Royal engagement rings have long been a symbol of love, wealth, and prestige. From the iconic blue sapphire and diamond ring that belonged to Princess Diana to Kate Middleton's stunning oval sapphire, royal engagement rings have captured the public's attention for generations. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at some of the most famous royal engagement rings and the stories behind them.

Royal engagement rings are not just a symbol of love and commitment, they also carry immense historical and cultural significance. The first recorded instance of a diamond engagement ring dates back to 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring. Since then, royal engagement rings have been the subject of much interest and fascination. Here, we will delve into the stories behind some of the most famous royal engagement rings of modern times.

Princess Diana's Engagement Ring

Princess Diana's engagement ring is perhaps the most iconic of all royal engagement rings. It features an 18-carat blue sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds, set in white gold. The ring was originally purchased by Prince Charles from Garrard, the royal jeweler, and was reportedly inspired by a sapphire and diamond brooch that belonged to Prince Albert. The ring became even more famous after Princess Diana's tragic death in 1997 when it was inherited by Prince William and later given to his now-wife, Kate Middleton.

Kate Middleton's Engagement Ring

Kate Middleton's engagement ring is a true showstopper. It features a 12-carat oval sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds, set in white gold. The ring once belonged to Princess Diana, who wore it frequently during her lifetime. It is said that Prince William chose this ring to honor his mother and to symbolize the continuity of their love.

Meghan Markle's Engagement Ring

Meghan Markle's engagement ring is a beautiful and unique design. It features a 6-carat cushion-cut diamond, flanked by two smaller diamonds, set in yellow gold. The ring was designed by Prince Harry himself, in collaboration with the renowned jeweler Cleave and Company. The diamonds in the ring were sourced from Botswana and the smaller stones belonged to Princess Diana. The ring has been praised for its simplicity and elegance.

Princess Eugenie's Engagement Ring

Princess Eugenie's engagement ring is another beautiful and unique design. It features a pink sapphire surrounded by diamonds, set in yellow gold. The ring was designed by Jack Brooksbank, Princess Eugenie's fiancé, in collaboration with the jeweler Shaun Leane. The pink sapphire is said to be a nod to Princess Eugenie's mother, Sarah Ferguson, who also has a pink sapphire engagement ring.

Queen Elizabeth II's Engagement Ring

Queen Elizabeth II's engagement ring is a stunning piece of jewelry with a fascinating history. The ring features a 3-carat diamond flanked by 10 smaller diamonds, set in platinum. The center stone was originally part of a larger diamond that belonged to Prince Philip's mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg. The diamond was later re-cut to its current size and used in the engagement ring.

Other Famous Royal Engagement Rings

While these five engagement rings are perhaps the most well-known, there are many other famous royal engagement rings worth mentioning. Grace Kelly's engagement ring, for example, featured a 10.5-carat diamond and was designed by her fiancé, Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Princess Anne's engagement ring featured a sapphire and diamond cluster, while Princess Margaret's engagement ring was a ruby surrounded by diamonds. 

What are the common features among these top celebrity engagement rings?

Some of the common features among these famous celebrity engagement rings include:

Large center stones: Many of the rings feature a large center diamond or gemstone that is the focal point of the design.

Halo setting: A popular style for many celebrity rings is a halo setting, which surrounds the center stone with smaller diamonds or gemstones.

Unique designs: Many of the rings have unique and intricate designs, often featuring a combination of different diamond shapes, colored gemstones, and metalwork.

High-quality diamonds: The diamonds used in these rings are typical of very high quality, with excellent cut, clarity, and color grades.

Personal touches: Some of the rings feature personal touches that reflect the individual style and taste of the wearer and the giver, such as engravings or customized settings.

Overall, these celebrity engagement rings are often extravagant and eye-catching, designed to showcase the love and commitment of the couple in a truly memorable way.