The Engagement Rings of the Royal Family
From Kate Middleton’s Sapphire engagement ring, which once belonged to Princess
Diana, to Queen Elizabeth’s square-cut Diamond engagement ring, featuring Diamond
side stones from her mother’s tiara, the engagement rings of the Royals, are,
much like them, steeped in tradition, history and grandeur.
We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite engagement rings worn by the Royal family, if you’re looking for som
Kate Middleton
Prince William gave Kate his mother Princess Diana’s gorgeous 18-carat blue
Sapphire and Diamond engagement ring. When it was bought by Prince Charles in
February 1981 it cost a reported £28,000, but it is now apparently worth in the
region of £300,000. William popped the question during a holiday in Kenya.
According to Kate, it was very romantic!
Princess Margaret
Queen Elizabeth’s sister Margaret received an incredible custom designed Ruby
engagement ring, designed by her future husband, photographer Antony
Armstrong-Jones. It was created to look like a rosebud (a Ruby surrounded by Diamonds)
to honour the princess’ middle name, Rose. Love it!
Sophie, Countess of Wessex
Prince Edward, the Queen's youngest son, proposed to the former Sophie
Rhys-Jones with a ring from Garrards, a firm favourite Royal jeweller, featuring
a 2.00ct Oval cut Diamond, flanked by two heart shape Diamonds and set in White
Gold. This would be valued at around £100,000. In keeping with the tradition,
Sophie’s wedding ring was also made from Welsh Gold. The Gold came,
appropriately, from The Prince Edward mine in Trawnsfynydd in Gwynedd, North
Wales.
Sarah Ferguson
Prince Andrew proposed to Sarah on March 19, 1986. The Prince proposed during a
stay at Scotland’s Floors Castle, where apparently their first kiss took place
– with a £25,000 Burmese Ruby ring, chosen specifically to match Sarah’s red
hair. The ring is very similar to Diana’s as it features a coloured gem surrounded
by Diamonds.
Princess Anne
For her marriage to Captain Mark Phillips, Princess Anne chose a Sapphire and Diamond
engagement ring, again by Garrard Jewellers.
Rather than choosing a family heirloom, as William did, Mike Tindall
decided to design his own ring for his Royal bride-to-be. The beautiful piece
of jewellery features a single solitaire Diamond in the centre. It sits on tens
of pave set Diamonds on a band made of platinum.
Queen Letizia of Spain
Looking across the channel, King Felipe proposed to Letizia Ortiz in 2003 with
a 16-baguette Diamond engagement ring with a white gold trim. As well as the
ring, which was reported to cost around £2,139, he also gifted his lady a
necklace from the family collection.
Unlike most Royals, the Spanish Royal family are known for their austere ways
and a ring like Letizia's would be valued at around £3,000.
Which of these beautiful rings are your favourites? Let us know in the comments
below, and if you’ve been inspired to design your own engagement ring like some
of the Royal family, why not get in touch with one of our master jewellers who
can help you from concept and design to finishing the perfect engagement ring.