The Royal Price Tag: Unveiling the Cost of Princess Diana’s Iconic Engagement Ring

Princess Diana’s engagement ring is an iconic symbol of love and royalty, capturing the hearts and imaginations of people all over the world. Its sheer beauty and mesmerizing story have made it one of the most famous pieces of jewelry in history. But just how much did this ring, gifted to Diana by Prince Charles, cost? Join us as we delve into the intriguing history and cultural significance behind Princess Diana’s engagement ring, and uncover the truly royal price tag attached to it.

Introduction

Princess Diana’s engagement ring is one of the most iconic pieces of jewelry in history. Known for its stunning beauty and rich history, this ring has captivated the hearts of people around the world. From its design to its estimated value, there is a lot to uncover about how much Princess Diana’s engagement ring was truly worth. So, let’s dive in and explore the details behind this famous piece of royal jewelry.

The Design of Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring

Princess Diana’s engagement ring was designed by the prestigious jewelry company, Garrard & Co. Ltd., which was appointed as Crown Jeweler in 1843. It is said that Diana herself chose this ring from Garrard’s catalog, instead of having it custom-made like other royal brides. The ring features a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds set in 18-karat white gold.

The sapphire was originally surrounded by only eight diamonds, but after her engagement to Prince Charles was announced in 1981, they added six more diamonds to make it a truly spectacular piece. The design is inspired by Queen Victoria’s brooch, which Prince Albert had gifted to her on their wedding day. This added sentimental value to the ring as it also symbolized Charles and Diana’s love and connection with their royal predecessors.

How Much Did Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring Cost?

Princess Diana’s engagement ring is not only known for its beauty but also for its hefty price tag. According to experts, this iconic piece of jewelry cost around £28,500 (equivalent to £70,000 or $98,000 today) when it was first purchased by Prince Charles from Garrard’s catalog.

However, due to its historical significance and sentimental value attached to it, the current estimated value of this ring is much higher. In 1997, after Princess Diana’s tragic death, the ring was estimated to be worth around £250,000 (equivalent to £510,000 or $716,000 today). Today, its value is estimated to be well over £300,000 (equivalent to £610,000 or $858,500 today).

The Stone: Ceylon Sapphire

The stunning blue sapphire at the center of Diana’s engagement ring is a Ceylon sapphire from Sri Lanka. The Ceylon sapphires are known for their beautiful deep blue color and have been coveted by royalty and nobility for centuries.

According to reports, Diana specifically chose this particular stone because she liked its color and size. It is said that the stone was originally sold as part of a necklace before being selected for the engagement ring. The sapphire’s royal connection and its stunning appearance make it one of the most valuable and sought-after gems in the world.

The Diamonds

The 14 solitaire diamonds surrounding the sapphire are set in a cluster design and weigh about 1 carat each. These diamonds symbolize both Charles and Diana’s individuality as well as their coming together as a couple. It is believed that Prince Charles wanted his future bride to have something unique and different from other royal engagement rings.

These diamonds are also sourced from Botswana – a country close to Prince Charles’ heart – which adds an extra layer of sentimental value to the already significant piece of jewelry.

Other Interesting Facts About Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring

– After Diana’s death in 1997, her engagement ring was left to her sons William and Harry. However, Prince William gave it to his now-wife Kate Middleton when he proposed in 2010.
– Kate Middleton’s engagement ring bears striking similarities to Princess Diana’s ring. It features a large Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, and it is also from Garrard & Co. Ltd.
– The design and style of Diana’s engagement ring kickstarted a trend for colored gemstone engagement rings, which continues to this day.
– Due to overwhelming demands and imitations, Garrard’s catalog renamed the jewelry item as the “Sapphire Engagement Ring” instead of its original name “The Lady Di Sapphire Ring”.

Conclusion

The estimated value of Princess Diana’s engagement ring may change with time, but it will always hold a special place in history and our hearts. It is not just a piece of jewelry but also a symbol of love, royalty, and elegance that continues to inspire people around the world. From its design to its significance, this iconic ring will remain as one of the most treasured pieces in the British royal family.

Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring: The History Behind the Iconic Jewel

When Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, he presented her with an engagement ring that would become one of the most famous and beloved pieces of jewelry in history. The ring featured a breathtaking 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds, set in white gold. Although it became known as the “commoner’s ring” due to its accessibility for the average person, it also had deep ties to the royal family and showcased a special meaning behind every aspect of its design.

The ring was initially created by Crown Jeweller Garrard & Co. for Princess Diana’s mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen chose the ring from a catalog because she wanted a piece that would be more practical than an expensive custom-made one. It was inspired by the popular sapphire and diamond cluster brooch that Prince Albert had gifted Queen Victoria on their wedding day. Interestingly, Prince Charles’ own grandparents – King George VI and Queen Elizabeth – had also chosen a sapphire engagement ring for their marriage.

