Wedding Wednesday: The Queen Mother

When you think of trend setters and fashion plates, I'm guessing the Queen Mother, Queen Elizabeth's mum, known also as Elizabeth, doesn't come to mind. But it seems, in her own right, she was. At least when it comes to engagement rings.

You have to go back to photos shortly after her engagement and wedding to see it, but there it is, a sapphire and diamond sparkler, given to her by the current Queen's father, George. At the time, he was still the Duke of York. He later became king, after his brother's abdication (which occurred so Edward could marry Wallis Simpson, but that's another story).

You can still see it in photos when she's holding baby Elizabeth. But later in life, perhaps after the King's death, she began wearing a pearl ring in its place. Often times, people confuse Camilla's engagement ring, given to her by Prince Charles, as the Queen Mother's former engagement ring. While the Queen Mum did own and wear the 5ct diamond sparkler, it was simply referred to as a family piece, but was not her actual engagement ring.

So, there you have it. Princess Diana, Kate Middleton and many other royals in the family have the Queen Mother to thank for setting the sapphire and diamond engagement ring trend. Do you like it or do you prefer the current tradition of a diamond center stone? I can't wait to hear your thoughts below on this one! ;-)