The Most Expensive Royal Engagement Rings of All Time
Royal engagement rings have always captured the world’s attention, often symbolizing the beginning of iconic love stories and the immense wealth and influence of royal families. Many of these engagement rings feature rare gemstones and intricate designs, crafted to reflect the grandeur of the families they represent. Some royal engagement rings are not only famous for their beauty and sentiment but also for their jaw-dropping prices, making them some of the most expensive rings in history.
One of the most famous and expensive royal engagement rings is the sapphire ring given to Princess Diana by Prince Charles in 1981. The iconic ring, now worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, features a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds set in 18-karat white gold. The ring initially cost around £28,000 (about $36,000 at the time), but its value has skyrocketed due to its historical significance and association with two of the most beloved British royals. Today, this engagement ring is estimated to be worth between $400,000 and $500,000.
Grace Kelly’s engagement ring, given to her by Prince Rainier III of Monaco, is another remarkable piece. When they first became engaged, Rainier gifted Kelly a ruby and diamond eternity band. However, wanting something even grander, he later presented her with a 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond ring from Cartier, flanked by two baguette diamonds. Valued at around $4.06 million in today’s market, the ring is a dazzling testament to the glamour of old Hollywood meeting European royalty.
Queen Letizia of Spain also owns a remarkable engagement ring, though it’s relatively understated in design compared to other royal rings. King Felipe VI proposed with a 16-carat diamond ring, featuring baguette-cut diamonds set in a platinum band. Though not as flashy as other rings, the craftsmanship and quality of the diamonds make it exceptionally valuable, estimated to be worth around $500,000. Interestingly, Queen Letizia is rarely seen wearing it, as she prefers a simpler look for daily engagements, but the ring remains a significant piece in her royal jewelry collection.
Meghan Markle’s engagement ring, given to her by Prince Harry, is another royal treasure with both sentimental and monetary value. Harry designed the ring himself, incorporating two diamonds from Princess Diana’s personal collection, which adds immense sentimental worth. The central stone, a cushion-cut diamond sourced from Botswana, is flanked by these two smaller diamonds, all set in yellow gold. Although it was initially valued at around $350,000, after an upgrade that added even more diamonds to the band, the ring’s current worth is estimated at $500,000 or more.
Princess Margaret, Queen Elizabeth II’s sister, was also the recipient of a stunning engagement ring that’s known for its striking design. Her engagement ring, given to her by Antony Armstrong-Jones, features a ruby surrounded by diamonds in a unique, floral-inspired setting. This design was meant to resemble a rose, a nod to her middle name, Rose. The ring’s worth has increased over the years, estimated to be around $400,000 today, making it a unique and valuable addition to the list of royal engagement rings.
In addition to these well-known rings, royals around the world often commission custom designs and use rare gemstones, adding to the exclusive nature of their engagement rings. From sapphires and rubies to diamonds with storied pasts, these rings reflect a blend of tradition, elegance, and the enduring allure of royalty.