Hey there, royal enthusiasts! This year, we’re all about celebrating love as not one, but two royal weddings are set to take place. And with all the excitement surrounding these royal nuptials, people everywhere are buzzing about the dazzling engagement rings worn by some of the most beloved members of the British monarchy. Let’s take a trip down memory lane, starting with Kate Middleton, whose engagement to Prince William back in November 2010 sparked a wave of engagements within the younger generation of the royal family. Just a month later, Princess Anne’s daughter Zara Tindall got engaged to Mike Tindall in December 2010. The Middleton family continued its streak when Kate’s sister Pippa Middleton tied the knot with James Matthews in July 2016. The royal romance didn't stop there—Prince Harry popped the question to American actress Meghan Markle in November 2017, followed by Prince Andrew’s daughter Princess Eugenie becoming engaged to Jack Brooksbank two months later. So, what do these rings look like? Closer Weekly caught up exclusively with Kathryn Money, Vice President of Strategy and Merchandising at Brilliant Earth, to break down the details of these stunning rings, including their unique designs, carat sizes, and costs.
Kate Middleton’s Timeless Sapphire Ring
Kate Middleton’s engagement ring is nothing short of iconic. It features a breathtaking deep blue sapphire surrounded by a halo of sparkling diamond accents, all set on a classic platinum band. This ring is the epitome of elegance and sophistication, perfectly matching Kate’s timeless and chic style. Interestingly, this ring isn’t just a piece of jewelry—it’s a trendsetter. After Kate donned this sapphire ring, colored gemstone engagement rings experienced a major resurgence in popularity. But here's the twist—it’s not exactly a new trend. For generations, European royal families have favored engagement rings adorned with vibrant gemstones. This particular ring originally belonged to Princess Diana, who chose it back in 1981 when she accepted Prince Charles' proposal. Talk about timeless beauty!
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Our experts estimate that the ring includes around 14 round diamonds encircling an approximate 12-carat oval blue sapphire, all set in white gold. Given its rich history and royal provenance, this ring is truly priceless. Its value extends far beyond its gemstones and metal; it’s a symbol of love, tradition, and family legacy.
Meghan Markle’s Unique Diamond Ring
Prince Harry truly outdid himself when he designed Meghan Markle’s engagement ring. This stunning piece features a center cushion-cut diamond flanked by two round diamonds from Princess Diana’s personal collection, all set on a timeless yellow gold band. It’s a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, reflecting Meghan’s chic yet approachable style. One of the most remarkable aspects of this ring is the center diamond, sourced from Botswana—a nod to Harry and Meghan’s shared commitment to social and environmental responsibility. Botswana diamond mining has significantly contributed to the country’s prosperity and is known for its efforts to minimize environmental impact.
The combination of old and new elements in this ring is simply breathtaking. The two diamonds from Diana’s collection represent a deep connection to family and heritage, while the Botswana diamond symbolizes the couple's new journey together. Experts estimate the center stone to be close to five carats, with the flanking diamonds weighing roughly 0.75 carats each. While the estimated cost to replicate this ring is around $120,000 USD, incorporating royal heirlooms makes it truly priceless.
Princess Eugenie’s Vibrant Sapphire Ring
