Few pieces of jewellery capture the imagination quite like Princess Diana’s engagement ring. Known around the globe for its striking blue sapphire and timeless elegance, the ring has become a cultural icon, symbolising not only romance but also royal history and legacy.
While there are other contenders for the title of “the world’s most famous ring” — such as Elizabeth Taylor’s dazzling Krupp Diamond, Mary of Burgundy’s historic diamond betrothal ring, and even the mythical Ring of Gyges — none have inspired quite the same fascination as Diana’s sapphire.
The Story of Princess Diana’s Engagement Ring
When Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, he presented her with a ring that would go on to become the most recognised engagement ring in the world.
- Design Details: At the centre sits a vivid 12-carat oval-cut Ceylon sapphire, a gemstone renowned for its intense royal blue hue. Surrounding it are 14 brilliant-cut solitaire diamonds, all mounted in 18-carat white gold by British jeweller Garrard. The design resembles a radiant halo, which only enhances the depth of the sapphire’s colour.
- A Bold Choice: Breaking with tradition, Diana chose the ring herself from a Garrard catalogue rather than commissioning a bespoke design. Some criticised this at the time, as the piece was technically available for purchase by anyone. However, Diana’s choice reflected her independent spirit and eye for beauty.
- Legacy: Following her untimely death in 1997, the ring passed to her sons, Princes William and Harry. Prince William later used it to propose to Catherine Middleton in 2010, explaining that it was his way of keeping his mother close to their future together. Since then, the ring has been seen on countless public occasions, continuing to symbolise love, legacy, and remembrance.
Today, Diana’s sapphire is not just jewellery — it is a piece of living history, tying together generations of the British royal family.
Why a Ceylon Sapphire?
The choice of a Ceylon sapphire (now known as a Sri Lankan sapphire) was significant. These gems are prized for their exceptional clarity and colour, ranging from velvety royal blue to vibrant cornflower hues.
- Rarity and Quality: Sri Lanka has been a source of sapphires for over 2,000 years. Ceylon sapphires are celebrated for their brilliance and light reflection, often appearing brighter than sapphires from other origins.
- Symbolism: In ancient times, sapphires were believed to protect their wearers from envy and harm. They have long been associated with truth, loyalty, and wisdom — qualities well suited to an engagement ring.
- Modern Appeal: Since Diana’s engagement, sapphire rings (particularly Ceylon sapphires) have surged in popularity, with many couples choosing them as an alternative to traditional diamond solitaires.
The sapphire’s rarity, beauty, and symbolism all contribute to the enduring allure of Diana’s ring.
Other Famous Rings in History
Although Diana’s sapphire reigns supreme, several other rings have carved out their own place in history.
Elizabeth Taylor’s Krupp Diamond
Hollywood legend Elizabeth Taylor owned one of the most spectacular engagement rings ever: the 33.19-carat Asscher-cut Krupp Diamond, gifted by Richard Burton in 1968. The stone was exceptionally pure, with remarkable clarity, and became synonymous with Taylor’s larger-than-life personality and love of glamour.
When the ring was sold at Christie’s in 2011, it fetched nearly $8.8 million, cementing its place as one of the most valuable celebrity jewels of all time.
Mary of Burgundy’s Diamond Ring
In 1477, Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a betrothal ring set with thin, flat diamonds in the shape of an “M”. This is widely regarded as the first recorded use of a diamond in an engagement ring, sparking a tradition that still shapes proposals today. Without Mary’s ring, the modern engagement ring might look very different.
The Ring of Gyges
Stepping into legend, the Ring of Gyges comes from an ancient Greek myth told by Plato. Said to grant invisibility, the ring tempted its wearer to commit acts of corruption and betrayal. Though mythical, the story has endured for centuries, often compared to Tolkien’s “One Ring” in The Lord of the Rings.
Why Princess Diana’s Ring Stands Above the Rest
Each of these rings — whether dazzling, historic, or mythical — carries its own story. Yet none resonate as strongly as Diana’s sapphire.
- It is tied to real love stories that the world has witnessed unfold — first with Diana and Charles, and now with Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales.
- It embodies timeless beauty, combining rare gemstones with exquisite design.
- It carries emotional weight, symbolising both Diana’s memory and the ongoing story of the modern royal family. When William gave the ring to Catherine in 2010, it was more than a proposal; it was a way of keeping his mother’s presence within their future.
- It has influenced jewellery trends worldwide, making sapphire engagement rings one of the most sought-after choices for couples today.
Catherine has worn the ring on countless public engagements, from royal tours to official portraits, allowing the world to see the sapphire not as a relic of the past, but as a living heirloom. More than just a piece of jewellery, Diana’s sapphire represents history, love, and legacy — qualities that no diamond, however large, can rival.
Designing Your Own Ceylon Sapphire Ring
For those inspired by Princess Diana’s iconic engagement ring, the good news is that you don’t have to be royal to create your own version. At ComparetheDiamond.com, you can design a bespoke ring featuring a genuine Ceylon sapphire, tailored to your own style and budget.
Whether you want a classic halo design reminiscent of Diana’s, or a sleek modern solitaire that lets the sapphire take centre stage, the options are endless. Pairing a vivid blue Ceylon sapphire with carefully chosen diamonds allows you to create a ring that balances tradition with individuality — a true reflection of your own love story.
Much like Diana’s choice in 1981, selecting a sapphire is both timeless and distinctive. Designing your own ring ensures it becomes more than just jewellery; it becomes a personal heirloom, crafted with meaning, beauty, and legacy.
Final Thoughts
From Elizabeth Taylor’s Krupp Diamond to Mary of Burgundy’s historic betrothal ring, many jewels have earned their place in history. But when it comes to the most famous ring in the world, Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring stands alone. Its beauty, rarity, and story make it an icon that transcends fashion — a piece of jewellery that has become a symbol of both royal romance and enduring legacy.