13 British Royal Engagement Rings Through History

Few pieces of jewellery inspire as much intrigue as royal engagement rings. From heirloom sapphires to dazzling diamonds, these rings blend history, romance and regal elegance in a way that continues to captivate the world. These symbolic designs offer a rare glimpse into the lives and traditions of the monarchy, sparking trends and shaping engagement ring styles across generations.

Whether you're drawn to vintage heirlooms or modern classics, the royal family engagement rings continue to influence the way we think about proposal jewellery – especially here in the UK.

The Queen Mother was originally proposed to with a striking Kashmir sapphire ring, set with diamond side stones – a bold and regal choice that stood out in an era dominated by diamonds. Later in life, she often wore a pearl ring encircled by diamonds, a piece that exuded vintage charm and elegance. While visually stunning, pearls are naturally soft and prone to wear, so we wouldn’t recommend them for everyday engagement rings.

For those drawn to the rich blue hues of her original ring, Queensmith have created a number of bespoke sapphire engagement rings for clients that offer a similarly regal aesthetic. Styles like an Oval Trilogy or Halo rings with sapphires and diamonds combine colour with timeless craftsmanship, while a Sapphire Round Solitaire brings a modern simplicity to an iconic gemstone adored by the Royal family.

Wallis Simpson’s engagement ring was as striking as her love story. The American socialite received a 19.77 carat emerald ring by Cartier from King Edward VIII – a vivid green gemstone set in platinum, bold in both size and colour. At a time when diamonds reigned supreme, her emerald ring was a daring and unconventional choice, and is often credited with starting the royal trend for colourful engagement rings. Later on, in celebration of their 20th wedding anniversary, Wallis had Cartier update and remount the ring into a unique halo design. The new ring features the original large emerald surrounded by round brilliant cut diamonds in a 18k yellow gold setting.

For those inspired by Wallis’s distinctive style, emerald engagement rings offer a similar sense of elegance and individuality. Emerald Solitaire and Trilogy designs provide a sleek, refined aesthetic, while Emerald Halo rings offer added depth and sparkle – all designed to stand out, just like Wallis herself.

Queen Elizabeth II’s engagement ring was a timeless and deeply personal piece. Set in platinum, the ring featured a 3 carat round brilliant diamond solitaire, flanked by five smaller diamonds on each shoulder. The stones were repurposed from a tiara once owned by Prince Philip’s mother, making the ring not only beautiful but rich in sentiment. Staying true to royal tradition, Her Majesty paired the ring with a Welsh gold wedding band, a custom in the royal family for nearly a century.

For those who admire her classic style, our collection of solitaire engagement rings offer similar elegance. Designs like our Bardot and Temple rings echo the refined simplicity of the Queen’s ring, crafted to let the diamond take centre stage.

Discover more about Queen Elizabeth’s most loved jewellery pieces here, and explore the legacy of her iconic style.

As of now, it’s not clear who inherited Queen Elizabeth II’s engagement ring. The royal family has not made any official announcements about the future of the ring, and it remains part of her private jewellery collection. Like many royal heirlooms, it may stay within the family and could be passed down or repurposed in time – some have speculated it may have been left to Princess Anne, Beatrice or Charlotte – but for now, we'll have to just wait and see.

Princess Margaret’s engagement ring was as romantic as her personality. Designed by her fiancé Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960, the ring featured a ruby centre stone, flanked by diamonds in a floral motif – a nod to Margaret’s middle name, Rose. The vibrant ruby was a bold choice, reflecting her love for colour and individuality.

Symbolising passion and personal flair, Margaret’s ring stood apart from traditional royal designs. If you’re drawn to this unique look, Queensmith offers bespoke gemstone options and elegant ruby engagement rings crafted to reflect your own story.

Perhaps the most iconic of all royal engagement rings, Princess Diana’s ring featured a 12 carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire, surrounded by a cluster of 14 brilliant cut diamonds and set in 18k white gold. Selected by Diana herself from the jeweller Garrard, the ring broke royal tradition – it wasn’t custom-made, yet became one of the most recognised and beloved designs in the world, symbolising her grace, beauty and independent spirit.

Now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, this legendary ring continues to inspire. For those drawn to Diana’s regal style, Queensmith’s sapphire and oval engagement rings offer a range of unique options. A halo setting, whether fully bespoke or inspired by our Oberon ring, beautifully recreates this vintage-inspired look. Crafted with a central sapphire or diamond, it radiates sophistication and enduring charm – the perfect tribute to a royal classic.

