Whenever there’s talk of a royal wedding, fashion lovers know something exciting is coming. It’s not just about the outfits – it’s the jewellery that really steals the show. And when it comes to the British royal family, engagement rings are a whole moment in themselves. We’re talking heirloom-level pieces, serious sparkle, and designs that end up becoming iconic.Recently, jewellery designer and influencer Julia Chafe broke down some of the most talked-about royal engagement rings in an Instagram video (posted on April 13), and honestly, it’s the kind of content you can’t stop watching. She zooms in on the details, the history, and of course – the jaw-dropping price tags.
Perhaps the most iconic of Diana’s jewels, the sapphire and diamond engagement ring was given to her by Prince Charles in 1981, from royal jewellers Garrard. Featuring a 12-carat Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, the ring was later passed to Kate Middleton upon her engagement to Prince William in 2010. Its deep blue hue and timeless design symbolise Diana’s enduring influence on the royal family.
First up, and probably the most famous of them all – Princess Diana’s ring. It’s hard to think of a more recognisable engagement ring, to be honest. The late Princess of Wales wore a stunning 12-carat blue sapphire, surrounded by a halo of diamonds. It’s bold, elegant, and instantly memorable. Back in the day, it was said to cost around $60,000, but today? Estimates put it closer to $600,000. And even that feels like an understatement when you consider the emotional and historical value attached to it. As Julia puts it, some pieces are just beyond price.Then comes Princess Eugenie’s ring, which is a bit of a hidden gem – literally. Her ring features a rare padparadscha sapphire, which has this beautiful mix of pink and orange tones. It’s not something you see every day, and that’s what makes it so special. The oval-cut centre stone is surrounded by diamonds, with a couple of pear-shaped ones on the sides, all set on a yellow gold band. According to Julia, the centre stone alone could be worth around $100,000. And interestingly, while many assume the design was inspired by Diana’s ring, it actually takes cues from her mum’s.
That brings us to Sarah Ferguson. Her engagement ring has its own charm and drama. Instead of a sapphire, she went for a Burmese ruby – one of the rarest and most prized types of rubies out there. The stone sits at the centre, surrounded by ten diamonds arranged in a floral pattern, giving it a slightly vintage, almost romantic feel. Back when it was first bought, it was reportedly valued at around $100,000. But today? A ruby like that, in that shade and quality, would likely be worth a lot more -though putting an exact number on it is tricky.What makes these rings so fascinating isn’t just the price or the sparkle. It’s the stories behind them – the personal choices, the family connections, and how each piece reflects a different personality. From Diana’s timeless sapphire to Eugenie’s rare gemstone and Sarah Ferguson’s bold ruby, each ring feels like a little piece of history you can actually wear.And honestly, that’s what makes royal jewellery so addictive to follow. It’s not just about luxury, it’s about legacy.
