The £300,000 Secret: 7 Shocking Facts About Princess Diana's Controversial Engagement Ring
Few pieces of jewelry hold the cultural and historical weight of Princess Diana's engagement ring. More than just a stunning 12-carat sapphire, this iconic jewel—now famously worn by Catherine, the Princess of Wales—represents a seismic shift in royal tradition, a testament to a princess’s independent spirit, and an enduring symbol of love and legacy. As of , the ring remains one of the most recognizable and talked-about pieces of jewelry in the world, its story a fascinating blend of opulence, controversy, and timeless style.
The ring’s journey, from its unexpected selection in 1981 by a young Lady Diana Spencer to its current place on the hand of the future Queen Consort, is steeped in unique details that even the most avid royal watchers often overlook. It’s a jewel that broke with centuries of royal protocol, inspiring millions of commoners and setting a global trend for colored gemstone engagement rings that continues today. Its estimated value has skyrocketed, but its sentimental worth to the Royal Family is truly incalculable.
The Unprecedented History of the World's Most Famous Ring
The ring’s origins are perhaps the most controversial and fascinating aspect of its history, immediately setting it apart from other royal jewels. When Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana Spencer in February 1981, he presented her with a selection of rings from the Crown Jeweller, Garrard. Diana’s choice was a stunning cluster ring featuring a massive 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, all set in 18-karat white gold.
The controversy stemmed from the fact that this particular ring was not a bespoke, one-of-a-kind royal commission. Instead, it was an item available in Garrard’s general catalog, meaning any wealthy member of the public could, theoretically, purchase the exact same ring.
- The Royal Scandal: Choosing a ring from a catalog was seen as a major break from royal tradition, where custom-designed or inherited jewels were the norm. Critics argued it lacked the exclusivity expected of a future Queen’s engagement ring.
- Diana’s Reasoning: It is widely believed that Diana chose the ring simply because it reminded her of her mother’s engagement ring and because the deep blue of the sapphire matched her eyes. This personal, rather than traditional, choice cemented her image as a royal who followed her own heart.
- Queen Victoria’s Inspiration: Despite the catalog controversy, the design was not without royal precedent. It was inspired by a magnificent sapphire and diamond brooch that Prince Albert commissioned for Queen Victoria in 1840 as her "something blue" on their wedding day.
This decision to choose a non-unique piece resonated deeply with the public, making the ring accessible in spirit and instantly recognizable. It became a symbol of Diana’s connection to the people, inadvertently democratizing the royal engagement ring.
From Catalog Choice to Royal Legacy: Design and Value
The exquisite design of the ring is what has made it a timeless piece of jewelry, inspiring countless replicas and a global trend for sapphire engagement rings. The central Ceylon sapphire is renowned for its intense, vivid royal blue hue, which contrasts beautifully with the brilliance of the surrounding diamonds.
The ring’s specifications are a masterclass in classic royal jewelry design:
- Central Gemstone: 12-carat oval-cut Ceylon sapphire.
- Surrounding Stones: 14 flawless solitaire diamonds.
- Metal Setting: 18-karat white gold.
- Original Cost (1981): Approximately £28,000 (or $37,500 USD).
The financial value of the ring has soared since its original purchase. While the original price was a substantial sum in the early 1980s, its current estimated value is far higher, driven by its history and cultural significance.
Today, the ring is estimated to be worth up to £300,000, though some valuations place it even higher, as its provenance as a piece worn by two Princesses of Wales makes it priceless. For comparison, the original purchase price of £28,000 would be equivalent to around £110,000 today when adjusted for inflation, highlighting the massive increase in its market value.
It is important to note the distinction between Diana’s engagement ring and her actual wedding band. The wedding band, placed on her finger by Prince Charles during the 1981 ceremony, was crafted from a nugget of rare Welsh gold, a tradition upheld by every royal bride since Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother.
A New Chapter: The Ring's Journey to the Princess of Wales
Following Princess Diana's tragic passing in 1997, the ring, along with her other personal jewelry, was kept in the care of her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry. The next chapter in the ring’s life began in 2010 when Prince William chose it to propose to his long-time girlfriend, Kate Middleton, during a trip to Kenya.
The choice to use his mother’s ring was a deeply personal and symbolic gesture. Prince William famously stated that giving Kate his mother’s ring was his way of ensuring his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales, could be a part of their wedding day.
- The Proposal: Prince William carried the ring in his rucksack for three weeks before the proposal, admitting he was terrified of losing the irreplaceable heirloom in the African wilderness.
- The Heirloom’s New Life: Since 2010, the ring has been a permanent fixture on Kate Middleton's finger. As the Princess of Wales, she proudly wears the jewel, ensuring Diana’s legacy is visible at major royal events and on the global stage.
- The Enduring Trend: Kate’s continued wearing of the ring has sparked a renewed interest in cluster settings and blue sapphires, proving the design’s timelessness and the powerful influence of the Royal Family on jewelry trends.
The ring has transcended its original controversy to become one of the most beloved pieces of royal jewelry. Its journey from a catalog item to a global icon, and finally to a cherished heirloom worn by the future Queen, encapsulates the dramatic and enduring story of the modern monarchy.
The Final Legacy of a 'Dis-Moi Oui' Icon
While the sapphire ring is her most famous, Diana also possessed other significant pieces, including a diamond ring gifted to her by Dodi Fayed shortly before their deaths. This ring, often referred to as the "Dis-Moi Oui" ring (French for "Tell me yes"), was a diamond dome ring from the jeweler Repossi, valued at around $15,200 at the time. However, it is the sapphire and diamond engagement ring that remains her definitive jewelry legacy.
The iconic 12-carat sapphire ring is more than just a magnificent jewel; it is a powerful cultural artifact. It symbolizes Princess Diana's unique blend of tradition and modernity, her connection to the public, and the enduring bond between a mother and her son. By passing it on to Catherine, Princess of Wales, Prince William ensured that the ring’s story—a story of love, independence, and lasting style—will continue for generations to come, forever linking the two most influential women in his life.
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