“I am so honored Edoardo chose to work with me to design the engagement ring forPrincess Beatriceand to have been involved in this special moment in their lives,” said Leane in a statement Thursday, shortly after thecouple announced the happy news.
“The main diamond is 2.5 karats,” says Leane. “The baguette diamonds on the side are .75 karats. They are from Botswana and ethically sourced.”
Princess Beatrice’s engagement ring.Shaun Leane
The royal groom-to-be approached Leane about four months ago to design the stunning ring. “Edo was very prepared and he had done his research. He had a very strong feeling about what he wanted,” says Leane. “He knew that he wanted a round stone, and he knew he wanted platinum. We talked about aesthetic and he said, ‘I really love Art Deco, and Beatrice really likes a Victorian aesthetic in jewelry.’ We talked about fusing the two together and he thought it would be lovely to do that, to fuse their two personalities together within the ring. There was a real unity.”
Princess Eugenie/Press Association Images
Leane began his training in London’s iconic Hatton Garden at age 15, and the award-winning jeweler is known for his edgy, modern designs — in particular, the avante-garde sculptural pieces he created for the late British fashion designer Alexander McQueen, with whom he collaborated for two decades. Beatrice’s ring reflects his unique aesthetic — particularly in the style of the claws.
“The claws are filed to a point so there is a little edge in what is a modern classic,” he says.
As for reports that the ring came with a $310,000 price tag, Leane says, “I can’t give a price, but I think everyone is speculating. It’s interesting to see the range! I can’t divulge that, I’m sorry!”
source: people.com
