A gem of an idea: jewellers rush to copy Kate Middleton's ring

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12 April 2012

London's jewellers have been inundated with customers wanting to buy copies of Kate Middleton's engagement ring, it was revealed today.

Online searches for the unique design, which was originally owned by Princess Diana, have rocketed. Director of retail at Google UK Peter Fitzgerald said: "We have seen searches for sapphire engagement rings rise, on average, 80 per cent since the proposal in November."

He added that London jewellers have been using online adverts to offer their rings to searchers across the world. "Despite the difficult economic situation, many have reported as much as a 50 per cent rise in sales online thanks to their royal replicas," he said.

The original ring is an 18-carat oval blue sapphire ring, surrounded by 14 small diamonds in a cluster setting. It was chosen by Diana from a selection provided by Garrard.

Although the original is priceless, the online versions range from just a few pounds to several thousand for almost exact copies.

Clayton Borek, managing director of Fulham jewellers Martine Wester, said: "We actually had a very similar ring on our collection already, selling for £29."

He added that they renamed it the Princess ring. "It's similar, but definitely not a copy. This is costume jewellery, we're not attempting to make it look identical."

More expensive versions are also proving popular, particularly overseas. Claire Searencke, head of marketing at Shepperton jewellers Samara James, said: "We've sold several in Russia, America and across the world. We placed this on the website a day or so after the announced engagement and have had quite a few enquiries as a result."

The firm sells several types based on the royal design, ranging from £1,000 to £4,000. "We're offering the real thing at an affordable price," said Miss Searencke.

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