It is probably the most famous engagement ring in the world. So it didn't take long for a few people to notice that the Duchess of Cambridge's ever-present sapphire and diamond sparkler had mysteriously vanished yesterday.
Catherine, who was with her husband, Prince William, for the opening of a new cancer centre, was wearing the £250,000 Garrard ring, once owned by Princess Diana, when she arrived at the Royal Marsden in south London.
It was a distinctive shock of colour against her oatmeal-coloured Amanda Wakeley dress.