7 Shocking Facts About Princess Diana's Engagement Ring: History, Value, And The Royal Controversy
Few pieces of jewelry in history carry the weight, romance, and controversy of Princess Diana's iconic sapphire engagement ring. This mesmerizing cluster of blue and white has transcended its physical form to become a symbol of a beloved Princess, a pivotal moment in royal history, and a timeless beacon of style. As of late December 2025, the ring continues to captivate the world, now gracing the hand of Catherine, Princess of Wales, serving as a powerful, visible link between the late Princess of Wales and the future Queen Consort.
The ring's journey from a jeweler's catalogue to the finger of a future Queen is filled with surprising choices, broken traditions, and an astronomical rise in value. Its continued prominence ensures it remains one of the most talked-about and imitated pieces of jewellery globally, a true testament to the enduring legacy of Diana Spencer. We dive deep into the most fascinating and little-known facts about this royal treasure.
The Icon: Design, History, and the Royal Controversy
The ring's sheer beauty is undeniable, but the story behind its selection is what truly makes it unique and, at the time, highly controversial within the Royal Family. It is not just a ring; it is a piece of rebellious royal history.
A Controversial Choice: Not Custom-Made for a Princess
When Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, he presented her with a selection of rings from the Crown Jeweller, Garrard & Co. The ring Diana ultimately chose was a striking 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire, surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, set in 18-karat white gold. The surprising fact is that this ring was not a bespoke, one-of-a-kind royal commission. Instead, it was a stock item from Garrard’s catalogue, meaning any member of the public—provided they had the funds—could purchase the exact same design.
This decision caused a stir among senior royals, who preferred unique, custom-designed pieces for the future Princess of Wales. Diana’s choice to select a ring available to the masses was seen as a break from centuries of royal tradition, but it perfectly mirrored her desire to be a "People's Princess." The design itself, however, was inspired by a sapphire and diamond brooch commissioned by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria in 1840, providing a subtle nod to royal heritage.
The Jewel's Composition and Origin
The central gemstone is a magnificent 12-carat Ceylon sapphire, sourced from Sri Lanka. Ceylon sapphires are renowned for their vibrant, velvety blue colour and exceptional clarity, making them highly prized. The deep blue stone is encircled by 14 brilliant-cut diamonds, creating a dazzling cluster effect. The setting is crafted from 18-karat white gold, which beautifully complements the brilliance of the diamonds and the intensity of the sapphire. This specific style, known as a cluster ring, has become one of the most imitated engagement ring designs since Diana first wore it.
The Legacy: From Diana to Catherine, Princess of Wales
Following Princess Diana's tragic death, the ring became a cherished heirloom. Its transfer to the next generation ensured its story would continue, cementing its status as an iconic piece of royal history.
Prince William's Touching Proposal
The ring was famously passed down to Prince William, who used it to propose to Catherine Middleton in 2010 while they were on safari in Kenya. William revealed that giving Kate his mother's ring was his way of ensuring Diana was part of their wedding day and their future together. He carried the ring in his backpack for three weeks before proposing under the majestic gaze of Mount Kenya, adding a new layer of profound sentimental value to the already historic piece.
When Catherine, Princess of Wales, first debuted the ring, it immediately sparked a global frenzy, leading to a massive resurgence in popularity for sapphire engagement rings. The ring is now inextricably linked to two of the most famous women in the world, embodying both Diana's spirit and Kate's elegant, modern royalty.
The 'Other' Ring: Diana's Second Engagement
A lesser-known fact is that the sapphire ring was not the only engagement ring Diana possessed. Towards the end of her life, she received a ring from Dodi Fayed. The ring, known as the "Dis-Moi Oui" (French for "Tell Me Yes") ring, was a diamond dome ring from the jeweler Repossi. While often overshadowed by the sapphire, this piece represented a different chapter in her life and was valued at approximately $15,200 at the time, a stark contrast to the royal sapphire’s value and history.
The Value: Then vs. Now and Global Impact
The financial value of Diana’s sapphire ring has skyrocketed since its initial purchase, but its cultural and historical worth is truly priceless. It is a jewel that has influenced global jewellery trends for decades.
The Astronomical Rise in Financial Worth
When Prince Charles purchased the ring in 1981, its cost was approximately £28,000 to £47,000. This price was based purely on the cost of the materials and the setting at the time. Today, the ring's estimated intrinsic value is significantly higher, primarily due to inflation and the rarity of such a large, high-quality Ceylon sapphire. Current estimates place its worth between £300,000 and over $400,000.
However, this number only reflects its material value. Its historical provenance—having been worn by Princess Diana and now Catherine, Princess of Wales—makes it virtually impossible to appraise accurately. If the ring were ever put up for auction, experts agree it would fetch a multi-million-pound sum, far exceeding its current financial estimate due to its unparalleled status as a royal and cultural artifact.
The Enduring Trendsetter: Spawning a Thousand Imitations
Princess Diana’s choice single-handedly transformed the perception of engagement rings. Before 1981, diamond solitaires were the undisputed standard. The introduction of the vibrant blue sapphire cluster made coloured gemstones fashionable overnight. Jewelers worldwide saw an immediate surge in demand for sapphire cluster rings, a trend that was reignited in 2010 when Prince William gave the ring to Kate. The ring continues to be the blueprint for thousands of imitation and inspired designs, ensuring its influence on the jewellery world remains as powerful today as it was over four decades ago.
The ring is more than a beautiful piece of jewellery; it is a powerful symbol of a woman who defined an era. Its transition from a young Princess's rebellious choice to a future Queen's treasured heirloom ensures that the legacy of Diana, Princess of Wales, continues to sparkle brightly for generations to come.
Detail Author:
- Name : Clovis Jones
- Username : ruben55
- Email : amari.boyle@rodriguez.com
- Birthdate : 1996-03-27
- Address : 36451 Kuphal Crossing Padbergmouth, GA 97943
- Phone : 1-231-378-4005
- Company : Hilpert-Hoeger
- Job : Automotive Body Repairer
- Bio : Et enim dolores unde sit et. Delectus quasi molestias et totam qui voluptatem suscipit. Laboriosam excepturi nobis nihil.
Socials
linkedin:
- url : https://linkedin.com/in/desireesatterfield
- username : desireesatterfield
- bio : Quasi laboriosam suscipit eaque corrupti.
- followers : 3562
- following : 1514
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/desireesatterfield
- username : desireesatterfield
- bio : Excepturi impedit qui natus enim qui et explicabo. Rem cumque vel maxime laboriosam.
- followers : 4915
- following : 1085
facebook:
- url : https://facebook.com/desiree2588
- username : desiree2588
- bio : Veritatis et corrupti aperiam tempore iusto et voluptatem.
- followers : 756
- following : 2358
tiktok:
- url : https://tiktok.com/@desiree_satterfield
- username : desiree_satterfield
- bio : Error quia nostrum officia omnis numquam. Consequuntur officiis qui est.
- followers : 1431
- following : 2833
