There’s something undeniably fascinating about the lives of royals. From their grand celebrations to their timeless fashion, everything they do seems larger than life. One of the most enchanting aspects of royal life is their engagement rings, which often tell stories of love, history, and family legacy.
These rings, with their dazzling gemstones and intricate designs, are not just symbols of love but also windows into royal traditions and personal styles. Whether you’re looking for engagement ring inspiration or a glimpse into the romance of monarchies past and present, these 11 stunning royal engagement rings are sure to leave you mesmerized.
1. Princess Diana’s Sapphire Marvel
Arguably the most famous engagement ring in history, Princess Diana’s 12-carat blue Ceylon sapphire is a masterpiece.
- Designed by the House of Garrard, the sapphire is surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, creating a dazzling, timeless look.
- Interestingly, Diana and Prince Charles chose the ring from a jeweler’s catalog—a break from tradition, as royal engagement rings were typically custom-made or heirlooms.
- The ring’s design is said to echo Queen Elizabeth I’s sapphire brooch, adding a nod to royal heritage.
- Now belonging to Kate Middleton, the ring continues to captivate, valued at approximately $500,000 today.
2. Kate Middleton’s Inherited Treasure
When Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton in 2010, he did so with his late mother Diana’s iconic sapphire ring.
- This touching gesture ensured Diana’s memory would remain part of the family’s legacy.
- The ring was resized with a platinum band to fit Kate and has become one of the most photographed pieces of royal jewelry in the world.
- Its sentimental value surpasses its monetary worth, cementing its place in royal history.
3. Meghan Markle’s Sentimental Stunner
Prince Harry’s proposal to Meghan Markle in 2017 was accompanied by a custom-designed tri-stone diamond ring that is rich in sentiment.
- The center diamond, sourced from Botswana, holds special meaning as the couple’s first trip together was to the African country.
- The two side diamonds are from Princess Diana’s personal collection, adding a familial connection.
- Recently, Meghan updated the ring with a delicate micro pavé band, adding even more sparkle to this already extraordinary piece.
4. Queen Elizabeth II’s Timeless Elegance
Prince Philip designed Queen Elizabeth II’s engagement ring with diamonds from his mother’s tiara.
- The centerpiece is a 3-carat diamond flanked by five smaller pavé diamonds on either side.
- The remaining diamonds were used to craft a matching bracelet, gifted to the Queen on her wedding day.
- The tiara’s origins trace back to Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra of Russia, making this ring a piece of both royal and global history.
5. The Queen Mother’s Rare Sapphire
Initially hesitant to marry Prince Albert, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (later the Queen Mother) eventually accepted his proposal, marked by a stunning Kashmir sapphire ring.
- The sapphire, flanked by two diamonds, is one of the rarest gemstones, reflecting her individuality and elegance.
- In later years, Elizabeth swapped the ring for one featuring a large pearl surrounded by diamonds, better suited to her personal style.
6. Princess Margaret’s Rosebud Ring
Known for her vibrant and unconventional personality, Princess Margaret’s engagement ring mirrored her spirit.
- Antony Armstrong-Jones designed a ruby and diamond ring shaped like a rosebud, a nod to Margaret’s middle name, Rose.
- The ruby’s pinkish hue, surrounded by diamond “petals,” gave the ring a romantic and whimsical touch, perfectly complementing Margaret’s free-spirited charm.
7. Queen Camilla’s Art Deco Design
For her engagement to Prince Charles, Queen Camilla received a ring steeped in history.
- Originally belonging to the Queen Mother, the ring features a 5-carat emerald-cut diamond flanked by diamond baguettes, showcasing a classic Art Deco aesthetic.
- This heirloom piece connects Camilla to the Queen Mother’s enduring legacy.
8. Princess Anne’s Sapphire Traditions
Princess Anne has sported not one but two sapphire engagement rings.
- Her first ring from Mark Phillips in 1973 featured a 2-carat cabochon sapphire flanked by diamonds.
- Her second ring, from Timothy Laurence, also centers on a cabochon sapphire but with three diamonds on each side, showing her enduring love for sapphires.
9. Sophie, Countess of Wessex’s Dreamy Oval Diamond
Prince Edward proposed to Sophie Rhys-Jones in 1993 with a stunning 2-carat oval-cut diamond ring.
- The central diamond is flanked by two heart-shaped diamonds, adding a romantic and feminine touch.
- Designed by the House of Garrard, this ring is a dreamy blend of tradition and elegance.
10. Princess Eugenie’s Unique Padparadscha Sapphire
When Jack Brooksbank proposed to Princess Eugenie in 2018, he chose a rare and vibrant Padparadscha sapphire as the centerpiece.
- This pink-orange gem, surrounded by diamonds, is set on a Welsh gold band, creating a stunning and unique look.
- Eugenie worked with Jack to finalize the design, adding a personal touch to this extraordinary ring.
11. Queen Letizia’s Modern Infinity Band
Queen Letizia of Spain broke with tradition with her engagement ring—a sleek white gold infinity band featuring 16 baguette-cut diamonds.
- Reflecting her modern and minimalist style, the ring is understated yet elegant.
- Letizia now often wears a simple gold band for comfort, especially during her official duties.
Final Thoughts
Royal engagement rings are more than just dazzling pieces of jewelry—they are symbols of love, history, and legacy. Each ring carries a story that intertwines romance with tradition, offering a glimpse into the lives and styles of the world’s most iconic figures.
Whether you’re drawn to Princess Diana’s timeless sapphire or Meghan Markle’s sentimental tri-stone ring, these stunning designs prove that a royal engagement ring is always in style.