The engagement ring worn by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has been more than just a symbol of her relationship with Prince Harry – it’s become a fascinating reflection of her personal style and a continuing story of love and remembrance. From its initial design featuring diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection to the subtle yet significant updates over the years, the ring has captivated royal watchers and jewelry enthusiasts alike.
The Original Design: A Royal Connection
When Prince Harry proposed in , he presented Meghan with a ring he designed in collaboration with Cleave & Company, a London-based jeweler renowned for its work with military medals and royal regalia. The centerpiece is a cushion-cut diamond sourced from Botswana, a country holding special significance for both Harry and Meghan, as they spent time there early in their relationship. Flanking the central stone are two round diamonds originating from the personal collection of Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, creating a poignant link to his family history.
The original ring featured a classic yellow gold band, chosen at Meghan’s preference. At the time of the engagement, experts estimated the ring’s value at approximately £120,000 (roughly $150,000 USD at the time of writing).
The Three-Stone Setting and its Revival
The ring’s three-stone design, also known as a trilogy ring, wasn’t necessarily a contemporary trend at the time of the engagement. While halo settings – where a central stone is encircled by smaller diamonds – had dominated bridal jewelry throughout much of the 2010s, the three-stone setting experienced a resurgence in popularity following the announcement of Harry and Meghan’s engagement. The design itself has a long history, offering a symbolic representation of past, present, and future.
A Cushion Cut with Classic Appeal
The choice of a cushion-cut diamond for the center stone also drew attention. Unlike sharper cuts like princess or round brilliant, cushion cuts feature rounded corners and larger facets, resulting in a softer, more romantic brilliance. Popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the cut had become less common by , making its selection a nod to classic elegance.
Jewelers noted an increased interest in cushion-cut diamonds following the engagement, demonstrating the influence of the royal couple’s choices on broader jewelry trends.
First Update: A Pavé Band in
In , Meghan’s ring underwent its first noticeable transformation. The original plain yellow gold band was replaced with a more delicate micropavé band, encrusted with small diamonds. This update, reportedly commissioned by Prince Harry and executed by jeweler Lorraine Schwartz, added approximately 0.75 carats to the ring’s overall weight and introduced a more contemporary aesthetic. The change coincided with the birth of their son, Archie, and was first publicly observed at Trooping the Colour.
Around the same time, Harry gifted Meghan an eternity band featuring the birthstones of family members – peridot for Meghan, emerald for Archie, and sapphire for Harry – adding another layer of personal meaning to her jewelry collection.
Further Refinements in
By , Meghan had further enhanced the ring by adding additional diamonds surrounding the central cushion-cut stone, increasing its brilliance and overall impact. This version of the ring was showcased at the Invictus Games in The Hague, a location significant as the site of Harry and Meghan’s first public appearance as a couple. Experts estimated the value of the updated ring to be around £250,000 (approximately $315,000 USD).
Current Estimated Value and Ongoing Maintenance
Determining the precise value of a ring with such a unique history and sentimental significance is complex. The inclusion of diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection adds an immeasurable emotional value. Current estimates range from £250,000 to £300,000 (approximately $315,000 to $380,000 USD).
The ring has occasionally been absent from public appearances, prompting speculation. In , it was confirmed that the ring was undergoing repairs due to a loose stone. Such maintenance is common for frequently worn jewelry, particularly pieces with delicate micropavé settings, where small diamonds are held in place by tiny prongs. Given the importance of the Diana-era diamonds, repairs are considered essential to preserve the ring’s integrity.
Recent Speculation and a Ring That Evolves
Recent photographs have sparked some debate among jewelry experts regarding the appearance of the center stone, with some suggesting a possible alteration. However, it remains unclear whether this is due to a new modification or simply variations in lighting and photography.
The evolution of Meghan’s engagement ring reflects a broader trend of personalization in jewelry. Elements like selecting stones with personal significance, opting for the three-stone setting, and choosing a classic cushion cut are all accessible options for couples creating their own engagement rings.
As Stephen Connelly, director of Cleave & Company, stated, the jeweler will not create replicas of the original design, ensuring that Meghan and Harry’s ring remains a uniquely personal and cherished symbol of their love story.
