The Antique Jewellery Company Christmas Gift Bow The Gift Guide
Latest Finds What's Hot Expert Picks The Archive Sale Eras Collections
Contact Book Appointment
Wishlist Sign In
The Antique Jewellery Company
UK Christmas Deadline 23rd Dec
10% off with LASTMIN10
The Antique Jewellery Company Experts since 1975Read Our Story
The Antique Jewellery Company
The Antique Jewellery Company Blog

Queen Elizabeth II’s Engagement Ring: Get the Look

Want a ring that's worthy of a queen? Look no further!

Queen Elizabeth II was second by name but never second by nature, and her engagement ring was no exception. The late, great monarch’s engagement ring is one of the most iconic royal jewels in history. Among the many celebrated engagement rings worn by royals, Queen Liz’s engagement ring stands out. This is because it has a timeless elegance and history to match the woman who wore it.

DID YOU KNOW? 
The ring came with a bonus bracelet: Prince Philip also used stones from his mother’s tiara to design a bracelet for his soon-to-be wife. A second present for the Second Queen Elizabeth!

The Story Behind Queen Liz’s Engagement Ring

When Prince Philip proposed to Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) in July 1947, the future king smartly chose an engagement ring with deep sentimental value. Although Philip was born a Greek Prince, his family was exiled from Greece, leaving him with limited financial resources when he wished to propose to Elizabeth in 1946. His mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg, generously offered her wedding tiara so Philip could use the diamonds to create Elizabeth’s ring.

Princess Alice of Battenberg wearing her wedding tiara, which later became Elizabeth II's engagement ring
Princess Alice of Battenberg, Philip’s mother, wearing her wedding tiara, which later became Elizabeth II’s engagement ring

The ring’s design featured a round 3-carat centre diamond. This diamond is flanked by five clusters of smaller diamonds on each shoulder, all set in platinum. A design like this isn’t seen often, and the centre stone’s size suggests it was intended to be worn regularly, rather than reserved for special occasions.

Get The Look

Queen Elizabeth's engagement ring, worn in the wild
Out in the wild

Timeless Design

The elegance of Queen Elizabeth’s engagement ring lies in its simplicity and sophistication. The round diamond, surrounded by smaller stones, represents a classic style that is both understated and regal. The platinum setting adds a modern touch, making it a ring that has remained fashionable for decades.

Although the Queen frequently wore gloves in public, which often concealed her ring, it has still been prominently displayed on numerous occasions throughout her life. Most recently, she showcased the ring in a new portrait celebrating her Platinum Jubilee.

Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee Portrait
Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee Portrait, by Ranald Mackechnie

For brides who dream of an engagement ring inspired by Queen Elizabeth’s timeless piece, there are plenty options available in our collection that capture the essence of her Royal design.

We hold one of the world’s greatest collections of antique engagement rings, available to purchase online.

Read This Next

Sign up to our blog

Enter the World of AJC

Read. Watch. Shop. Learn. All in one place.

This Month's Top Stories