When Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle in November 2017, he did so with a truly stunning engagement ring. The ring, which was custom-made for Meghan, features a large center stone and diamond accents on the sides. In this section, we will discuss the design elements of the ring, including the center stone and diamond accents, as well as the inspiration behind its design.

The Center Stone of the Engagement Ring:

The center stone of Meghan Markle's engagement ring is a cushion-cut diamond from Botswana, which is estimated to be around 3 carats in weight. This diamond is particularly significant as it comes from Botswana, a country that is very meaningful to both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. In fact, the couple visited Botswana early on in their relationship and have since spoken about the impact the country had on them.

The center stone is a cushion-cut diamond that was ethically sourced from Botswana. The diamond has a weight of approximately 3 carats and a clarity grade of VS1, making it of high quality. The diamond is set in a simple yet elegant band of yellow gold. The diamond is flanked by two smaller diamonds, which were taken from a brooch that belonged to Princess Diana. These diamonds are round brilliant cut and have a total weight of approximately 0.5 carats.

The use of the Botswana diamond is significant, as it represents the couple's commitment to ethical and sustainable sourcing. Botswana is known for its strict ethical standards in the diamond industry, which include fair labor practices and environmental responsibility. Meghan Markle has long been an advocate for ethical and sustainable fashion, and the use of this diamond reflects her values.

In addition to its personal significance, the diamond itself is also of exceptional quality. It is reported to be of very high clarity, which means that it is very clear and has few inclusions or imperfections. This, combined with its large size, makes the diamond truly stunning and impressive.

The Diamond Accents:

In addition to the center stone, Meghan Markle's engagement ring also features two smaller diamond accents on the sides. These diamonds were actually taken from a brooch that belonged to Princess Diana, Harry's mother. The brooch, which was a gift from the Queen, features a large sapphire surrounded by diamonds. When Harry and Meghan were designing the ring, they chose to use the two diamonds from the brooch as a way to honor Princess Diana's memory and include her in the ring.

The diamond accents on Meghan Markle's engagement ring are estimated to be around 0.5 carats each and are of exceptional quality. They are reported to be of a very high cut, which means that they are cut in a way that maximizes their sparkle and brilliance.

The Ring’s Design Inspiration

The inspiration behind the design of Meghan Markle's engagement ring is said to be a combination of both Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's tastes and styles. In an interview, Harry explained that he wanted to design a ring that was "yellow gold because that's her favorite and the main stone itself I sourced from Botswana." He also spoke about the importance of including Princess Diana in the ring, saying that "the little diamonds on either side are from my mother's jewelry collection, to make sure that she's with us on this crazy journey together."

Overall, Meghan Markle's engagement ring is a truly stunning piece of jewelry that is both personal and meaningful. The combination of the Botswana diamond, the diamond accents from Princess Diana's collection, and the yellow gold band all come together to create a ring that is both beautiful and full of symbolism. It is no wonder that the ring has had such a significant impact on the jewelry industry and popular culture.

The Design of the Ring

The design of the ring was custom-made for Meghan Markle by the royal jeweler, Cleave and Company. The design was created by Prince Harry himself, who worked closely with the jeweler to create a ring that was both beautiful and meaningful. The ring's two smaller diamonds were taken from a brooch that belonged to Prince Harry's mother, Princess Diana. This adds a sentimental element to the ring, as it represents the connection between the couple and the late Princess.

The estimated value of the ring is around $350,000, making it one of the most expensive royal engagement rings in history. However, the cost of the ring is a reflection of its high-quality design and materials, as well as the fact that it was custom-made for Meghan Markle. The use of ethically sourced diamonds and the sentimental value of the ring also contribute to its value.

The impact of Meghan Markle's engagement ring has been significant, both in the jewelry industry and popular culture. The ring has influenced trends in engagement rings, with many people seeking out similar designs that incorporate classic and modern elements. The ring has also sparked a conversation about the importance of ethical sourcing and sustainability in the jewelry industry. This has led to more companies adopting ethical standards and practices.

In conclusion, Meghan Markle's engagement ring is a beautiful and meaningful symbol of love and commitment. Its design elements, including the center stone and diamond accents, reflect the couple's values and personal connections. The ring's impact on the jewelry industry and popular culture highlights the significance of ethical and sustainable sourcing in the production of luxury goods.