Princess Diana’s Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring: The Iconic Royal Gemstone

Few engagement rings are as famous as Princess Diana’s blue sapphire ring, a jewel that has become synonymous with elegance, history, and royal glamour. Originally chosen by Prince Charles for Diana in 1981, the ring now graces the hand of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton), continuing its legacy as one of the most iconic gemstone rings in history.

This blog explores the gemstone details, design, and history of this blue sapphire engagement ring, showing why it remains a timeless symbol of royal sophistication.

A Royal Choice: Why the Blue Sapphire

Prince Charles selected a deep blue Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 brilliant-cut diamonds set in 18-karat white gold. At the time, sapphires were less traditional than diamonds, making this choice uniquely modern and bold.

• Color significance: Blue sapphires symbolize wisdom, loyalty, and nobility, reflecting royal values.

• Rarity: The 12-carat Ceylon sapphire was large, vivid, and exceptionally rare, making it a statement gemstone.

• Elegance: Set in white gold and framed by sparkling diamonds, the sapphire stood out while remaining elegant and timeless.

This design showcased that gemstones beyond diamonds could carry prestige, beauty, and meaning.

The Designer: Garrard Jewellers

The ring was crafted by Garrard, the official Crown Jeweller at the time, known for creating exquisite royal pieces.

• Style: Classic oval sapphire surrounded by diamonds.

• Setting: 18-karat white gold, chosen to enhance the blue brilliance of the sapphire.

• Legacy: The ring’s design has influenced engagement ring trends for decades, inspiring royal-style sapphire rings worldwide.

From Princess Diana to Kate Middleton

After Princess Diana’s passing in 1997, her blue sapphire ring remained one of the most beloved royal jewels. When Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton in 2010, he chose to give her the same ring, linking past and present royal history.

The ring’s legacy continues:

• A symbol of continuity: Connecting two generations of British royalty.

• Media impact: The ring became one of the most photographed engagement rings in history.

• Influence: Sparked a resurgence of sapphire engagement rings, popularizing colored gemstones over traditional diamonds.

The Sapphire: Gemstone Facts

Sapphires are among the most valuable and durable gemstones. Here’s why Princess Diana’s ring is so special:

• Origin: Ceylon (Sri Lanka), known for producing vivid, high-quality sapphires.

• Hardness: 9 on the Mohs scale, making it durable enough for daily wear.

• Symbolism: Associated with truth, sincerity, and faithfulness—perfect for an engagement ring.

The combination of gemstone rarity, historical significance, and royal heritage makes this ring one of the most iconic pieces of jewelry in the world.

Style and Red Carpet Influence

Over the years, both Princess Diana and Kate Middleton have showcased the ring with elegance:

• Princess Diana: Often paired with elegant evening gowns or formal attire, making the sapphire sparkle in royal portraits.

• Kate Middleton: Wears it with modern outfits, demonstrating that a royal gemstone ring can be both classic and contemporary.

The ring continues to inspire engagement ring trends, with couples worldwide seeking blue sapphire and diamond designs as an alternative to traditional diamond rings.

Legacy of a Royal Gemstone

Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring is more than a jewel; it represents royal history, elegance, and timeless style. Its journey from Diana to Kate symbolizes continuity and the enduring appeal of colored gemstones.

• For collectors: Provenance and royal association significantly increase its historical and monetary value.

• For gemstone lovers: Highlights the unmatched allure of high-quality sapphires.

• For designers: Sets a benchmark for engagement ring elegance and gemstone use in royal jewelry.

Final Thoughts

Princess Diana’s blue sapphire engagement ring, now worn by Kate Middleton, remains one of the most iconic gemstone rings in the world. Its bold sapphire, sparkling diamonds, and royal heritage make it timeless.

This ring proves that colored gemstones like sapphires can carry as much prestige, beauty, and symbolism as diamonds, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to admire and emulate.