Princess Diana's Sapphire Ring: The Ultimate Guide to Royal-Inspired Engagement Rings in 2024

Are you dreaming of a royal-inspired engagement ring like Kate Middleton's famous sapphire? As Yorkshire's premier jewellers, Fogal and Barnes Fine Jewellers has helped countless couples find their perfect sapphire engagement ring. Here's everything you need to know about this iconic piece of royal jewelry history and how to choose your own royal-inspired ring.

Why Choose a Sapphire Engagement Ring?

The enduring popularity of sapphire engagement rings stems largely from Princess Diana's iconic ring, now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales. But what makes this particular ring so special, and why should you consider a sapphire for your engagement?

The Royal Sapphire Ring Specifications

Center Stone: 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire
Metal: 18-carat white gold
Accent Stones: 14 round brilliant-cut diamonds
Original Value: £28,500 (approximately £115,000 today)
Style: Cluster setting from Garrard's collection

How to Choose Your Own Royal-Inspired Engagement Ring

Looking for a ring that captures the royal essence while matching your personal style? Here are key features to consider:

The Perfect Sapphire

Ceylon sapphires, like the one in Diana's ring, are prized for their deep, rich blue color. When choosing your sapphire engagement ring, look for:

Rich, consistent color
Excellent clarity
Strong brilliance
Ideal proportions

Popular Royal-Inspired Engagement Ring Styles

Recent trends inspired by the royal ring include:

Oval sapphire cluster rings
Diamond halo settings
Vintage-inspired designs
Mixed metal combinations

Caring for Your Sapphire Engagement Ring

To maintain your ring's royal sparkle:

Schedule professional cleaning every 6 months
Avoid wearing while using household chemicals
Store separately from other jewelry
Have the setting checked annually

Why Choose Fogal and Barnes for Your Royal-Inspired Ring?

At Fogal and Barnes Fine Jewellers in Harrogate, we offer:

Expert guidance in selecting the perfect sapphire
Custom design services
Competitive pricing on premium stones
Lifetime care and maintenance
Generations of experience in fine jewelry

The History Behind the Royal Sapphire

When Prince Charles chose Diana's ring in 1981, he broke with royal tradition by selecting a ready-made design from Garrard's catalog. This choice reflected Diana's modern approach to royal life and made the design instantly accessible to the public.

The ring's journey from Diana to Catherine came full circle when Prince William used it to propose in 2010, adding another chapter to its remarkable story. Today, it remains one of the most recognized engagement rings in the world.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Sapphire Engagement Ring?

Visit Fogal and Barnes Fine Jewellers in Harrogate to explore our collection of sapphire engagement rings. Our expert jewellers will help you find or create the perfect ring that combines royal inspiration with your unique style.

Fogal and Barnes Fine Jewellers: Creating timeless moments in Yorkshire. Visit our showroom in Harrogate or explore our collection online.