The world first fell in love with the stunning sapphire engagement ring when Prince Charles presented it to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. This breathtaking piece of jewelry, featuring a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire surrounded by a halo of diamonds has since become one of the most recognizable and beloved royal engagement rings in history. Now, as Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, continues to wear this magnificent ring, its legacy endures, inspiring countless imitations and captivating jewelry enthusiasts worldwide.
The proposal that led to this iconic ring took place on February 6, 1981 at Windsor Castle. In a moment filled with emotion, Prince Charles asked Diana to marry him in the nursery, surrounded by flowers. Diana, initially overwhelmed, found herself accepting his proposal, despite a small voice in her head questioning her future as queen. This moment was immortalized in Andrew Morton’s book, Diana: Her True Story in Her Own Words which captures the essence of their engagement.
The creation of a royal masterpiece
Breaking with tradition, Diana was given the freedom to choose her engagement ring from Garrard & Co. In a delightful anecdote, Diana recalled how a briefcase containing sapphires was presented to her under the pretense of Prince Andrew selecting a signet ring for his 21st birthday. Among the options, Diana chose the largest stone, a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire set in an 18-carat gold setting. This choice was unconventional for the time, as the setting was simply picked from a catalogue, a decision that surprised the queen.
The design of the ring was inspired by a sapphire-and-diamond brooch that Prince Albert had made for his wedding to Queen Victoria in 1840. Despite its royal pedigree, the ring was accessible to anyone with $37,000. Diana’s initial enthusiasm for the ring is evident in her playful interactions with it. At a dinner party, she allowed an admirer to try it on, jokingly remarking, ‘I’ll have to have it back, though,’ and playfully noting how she had even scratched her nose with it due to its size.
A brief history of royal engagement rings
Engagement rings have a rich history dating back to ancient times, when they were made from materials like copper and bone. By 850 CE Pope Nicholas I declared that the gift of a ring signified a man’s intention to marry. The tradition of royal engagement rings gained prominence in the mid-19th century, as royal marriages evolved from business arrangements to more intimate love matches. One of the earliest recorded royal engagement rings was presented by Archduke Maximilian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in 1477, featuring a diamond ring shaped like the letter ‘M’.
Throughout history, royal engagement rings have showcased a variety of stones and designs. For instance, when the future King Edward VII proposed to Alexandra of Denmark in 1862, he presented her with a ring featuring a beryl, two emeralds, a ruby, a topaz, and a jacinth, spelling out his nickname ‘Bertie’ in acrostic style. Another notable example is the engagement ring of Empress Alexandra, which included a suite of pink pearls worth 250,000 gold rubles, created by the renowned Russian court jeweler Fabergé.
The personal touch in modern royal engagement rings
In recent decades, royal engagement rings have often carried personal significance. When Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton in 2010, he chose his late mother’s sapphire engagement ring, ensuring that Princess Diana was part of their special moment. Kate Middleton has since become a staple of her wardrobe, embracing the ring’s historical importance. Similarly, Prince Harry incorporated two diamonds from his mother’s collection into the engagement ring he designed for Meghan Markle, adding a personal touch to their proposal.
The enduring appeal of Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring lies in its timeless elegance and the personal stories it carries. From its creation in 1981 to its continued prominence today, this iconic piece of jewelry remains a symbol of royal romance and a testament to the enduring legacy of Princess Diana. As Kate Middleton continues to wear the ring, it serves as a reminder of the love and history that it represents, captivating the world with its beauty and significance.
