Ranking the 3 Most Expensive Royal Engagement Rings, Including Meghan Markle's
The British royals are believed to be incredibly wealthy and they really are!
The Windsors make every effort to maintain a modest facade as part of their contemporary approach to monarchy. They generally succeed in projecting an unpretentious image, save for a few noticeable exceptions, the most prominent of which is their royal jewellery.
Setting aside their ceremonial heirlooms that go back centuries, the British royal family has some of the world's most outstanding jewellery. Their engagement rings, in particular, are exquisite works of art, symbolising their social status and economic power. The prices of these pieces frequently reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, further boosting their prestige.
Below are the three most expensive engagement rings in the British royal family.
3. Zara Tindall's ($200 thousand)
The granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II and an accomplished Olympic athlete and equestrian, Zara Tindall turned down royal titles. Since 2011, she's been married to professional rugby player Mike Tindall. The Princess Royal's daughter sports an elegant engagement ring valued at approximately $200,000, as reported by Hello! Magazine.
Featuring a special design, Zara's ring is made to be worn even while horse riding. Its diamond is set low, ensuring it does not interfere with her sporting activities.
2. Meghan Markle's ($300-350 thousand)
Had Harry and Meghan's marriage taken place a decade prior, the Duchess of Sussex's ring might have looked completely different. As it stands, her current ring is a stunning piece of art. Conceptualised by Prince Harry, the ring features a 3-carat cushion-cut Botswana diamond flanked by two more diamonds, originally part of Princess Diana's collection.
The central gem's value is estimated at between $90,000 and $155,000. Diana's side stones are roughly valued at $5,000 each, discounting their sentimental value, according to Brides. Consequently, Meghan Markle's engagement ring is in the price range of $300,000 to $350,000, as guestimated by Harper's Bazaar.
1. Kate Middleton's ($500 thousand)
Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, wears an engagement ring with a captivating history. The piece, showcasing a twelve-carat deep-blue Sri Lankan sapphire encircled by fourteen diamonds, originally belonged to the late Princess Diana. According to rumours, upon Diana's death, the ring was passed onto Prince Harry, who then graciously offered it to his elder brother, Prince William, for his proposal to Kate Middleton.
The central gem, one of the finest sapphires in the world, adds significantly to the ring's outstanding value of $500,000, as per The Knot. But to Prince William, the ring's emotional significance as his mother's heirloom renders it priceless.
Sources: Hello! Magazine, Brides, Harper's Bazaar, The Knot.