Carrie Symonds: Engagement ring from Boris Johnson is an investment for the Prime Minister
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Carrie Symonds and Boris Johnson became engaged at the end of last year. The news broke before the public had a chance to get a glimpse at Carrie’s ring. It wasn’t until the PM’s Twitter account released images at a private Number 10 event that Britons got a look at the former political PR’s ring.
James Constantinou, founder of Prestige Pawnbrokers of Channel 4’s Posh Pawn, sat down with Express.co.uk to dispense his expert knowledge.
He analysed the Prime Minister choice of ring for his young fiance.
Carrie’s ring is a is a large squoval emerald, set in platinum and diamonds, on a pave band.
The ring was quickly identified as an antique piece, which perfectly suits Carrie’s environmentalist passions.
Other women to opt for emeralds include, fittingly, Jackie Kennedy, and Wallis Simpson.
READ MORE: How does Carrie Symonds engagement ring compare to Boris Johnson’s second wife Maria’s?
Carrie is an ardent environmental campaigner and has been for many years before her relationship with Boris brought her into the public eye.
She uses her Twitter account frequently to bring light to the cause, including recently praising the supermarket Iceland for reducing packing on their own label food.
The ring has been estimated by experts to be worth between £30,000 and £35,000.
James went on: “There is something utterly charming and romantic about buying antique jewellery and antique rings for engagement or eternity rings.
“For an item to be considered antique it has to be at least 100 years old. The term vintage refers to pieces which are at least 20 years old.”
How do we know when a ring hails from? A Victorian ring is one created between 1837 to 1901. Art Nouveau rings between 1890 and 1910, Edwardian between 1901 and 2019, art deco between 1920 and 1930 and mid-century between 1940 and 1960.
Carrie’s ring is likely to be a highly sought after treasure, with antique engagement rings remaining a favourite among new brides to be, thanks to the “mystique” and “glamour” of older gems.
James said: “Most people buy antique jewellery because they simply love it. The demand for antique jewellery is strong due to the popularity of the item being individual and indeed with antique pieces you are buying the same quality diamonds, gemstones and materials without the high street costs involved with modern jewellery.
“Many of the old diamonds and precious stones are not cut like that any more which adds to the mystique, romance and glamour of an antique piece making it the perfect engagement or eternity ring.”
Additionally, the gem is an investment for the Prime Minister, too.
“Antique jewellery is more likely to retain its value over the years, making it a better choice if are you looking for an individual piece and investment.”
However, some have suggested Carrie Symonds engagement ring is a bad choice for a gem to be worn everyday.
The green gems are thought to be too soft for everyday wear, making chips and scratches risky.
Diamonds, on the other hand, are incredibly hard – one aspect behind their rise to stone of choice for engagement rings.
Jewellery expert Daniel R. Spirer wrote: “Part of the problem with emerald as an engagement ring (or any everyday wear ring) is that the hardness simply isn’t high enough to take normal daily abuse.”
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