MIKE Tindall certainly made an impression with Princess Anne’s daughter Zara when he popped the question with an £140,000 engagement ring.
However, owning a royal piece of jewellery is not without its challenges, according to the experts.
Former rugby star Mike proposed to Zara in 2010 with a solitaire diamond ring which had a glittering pavé band.
The sparkler is estimated to be worth £140,000, and was thought to deliberately have a low profile setting so Olympian Zara could continue wearing it during equestrian events.
While the jewellery piece may be “practical” for sporting events, it could keep Zara busy behind the scenes.
Caring for a royal ring can be tricky according to Ben Roberts, Managing Director of Clogau – the brand responsible for the Welsh gold that the royals have used to create their wedding rings since 1923.
Speaking about Kate Middleton’s 12-carat sapphire engagement ring, he told Hello! magazine: “Kate and her team will need to employ careful maintenance, with regular inspections and in-depth evaluations, gentle cleaning to restore sheen, and, if necessary, expert repairs to ensure its longevity.”
No doubt Zara – who is mum to Mia, Lena and Lucas – will also have periodic maintenance of her six-figure diamond ring too.
The couple tied the knot back on 30 July 2011 at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, with a reception at the Palace of Holyroodhouse – the late monarch’s official home in Scotland.
It’s reported that Scotland was chosen as the location due to Zara’s close Scottish ties and fond memories of time spent at Balmoral with her grandmother.
The sunny wedding day saw thousands of well-wishers lining up the streets and amongst the guests were celebrities from the world of sports, television and acting, as well as the Royal family.
Taking place just months after the lavish ceremony of William’s and Kate’s big day, Mike’s and Zara’s wedding was considered more relaxed and was led by the late Queen and late Prince Phillip, Scottish Daily Express reported.
Prior to the pair’s wedding, it was announced that because of her success as a world-class champion equestrian, the daughter of Princess Anne would not take Mike’s surname.
However, as of March 2016, around five years after the wedding day, she now goes by the last name Tindall.
Throughout the day, Zara included several special nods to the late monarch, such as her reception and sentimental bridal outfit, which saw her wear a classic white gown accessorised with an elaborate veil and a gorgeous bouquet of white blooms.
As part of her wedding ensemble, she also wore a touching tribute to her late grandfather, Prince Philip – the Meander Tiara.
Like all Royal jewellery, the stunning tiara too has a history.
As reported by The Express, the Meander Tiara came to the family from Princess Alice, Prince Philip’s mother – however, when she herself received it remains a mystery to this day.
Alice wore the Greek design tiara throughout her marriage, before gifting it to Princess Elizabeth when she wed Prince Philip in 1947.
Kate and Prince William announced their engagement in 2010, with the royal proposing with his mother’s sapphire ring in Kenya.
Princess Anne turned down the Queen’s offer of giving Zara a royal title after she was born, and equestrian-loving Zara said she felt “lucky” the decision was made.
Zara went to Beaudesert Park School in Stroud, Gloucestershire, Port Regis School in Dorset and then at Gordonstoun School in Moray, Scotland.
She qualified as a physiotherapist at Exeter University.
Zara is also an accomplished equestrian and Olympic silver medallist.
Meanwhile, Prince Harry used stones from Princess Diana’s collection to create a ring for Meghan Markle.
Prince Harry proposed in 2017 with a classic gold band set with three diamonds, although Meghan later upgraded the ring to feature a diamond-studded band, valued at £150,000.
