomenal 6.45ct oval Tanzanite wreathed in glistening Diamonds. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Nicky Thomas

Educated at the University of Exeter and a key part of our team here at The Rare Gemstone Company, Nicky has been fascinated by gemstones and jewelry since childhood. She explores all areas of the industry in her blog and revels in the proximity to gems and jewels that working at the source of some of the world’s most beautiful and rarest gemstones provides her.

Latest Articles

Aquamarine – The Birthstone for March

Aquamarine is the official March Birthstone, reminiscent of the of the sea and believed to be a powerfully soothing influence on relationships, hence why it is considered to be such a perfect gift and one of the world's favorites

Tourmaline - The October Birthstone

If you were born in October you are very fortunate indeed to have such a stunning and versatile gemstone as your birthstone.

Blue Gemstones - A Comprehensive Look into the Finest Blue Stones

The phrase “September blues” often evokes feelings of melancholy and nostalgia. The skies change and the bright, intense summer sky gives way to softer, more muted shades of blue. Not surprisingly this reflects several gemstones all a spectrum of Blue

The Definitive Guide to Birthstones

There has always been a human “need” to own and wear minerals that have been believed to be sacred or special and this has spurred us to collect them. Perhaps this is the lure to have our birth month represented by a wonderful natural mineral