Garrard & Co.’s managing director at the time, David Thomas, recalls that when Prince Charles came to choose an engagement ring for Diana in 1981, he was shown a selection of rings featuring rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. However, he knew right away that the iconic sapphire piece was meant for his fiancé because she had admired it previously during one of his visits to Garrard & Co.

Unfortunately, making replicas of Princess Diana’s engagement ring has been difficult over the years due to copyright issues surrounding its unique design. However, there have been some extremely accurate replicas sold on auction over time.

The Significance of Sapphire in Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring

The stunning blue sapphire at the center of Princess Diana’s engagement ring holds a special meaning and symbolism. The stone is believed to represent faithfulness, honesty, and romance, making it a perfect choice for an engagement ring. In ancient Greece and Rome, sapphires were believed to symbolize the heavens and were often worn by rulers as they were thought to attract divine favor.

The Ceylon sapphire used in Princess Diana’s ring was chosen for its exquisite color and clarity. It is believed to have been sourced from the mines of Sri Lanka – then known as Ceylon – since ancient times. The country has long been renowned for its high-quality sapphires, with some of the world’s most famous gemstones being found there.

Furthermore, Prince Charles also wanted to honor his family tradition by including a piece of Wales in the engagement ring for his Welsh bride-to-be. As such, he had tiny diamonds sourced from his mother’s jewelry collection mounted on either side of the sapphire in a cluster formation. These particular diamonds were specially selected by the Queen because they matched the deep blue hue of the sapphire perfectly.

The Extravagant Cost of Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring

Despite its more modest origins compared to other royal engagement rings, Princess Diana’s iconic piece held an incredible price tag. When it was first purchased by Prince Charles in 1981, it cost around £28,500 (or approximately $60,000 at that time). Today, that would equate to approximately £110,000 or $147,000.

However, due to its history and association with one of the world’s most beloved princesses, experts estimate that if it were to go up for auction today, it could sell for over £300k or $400k.

In 2010, when Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with this very same ring – making it even more famous – experts estimated its value at around £300,000+

The Legacy of Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring

Though the marriage between Prince Charles and Princess Diana did not ultimately endure, her engagement ring remains an iconic piece of jewelry that captures the world’s fascination even today. The ring sparked a huge increase in popularity for sapphires as engagement stones in the early 1980s, with jewelers reporting a significant increase in inquiries about blue sapphire rings.

After Princess Diana’s tragic death in 1997, her two sons – Prince William and Prince Harry – were given a choice of mementos from her collection. They chose their mother’s iconic engagement ring, with Prince William presenting it to his now-wife Kate Middleton upon their engagement. This generous gesture only added to the already immense sentimental value of the piece.

Today, several famous celebrity engagements have sparked trends reminiscent of Princess Diana’s engagement ring. For example, now-Duchess Meghan Markle’s three-stone diamond engagement ring with a larger center stone is often compared to Princess Diana’s design.

In conclusion, Princess Diana’s engagement ring holds much more value than its material worth. It is a symbol of timeless love and romance between two people who captured the world’s attention – and it continues to inspire countless others around the globe to

1. How much was Princess Diana’s engagement ring worth?
The iconic engagement ring Princess Diana received from Prince Charles was estimated to cost £28,000 at the time of purchase in 1981.

2. What was the carat weight of Princess Diana’s engagement ring?
Princess Diana’s engagement ring features an oval sapphire with a carat weight of 12, surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds.

3. How did Prince Charles propose to Princess Diana?
Prince Charles proposed to Princess Diana during a private dinner at Buckingham Palace while they were watching an opera.

4. Who designed Princess Diana’s engagement ring?
Princess Diana’s engagement ring was designed by the then Crown Jeweler Garrard & Co.

5. Did Princess Diana choose her own engagement ring?
No, Princess Diana did not choose her own engagement ring. The design was chosen by Prince Charles through a catalog provided by Garrard & Co.

6. What happened to Princess Diana’s engagement ring after her death?
Princess Diana’s engagement ring initially went back to Prince Charles, but Harry and William were given the opportunity to choose pieces of their mother’s jewelry and both chose her iconic sapphire and diamond ring as a keepsake. Harry later gave this same ring to his now wife, Meghan Markle as her own engagement ring.

In conclusion, Princess Diana’s engagement ring holds a significant place in history and continues to intrigue and fascinate people even decades after her untimely passing. The ring not only symbolizes the love and commitment between Prince Charles and Princess Diana but also represents the changing values and traditions within the British royal family.

The extravagant price tag of the ring, coupled with its unique design and connection to royalty, has made it a coveted item that has sparked numerous replicas and imitations. But beyond its monetary value, the ring serves as a symbol of love, hope, and resilience amidst controversy and heartbreak.

Furthermore, the story of Princess Diana’s engagement ring sheds light on societal pressures and expectations on women in regards to marriage. It also highlights the cultural significance placed on jewelry as status symbols.

Overall, this iconic piece of jewelry will forever hold a special place in history as a reminder of one of the most renowned love stories of our time. Despite its turbulent journey and tragic ending, it continues to inspire fascination and admiration for Princess Diana’s enduring legacy.