Why Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring Caused Controversy

Princess Diana’s engagement ring is one of the most famous pieces of jewellery in history but people often don’t know it caused quite a scandal. While the stunning 12-carat blue sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds became iconic. The origin of Princess Diana’s engagement ring stirred some controversy -it sure didn’t win the hearts of everyone in the royal family.

When Diana became engaged to Prince Charles, she was given the option to choose her ring from a selection of royal jewels as well as pieces from the crown jeweller Garrard. She ultimately selected a ring from Garrard’s catalogue, which featured a white gold band and the now-famous sapphire surrounded by diamonds. However, this decision broke royal tradition.

The Scandal of Princess Di’s Engagement Ring

What caused the scandal was that Diana’s engagement ring was not custom-made for her. Instead, it was available for purchase in Garrard’s catalogue, meaning that anyone with the means could have bought the same ring. Priced at £47,000 (around $60,000 at the time), it was a luxury piece but not exclusive to Royalty. This didn’t sit well with some members of the royal family who felt that royal jewels should be unique and not accessible to “commoners.”

Moreover, the (very wide) publicity of the ring meant the catalogue was now in the public eye making it available to those outside being in the (royal) know. Princess Di really was the “people’s princess”

Royal Inspiration

Interestingly, the design of Diana’s ring was inspired by a piece of Royal history. The jeweller drew inspiration from a sapphire and diamond brooch that Prince Albert had gifted to Queen Victoria in 1840. Which she famously wore as her “something blue” on her wedding day. Queen Elizabeth II later wore the same brooch on multiple public occasions.

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The Ring’s Legacy

Despite the initial controversy, Diana continued to wear the engagement ring even after her divorce from Prince Charles in 1996.

Following her tragic death, the ring was inherited by her eldest son, Prince William, who used it to propose to Kate Middleton in 2010. The sapphire ring has since become a symbol of both Diana’s legacy and Kate’s place in the royal family.

Lessons Learned

Unlike Diana, Meghan Markle avoided scandal with her engagement ring from Prince Harry. It featured diamonds from Diana’s personal collection but, more importantly, it was custom-made by Cleave and Company. To maintain exclusivity, the jeweller announced that no replicas of Meghan’s ring would be made. This decision reflects the lessons learned from the controversy surrounding Princess Diana’s ring, ensuring that royal engagement rings remain unique and irreplaceable.

However, Meghan and Harry’s swift parting with the royal family perhaps alludes to the fact that perhaps custom-made pieces aren’t always best. Especially if Kate’s (now vintage) pre-loved ring is on the hand of someone still firmly in the royal family and beloved by both them and the public alike.

Why not take prompt from both Diana and Kate and browse our antique and vintage sapphire engagement rings? Or book an appointment to see them yourself.

You may not be blue-blooded but a blue coloured gemstone might be for you!