We’ve all seen those iconic engagement rings—the ones that spark envy, admiration and a touch of fantasy. But there’s one that stands out, a true legend: Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring. It’s more than just jewelry; it’s a symbol of love, loss and timeless style.
Today, we’re diving into the full story of this iconic ring: its unique design, the royal drama and how it’s still inspiring jewelry lovers everywhere. So, grab your glass of wine and let’s chat about why Princess Diana’s engagement ring is the ultimate sparkler ever.
P.S. If it’s been your dream to own a ring just like hers, our Princess Diana-inspired blue sapphire ring has got you. You’ll love it.
How Princess Diana’s Sapphire Engagement Ring Broke the Norm
Let’s rewind to February 1981: Prince Charles is down on one knee, proposing to Lady Diana. But instead of a custom-designed piece from the royal vault, he gives her a ring picked by Diana herself—straight from a Garrard catalog. It’s a stunning 12-carat blue Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds set in 18-karat white gold. Think deep, oceanic blue with a diamond halo—pure elegance.
Diana’s choice was a game-changer but it stirred up some drama. The royal family wasn’t thrilled. Royal engagement rings are usually custom-made, featuring rare gems with deep historical roots. And Diana’s ring was available to anyone who could afford it. To the palace it seemed “too common,” but to the rest of the world, it was refreshingly real. Diana’s ring made her instantly relatable—she was the “People’s Princess” after all.
And let’s not forget, the ring’s design was inspired by a brooch that Prince Albert gave Queen Victoria in 1840. Diana broke the royal mold by choosing a piece she loved. It was a move that made her more accessible and human—and that’s a vibe we can all get behind.
Now, let’s be real: sapphires are just cool. They’re mysterious and elegant, and have this amazing depth of color that feels both luxurious and down-to-earth. Historically, sapphires symbolize wisdom, virtue and good fortune—the three qualities we’d all love to bring into our lives, right? But if you want the same ring in another color, we’ve got those options too.
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A Legacy That Continued Generations After
After Princess Diana’s untimely passing, this sapphire engagement ring was handed down to her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. In a heartwarming gesture, Prince Harry gave the ring to his older brother, Prince William, who used it to propose to Kate Middleton in 2010. It was a way for William to keep his mother’s memory alive. And when Kate Middleton started wearing it, the world lost its mind all over again. Kate’s style is timeless with a modern twist, much like Diana’s was, and seeing her wear the ring brought back all those feelings—nostalgia, admiration and a whole lot of inspiration.
The Trend That Keeps on Going
Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring didn’t just make waves in the ‘80s and ‘90s; it’s still a major trendsetter. And that’s why, you’ll find some stunning jewelry designs inspired by that iconic sapphire surrounded by a halo of diamonds in our catalog.
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The Rising Era of Gemstone Engagement Rings
Here’s the thing: Diana’s ring is more relevant now than ever. In an era where we celebrate authenticity and individuality, this ring remains the ultimate symbol. It represents choosing what feels right to you regardless of tradition or expectation.
Thanks to Princess Diana and Kate Middleton, gemstones have stepped into the spotlight, showing the world that there’s more to engagement rings than just diamonds. There’s a whole world of vibrant, unique gemstones out there waiting to be explored!
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Summing up, if there’s one thing Princess Di taught us, it’s that true style is timeless—and always comes from the heart. So, which engagement ring are you going to choose?
FAQs:
1. Why did Kate get Princess Diana’s ring?
Kate Middleton received Princess Diana’s engagement ring from Prince William, who inherited it from his brother Harry. William wanted to honor his mother on their wedding day.
2. How much is Princess Diana’s ring worth?
At the time it was purchased, the cost of the ring was £47,000. Today, the estimated worth of the ring is believed to be nearly $400,000!
3. Why did Princess Diana choose a sapphire ring?
There are many theories and speculations about why Princess Diana picked the Ceylon sapphire ring. While some say it was the biggest ring, others believe it resembled her mother’s engagement ring.
