Royal engagement rings have captured the hearts of many, especially with two royal weddings on the horizon this year! Since November 2010, when Kate Middleton's engagement to Prince William set off a chain of royal nuptials, public fascination with these exquisite pieces of jewelry has only grown. In the years that followed, several other royal engagements, including those of Zara Tindall, Pippa Middleton, Meghan Markle, and Princess Eugenie, have further fueled this interest, making the jewels themselves iconic symbols of love and status.
As the world eagerly anticipates these royal events, many are left wondering: what do these stunning rings look like and what unique features do they hold? In an exclusive interview with Closer Weekly, Kathryn Money, the Vice President of Strategy and Merchandising at Brilliant Earth, sheds light on the fascinating details behind the engagement rings of these five notable women. Join us as we explore the unique characteristics, carat sizes, costs, and more that make these rings so special!
Kate Middleton’s engagement ring is a true masterpiece, featuring a deep blue sapphire surrounded by a halo of diamond accents. This stunning piece, set on a platinum band, perfectly embodies her timeless and sophisticated style. Interestingly, Kate's choice has revitalized the trend of colored gemstone engagement rings, although these vibrant gems have been favored by European royals for generations. Princess Diana originally selected this ring in 1981, making it a significant piece of royal history.
The ring consists of approximately 14 round diamonds encircling a remarkable 12-carat oval blue sapphire. Due to its historical significance, this ring is considered priceless, making it challenging to provide an accurate value estimate. Its allure lies not only in its beauty but also in the royal legacy it represents.
Meghan Markle’s engagement ring was custom-designed by Prince Harry and features a stunning center cushion cut diamond, flanked by two round diamonds from Princess Diana’s personal collection. The ring is set on a classic yellow gold band, reflecting Meghan’s chic and relaxed style. One of the most notable aspects of this ring is that the center diamond was sourced from Botswana, showcasing the couple's commitment to social and environmental responsibility.
This engagement ring beautifully combines the old with the new, connecting Meghan to her royal heritage while also representing her unique identity. The estimated size of the center stone is close to five carats, with the two side diamonds being approximately 0.75 carats each. The cost to replicate this exquisite piece is estimated to start at around $120,000, but its true value is priceless due to the family heirlooms it incorporates.
Princess Eugenie’s engagement ring stands out with its unique oval brilliant Padparadscha sapphire, a rare gemstone known for its striking pinkish-orange hue. Set in a mixed metal white and yellow gold design, the ring features a vintage-inspired halo of pear and round brilliant diamonds. This choice reflects a growing trend among contemporary brides who prefer rings that highlight their individuality.
Her ring showcases various popular stylistic elements, including the use of colored gemstones instead of traditional diamonds, distinctive halo settings, and flattering oval shapes. The center stone is approximately three carats and is surrounded by diamonds totaling around two and a half to three carats in weight. The estimated cost of this exceptional ring ranges from $30,000 to $50,000, depending on the specific characteristics of the gemstones used.
Pippa Middleton's engagement ring is a vintage-inspired halo design that exudes an Art Deco flair. Featuring an Asscher cut diamond in a bezel setting, the ring is surrounded by an octagonal halo of sparkling round diamonds. This striking piece contrasts with her sister Kate's ring but aligns perfectly with Pippa's modern sense of style, ensuring it remains timeless.
We estimate that the center stone weighs about three and a half carats, with the total value of the ring ranging between $75,000 and $90,000. Its unique design elements make it a standout choice among royal engagement rings.
Zara Tindall’s engagement ring features a round brilliant diamond set on a diamond-adorned split shank double band. Unlike many others, this ring was uniquely designed by her husband, Mike Tindall, rather than being a family heirloom. The center diamond is estimated to weigh between two and two and a half carats, and its value can vary significantly based on the quality and rarity of the diamond.
The estimated worth of this beautiful ring is around $50,000, although it could range from $40,000 to $90,000 depending on the diamond's characteristics. Zara's choice reflects a modern approach to engagement rings while still maintaining a classic elegance.
As we admire these stunning royal engagement rings, it's clear that each piece tells a unique story of love, heritage, and personal style. From Kate's iconic sapphire to Meghan's connection to family, these rings are more than just jewelry; they are symbols of enduring romance.
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