The story behind Princess Diana's engagement - the 123k engagement ring and its legacy
The late Princess of Wales chose her own sapphire
Princess Diana's sapphire engagement ring is arguably one of the most iconic royal rings in history – but it wasn't an expected choice. While most royal ladies have been gifted a rock by their other halves, the late People's Princess was given the opportunity to pick out her own jewel after the then Prince Charles proposed. Netflix series re-enacted the day Diana chose her sapphire ring, which now belongs to the Princess of Wales.
How Charles proposed
There are conflicting reports on how Charles proposed to Diana with some saying the future King popped the question during a private dinner in Buckingham Palace, while others report that he proposed to Diana in the nursery at the Palace. A biography from Andrew Morton said the proposal caught Diana off-guard and she responded with a "giggle".
In a BBC interview following their engagement, Charles confessed that he didn't expect an immediate answer, saying: "I asked Diana before she went to Australia. Two or three days before. I thought it would be a good idea … if she went to Australia she could then think about it, and if she didn't like the idea she could say she didn't, or if she did, she could say that."
In the same interview, Diana added: "I had a long time to think about it because I knew the pressure was on both of us. It wasn't a difficult decision in the end. It's what I wanted. It's what I want."
Diana's sapphire cluster ring
In episode three of season four of , the Queen presents Diana with a selection of gems – most of which were family heirlooms – and she chose her sapphire, which was a stock item from London jewellers Garrard & Co's catalogue, and could have been purchased by anyone. Her choice was reportedly because it reminded her of her mother's engagement ring, and also matched her eyes.
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Upon doing so, the Queen asked: "And you like that one because?" Diana replied: "Because it reminds me of my mother's engagement ring, and it's the same colour as my eyes."
Indeed, the 12-carat Sapphire cluster ring was a clear reflection of Diana's blue eyes, and she even went on to wear a coordinating blue suit for her official engagement portrait with the future King. It wasn't just Diana that had a sentimental attachment to the ring, as Charles also loved the design, which reportedly reminded him of his grandmother and mother.
Speaking to HELLO! about the gorgeous ring, Alexandra Michell, the gemologist at Prestige Pawnbrokers of Channel 4's Posh Pawn, shared: "This sapphire and diamond cluster ring is the opposite of your traditional single stone diamond ring. When Charles chose it from a selection put together by Garrard's, he opted for opulence and a large burst of colour instead of the conventional fashion of the time and it became an instant success.
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"Cluster rings had become a little old fashioned, but worn by the Queen of Hearts, and again by the Princess of Wales, it launched a resurgence which has lasted many decades and re-established this style of engagement ring as a beautiful alternative to the single stone."
The ring's legacy
The Queen and Charles may have hoped for Diana to choose an heirloom as her ring, but the one she chose is still just as special.
Speaking of the ring's legacy, Alexandra added: "Today, coloured gemstone engagement rings have become a firm favourite, adding a little variety and individuality to the world of jewellery. The ring worn in memory of Prince William’s mother, was originally valued at £28,000 in 1981; today the ring is estimated to have an insurance value of approximately £350,000.
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