Princess Anne’s first engagement ring from Captain Mark Phillips featured a classic round blue sapphire, flanked by white diamonds. The couple married in 1973 at Westminster Abbey, but divorced in 1992 after welcoming their two children, Peter and Zara. At the end of 1992, Anne eloped to Scotland with her second husband Sir Timothy Laurence, and she was seen wearing an oval cabochon sapphire with three small diamonds clustered on either and set in yellow gold – a distinctive, understated choice.

Both rings reflect her practical yet bold style, favouring meaningful simplicity over extravagance. For a modern take on Anne’s look, we'd recommend exploring our trilogy engagement rings and replacing the centre stone with the beloved blue sapphire.

Known affectionately by the British public as Fergie, Sarah Ferguson’s engagement ring is one of the boldest in royal history. Featuring a vivid Burmese ruby, encircled by a halo of ten diamonds to form a floral pattern and set in yellow gold, the ring was designed to reflect her vibrant personality and complement her signature red hair.

Its colourful, unconventional style set it apart from the more traditional royal rings of the time, and it remains a standout symbol of individuality and warmth. For those inspired by Fergie’s distinctive ring, bespoke ring designs offer the chance to create something equally personal.

Sophie’s elegant engagement ring features a 2 carat oval diamond, flanked by two smaller heart-shaped diamonds, set in white gold. Gifted by Prince Edward in 1999, the design is timeless, with a subtle romantic twist.

Sophie’s ring is thought to be inspired by royal tradition but with delicate personal touches. For those drawn to similar elegance, our oval cut engagement rings and heart-shaped diamond accents can be beautifully combined in a bespoke trilogy piece.

Catherine’s engagement ring is arguably the most recognisable in the world – once worn by Princess Diana, it carries with it a legacy of love, loss and continuity. The ring features a 12 carat oval Ceylon sapphire, surrounded by 14 round brilliant cut diamonds, set in 18k white gold. Originally chosen by Diana herself in 1981, the ring wasn’t a custom royal commission, but a piece from Garrard’s catalogue – a bold move that helped redefine what a royal engagement ring could be.

When Prince William proposed to Catherine in 2010, he gave her the same halo engagement ring, symbolising a deep personal connection and a way of honouring his mother’s memory. The ring’s rich blue hue, regal setting and enduring symbolism have made it one of the most emulated styles in history.

Camilla’s engagement ring is a refined vintage design with royal history. Featuring a 5 carat emerald cut diamond, flanked by three baguette diamonds on either side, the ring once belonged to the Queen Mother, giving it both sentimental and historical value. The platinum setting and Art Deco styling offer a sense of timeless sophistication, fitting for a future Queen.

Those drawn to Camilla’s classic look should explore our trilogy and emerald cut engagement ring collection. Designs like the Hendricks Trilogy and Emerald Cut Temple ring channel similar vintage elegance with a modern finish.

Modern, personal and full of meaning – Meghan Markle’s engagement ring is a true reflection of her love story. The three-stone design features a cushion cut centre diamond from Botswana, flanked by two round diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection. Originally set in yellow gold, the ring was later reset with a slimmer pavé set diamond band.

For a similar blend of sentiment and style, trilogy engagement rings, like our O'Hara ring, offer timeless symbolism – representing the past, present and future – and can be customised with diamonds or gemstones to reflect your story.

Princess Eugenie’s ring is a rare and romantic choice. The centre stone is a padparadscha sapphire – an extremely rare gem prized for its soft pink-orange hue – surrounded by a halo of diamonds and set on a yellow gold band. Jack Brooksbank proposed to Eugenie in Nicaragua at the start of 2018, selecting the ring because of the sapphire's unique colour-changing qualities that reminded him of the different facets of Eugenie's personality.

Chosen for its uniqueness, the ring mirrors Eugenie’s distinctive personal style and love of colour. For those seeking a similar look, Queensmith can help you create a truly unique coloured gemstone ring that mirrors your own one-of-a-kind style.

Princess Beatrice’s engagement ring, designed by British jeweller Shaun Leane, features a 2.5 carat round brilliant diamond, flanked by tapered baguette diamonds on a platinum band. Inspired by Art Deco design, the ring is elegant yet understated – a refined choice that reflects Beatrice’s timeless style.

Queensmith’s Winters Trilogy ring echoes this look beautifully. A round diamond paired with baguette accents creates a similar balance of classic and contemporary – the perfect modern royal combination.