Sri Lanka can expect a surge in the demand for sapphires in the coming months, thanks to the engagement of Prince William to Kate Middleton. Jewelers around the world are being called on to make replicas of Princess Diana’s engagement ring, which was in turn used by her son to propose to his future wife.

“Sapphires are especially beloved in Britain and its former colonies, including Sri Lanka, which I plan to visit soon to buy more of the sapphires mined there. We are expecting an uptick in demand through the holidays,” The CEO of New York’s Natural Sapphire Co Michael Arnstein said.

Arnstein’s company supplies Sapphires to other Jewelers around the world who have been receiving similar requests. The company took calls from Britain, Canada, the United States and elsewhere requesting replicas of the ring.

The legendary engagement ring picked out by the late Princess of Wales is an 18-carat oval sapphire surrounded by diamonds.

Sapphires are rarer than diamonds but less expensive because demand for them is lower. (D.S)