Kate Middleton debuted a dazzling diamond ring at the Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace

A gift from William? Kate Middleton debuted a dazzling diamond ring at the Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace (while the Queen showed off a new emerald necklace)

  • Duchess of Cambridge, 37, attended the Buckingham Palace reception last night
  • Royal watchers noticed Kate was wearing a large diamond ring on her right hand
  • It is thought to be the first time she has worn the jewel, whose origin is unknown
  • The Queen wore what appears to be an updated version of a favourite necklace 

The Queen and the Duchess of Cambridge both looked resplendent at the Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace last night – but it was their dazzling jewels that captured the attention of royal watchers. 

Kate, 37, showcased what is thought to be a new diamond ring on her right hand, while the Queen, 93, wore what is believed to be an updated version of a favourite bejewelled necklace. 

Both pieces have been the subject of much discussion on social media, with eagle-eyed fans speculating about their origins.

Twinkling! Kate, 37, showcased what is thought to be a new diamond ring on her right hand (seen above) at the Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace last night

Twinkling! Kate, 37, showcased what is thought to be a new diamond ring on her right hand (seen above) at the Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace last night

New addition? The glittering ring, pictured, appears to be set with a large cluster of diamonds. The piece, which was worn on her ring finger, has not been seen on the Duchess before

New addition? The glittering ring, pictured, appears to be set with a large cluster of diamonds. The piece, which was worn on her ring finger, has not been seen on the Duchess before

Catching the eye: The piece has been the subject of much discussion on social media, with eagle-eyed fans speculating about its origin, pictured

Catching the eye: The piece has been the subject of much discussion on social media, with eagle-eyed fans speculating about its origin, pictured

Kate’s right hand sparkled beneath the palace lights as she mingled alongside husband Prince William, 37, at the white tie soiree. 

A close look at photos show what appears to be a ring set with a large cluster of diamonds. The piece, which was worn on her ring finger, has not been seen on the Duchess before. 

It is not known whether the ring is part of an existing royal jewels collection, or if it is a new addition to her wardrobe. 

Time for a change? Meanwhile the Queen, 93, is thought to have unveiled an updated version of a favourite diamond and emerald necklace, pictured

Time for a change? Meanwhile the Queen, 93, is thought to have unveiled an updated version of a favourite diamond and emerald necklace, pictured

More is more! The impressive piece is believed to be from the Greville Emerald Necklace and Earrings set, but features new drop emeralds along the bottom

More is more! The impressive piece is believed to be from the Greville Emerald Necklace and Earrings set, but features new drop emeralds along the bottom 

Royal fashion authority What Kate Wore noted this is particularly unusual for Kate as she tends to only wear three rings stacked on her left ring finger: her engagement ring, wedding ring and eternity ring. 

The Duchess wore the ring with the Nizam of Hyderabad necklace and the earrings from the Diamond Chandelier Drop Demi-Parur set.  

Several royal fans took to social media to discuss the ring. Commenting on one photo, one user wrote: ‘What is the ring she is wearing on her right hand? I haven’t seen that one before.’ 

Duchess of Diamonds: The Duchess wore the ring with the Nizam of Hyderabad necklace and the earrings from the Diamond Chandelier Drop Demi-Parur set, seen above

Duchess of Diamonds: The Duchess wore the ring with the Nizam of Hyderabad necklace and the earrings from the Diamond Chandelier Drop Demi-Parur set, seen above

Regal perfection: The royal wore a black velvet gown by Alexander McQueen for the occasion

Regal perfection: The royal wore a black velvet gown by Alexander McQueen for the occasion

Grace and poise: Kate joined husband Prince William in mingling with guests at the palace

Grace and poise: Kate joined husband Prince William in mingling with guests at the palace 

Another added: ‘Any details on the ring on her right hand? She looks stunning.’   

Meanwhile the Queen, 93, is thought to have unveiled an updated version of a favourite diamond and emerald necklace. 

The impressive piece is believed to be from the Greville Emerald Necklace and Earrings set, which originally belonged to a British heiress, the Dame Margaret Greville, and were bequeathed to the Queen Mother. 

 However the necklace has the same large square-cut emeralds but also features a set of drop emeralds along the bottom. The diamond clusters also appear to be different. 

It is also possible that the necklace is an entirely new piece.