Earlier this year, Kate Middleton unveiled her new eternity ring when she appeared with Prince William in a video congratulating Team GB at the Paris Olympics. Now, a jewelry expert has suggested that there may be a reason why Kate Middleton switched her engagement ring to an eternity ring.

Kate Middleton's engagement ring originally belonged to Prince William's mother, Princess Diana, and was a special piece of jewelry. Princess Diana even had the ring crafted so that she would not lose her prized heirloom.

Since announcing her cancer diagnosis, Kate has been spotted many times without her engagement ring. Ella Citron-Tompkins of The Diamond Factory suggested to the Express that the royal family's decision to stop wearing Princess Diana's ring was for “comfort and practicality.”

“The Crown Princess may have chosen to wear an eternity brand to signify that her relationship with Prince William had crossed some major milestones, such as anniversaries and birthdays, or to show her love and commitment,” Citron-Tompkins explained. The jewelry expert also called the decision “a subtle sign to the public that Kate and Will are more in love than ever.”

Citron-Tompkins continued, “It may simply have been cleaned and resized and Princess Kate used the eternity ring instead to disperse the rumors.”

The ring originally belonged to the late Princess Diana and is therefore “very special and extremely valuable,” the expert noted. No wonder Kate chose to “keep it safe at home for most engagements.”

Commenting on the importance of the eternity ring Kate received from William, a jewelry expert told the Express, “The eternity ring looks like a more delicate, understated band compared to her larger engagement ring. The style of the ring seems to combine gold with smaller gemstones like garnets or sapphires.”