The subtle signs in Royals’ wedding rings & why Meghan Markle is a ‘fashion leader’ while Kate Middleton has ‘charm’
AN EXPERT has shared the subtle signs hidden in the royals' engagement rings which reveal insights into their personalities.
Lorna Haddon, head of diamonds and jewellery at , has outlined the tiny details in each ring which confirm Meghan Markle's status as a 'fashion leader', and reflect Kate Middleton's effortless 'charm'.
⚠️ Read our Meghan and Harry blog for the latest news on the Royal couple.
Every ring a royal bride wears is worth thousands, and many are bespoke having been designed with the women in mind.
Some are family heirlooms, or have been made from other pieces of priceless jewellery.
Kate’s ring is arguably the most iconic in the royal family, having previously belonged to Princess Diana.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge announced their engagement in 2010, with Prince William, 38, proposing with his mother’s ring in Kenya.
Lorna describes 38-year-old Kate’s ring as a ‘treasured family heirloom’ which reflects her personality, channelling her composure and charm.
She revealed: “Kate’s ring once belonged to Prince William’s mother, Princess Diana, and has incredible sentimental value to the prince.
“A blue sapphire is said to symbolise faithfulness and sincerity – a romantic and meaningful gesture for Kate’s ring which complements her classic and understated look.
“Royal and regal, the deep blue coloured gemstone is a great match for Kate, who is known for her composure, charisma and charm.”
Estimated to be worth around £300,000, the 18 carat white gold band features a 12 carat oval blue sapphire, surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds.
Prince Harry used stones from Princess Diana’s collection to create a ring for Meghan Markle, 39.
The 35-year-old proposed in 2017 with a classic gold band set with three diamonds, although the mum-of-one later upgraded the ring to feature a diamond-studded band, valued at £150,000.
Lorna said Prince Harry’s decision to opt for three stones had a deep significance, as it represents the ‘past, present and future’.
Lorna said: “She may have dropped her royal duties, but her ring is definitely still fit for royalty!
“Three stone diamond rings are a popular choice as the ring sits perfectly with a traditional wedding band and eternity band, and shows off a brilliant cut diamond to its full extent.
“The three stones are said to represent a couple’s past, present and future together – a romantic and meaningful gesture from the prince.”
She noted Harry’s design reflects Megan’s ‘individuality and style’, adding it perfectly matches her status as a fashion icon.
Lorna added: “Harry has followed in his brother’s footsteps and selected diamonds from his mother’s collection to create this truly intricate design – a tribute to Meghan’s unique individuality and style, which has seen her make her mark within the royal family.
“Its intricate detailing and three stone setting is the perfect choice for fashion leaders like Meghan who aren’t afraid to try something new.”
The Queen and Prince Philip married in 1947, with the pair announcing their engagement earlier that year.
The 94-year-old’s ring was designed by The Duke of Edinburgh, who used stones from his mother’s tiara to create the showstopper.
Lorna, who valued at around £200,000, said: “Queen Elizabeth’s stunning engagement ring is absolutely timeless.
“Designed by Prince Philip himself, one of his mother’s tiaras was the previous home of this large central brilliant-cut diamond, with stones pave-set into a triangular section of the ring, set in platinum.
“With Her Majesty’s matching pastel suits and hats, the Queen is always impeccably dressed, and her traditional ring is the perfect statement piece to represent her vibrant and iconic style.
“It’s the ideal ring choice for those looking for a classic piece with an eye-catching stone at the centre – a dazzling look to show you really mean business!”
Princess Beatrice wed Edoardo Mapelli Mozz in a secret ceremony in July, after her wedding bash was cancelled due to coronavirus.
The 37-year-old proposed to Beatrice, 32, with a ring Lorna estimated to be worth a whopping £250,000.
She pointed out her ring is similar to another royal - the Queen - and Princess Beatrice paid homage to her grandmother by wearing her dress down the aisle.
She said: “Beatrice’s fiancé Edoardo (now husband) wowed us back in 2019 with this stunning platinum diamond engagement ring, with its large central diamond framed by tapered baguette cut diamonds.
“With similarities to Queen Elizabeth’s ring, a solitaire diamond ring is a classic choice, offering a timeless finish with plenty of dazzling sparkle.
“Although Beatrice attends many royal events and is often in the limelight, her style is chic and understated, and the ring perfectly reflects her relaxed and laid-back vibe.”
In contrast her sister, Princess Eugenie, wears a gold band set with a pink sapphire nestled among ten brilliant cut diamonds and two pear cut diamonds, which Lorna described as a ‘statement’ ring.
The 30-year-old wed Jack Brooksbank, 34, at St George’s Chapel in 2018, the same venue where Prince Harry and Meghan Markle got married.
The stunning jewel, which Lorna valued at around £100,000, is similar to her mum’s, Sarah Ferguson’s ring, which features rubies.
Lorna said: “Vibrant coloured gemstones paired with diamonds are becoming increasingly popular for brides who are looking for a statement engagement ring, and have been a key feature in royal proposals for many years.
“The ring is not dissimilar to her mother’s eye-catching ruby engagement ring, which suggests a close bond between mother and daughter, and a penchant for striking and unusual fashion choices.
“Pink sapphires symbolise creativity, love, and romance, so a perfect heartfelt gesture from her husband Jack Brooksbank who she married in 2018.
“The slim gold band accentuates the central piece and draws the eye straight to the gorgeous and unusual sapphire.”
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