Inside Zara Tindall’s ‘struggles’ with her five-carat split-shank £140k engagement ring & why Mike chose a ‘low design’

TODAY is a very special day for Zara and Mike Tindall, who are celebrating their 13th wedding anniversary.

Former rugby star Mike popped the question to Princess Anne’s daughter in 2010 and sealed the deal with a dazzling £140,000 engagement ring.

Zara and Mike are celebrating 13 years married todayCredit: AP:Associated Press

Mike popped the question to Zara with a £140,000 diamond ring in 2010, and they married the following yearCredit: Getty

Zara’s ring has a ‘low profile’ design, thought to be so she can wear it during equestrian eventsCredit: PA:Press Association
The five-carat, solitaire diamond ring had a glittering pavé band and Mike carefully chose the design with Olympian Zara’s job in mind.

The ring has a deliberately low profile setting so Zara could continue wearing it during equestrian events.

Zara took home a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics, which was presented to her by her mother.

While the jewellery piece may be “practical” for sporting events, it could keep Zara busy behind the scenes.

Jewellery expert Tenishia McSweeney from Prestige Pawnbrokers of Channel 4’s Posh Pawn told Fabulous: ““Insurance can run into thousands to millions just to insure the goods.

“One of the most expensive examples is a Harry Winston Replica of the iconic blue diamond necklace from the movie Titanic being worn by Gloria Stuart when nominated for best supporting actress.

“This was insured for $20 million.

“Security costs come on top of insurance.

“Celebrities need to protect themselves against misplacing items, damage as well as theft.”

Tenishia also said Zara – who is mum to Mia, Lena and Lucas – will need to do regular maintenance and upkeep on her six-figure diamond ring.

She explained: “Clients will be able to pay for brands to provide specialist care including polishing and servicing for items directly, for example by Cartier or Rolex which can cost a fair penny, or they may take a trip to Hatton Garden and find a reputable jeweller to assist them.
Zara Tindall and husband Mike wow guests at Buckingham Palace garden party
“All jewellery that is worn regularly should be cleaned once a month and how you do this completely depends on the item.

“Something like a diamond ring can be carefully washed at home but more porous gems are more susceptible to water damage so would need to be cleaned by a specialist.”

TINDALLS’ A-LIST WEDDING

The couple tied the knot back on 30 July 2011 at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh, with a reception at the Palace of Holyroodhouse – the late monarch’s official home in Scotland.

It’s reported that Scotland was chosen as the location due to Zara’s close Scottish ties and fond memories of time spent at Balmoral with her grandmother.

Zara and Mike looked sensational at Royal Ascot in JuneCredit: Getty
The sunny wedding day saw thousands of well-wishers lining up the streets and amongst the guests were celebrities from the world of sports, television and acting, as well as the Royal family.

Taking place just months after the lavish ceremony of William’s and Kate’s big day, Mike’s and Zara’s wedding was considered more relaxed and was led by the late Queen and late Prince Phillip, Scottish Daily Express reported.

Prior to the pair’s wedding, it was announced that because of her success as a world-class champion equestrian, the daughter of Princess Anne would not take Mike’s surname.

However, as of March 2016, around five years after the wedding day, she now goes by the last name Tindall.

Throughout the day, Zara included several special nods to the late monarch, such as her reception and sentimental bridal outfit, which saw her wear a classic white gown accessorised with an elaborate veil and a gorgeous bouquet of white blooms.

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Princess Anne turned down the Queen’s offer of giving Zara a royal title after she was born, and equestrian-loving Zara said she felt “lucky” the decision was made.

Zara went to Beaudesert Park School in Stroud, Gloucestershire, Port Regis School in Dorset and then at Gordonstoun School in Moray, Scotland.

She qualified as a physiotherapist at Exeter University.

Zara is also an accomplished equestrian and Olympic silver medallist.

FAMILY HEIRLOOM

As part of her wedding ensemble, she also wore a touching tribute to her late grandfather, Prince Philip – the Meander Tiara.

Like all Royal jewellery, the stunning tiara too has a history.

As reported by The Express, the Meander Tiara came to the family from Princess Alice, Prince Philip’s mother – however, when she herself received it remains a mystery to this day.

Alice wore the Greek design tiara throughout her marriage, before gifting it to Princess Elizabeth when she wed Prince Philip in 1947.

Zara and Mike got married on July 30, 2011 in EdinburghCredit: Getty Images – Getty

ROYAL RINGS

Kate and Prince William announced their engagement in 2010, with the royal proposing with his mother’s sapphire ring in Kenya.

Meanwhile, Prince Harry used stones from Princess Diana’s collection to create a ring for Meghan Markle.

Prince Harry proposed in 2017 with a classic gold band set with three diamonds, although Meghan later upgraded the ring to feature a diamond-studded band, valued at £150,000.