Lady Diana’s sapphire engagement ring in a flash
A deep blue oval, a halo of brightness, a story that still grips the world. The engagement ring worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, once belonged to Lady Diana Spencer. Created by the London jeweller Garrard, it features an oval 12 carat Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 round diamonds set in 18 carat white gold. Contemporary reports from 1981 put the price at about £28,000, and Garrard has long confirmed the design and materials.
Prince William proposed during a private trip to Kenya in October 2010, and the engagement was announced on 16 November 2010 by Clarence House. In the joint TV interview carried by the BBC, Prince William said: “It was my mother’s engagement ring, so I thought it was quite nice… this was my way of keeping her close to it all.” The message was clear from day one. Heritage, love, continuity.
Lady Diana and Garrard: facts, dates, and the exact design
Back in February 1981, Lady Diana chose the sapphire cluster from Garrard’s catalog rather than commissioning a bespoke piece. The model echoed a historic Garrard motif often called a cluster or marguerite. The center stone is a Sri Lankan sapphire, traditionally prized for vivid royal blue, and the ring mounts 14 diamond solitaires around it in a balanced oval halo.
The numbers matter here because they define the look. Oval 12 carat in the center. Fourteen diamonds in the halo. Bright 18 carat white gold for contrast. The ring appeared regularly through the 1980s and 1990s at state banquets and official portraits, until 1997, the year of Diana’s death, when it returned to the family’s private collection.
Kate Middleton in 2010: symbolism, proposal, and a modern life
The proposal happened in Kenya, then the world saw the ring again the moment the engagement went public. Catherine wore it through the photocall at St James’s Palace, then at engagements across the UK. The wedding followed on 29 April 2011 at Westminster Abbey, a date that etched the sapphire back into public memory.
For comfort, the ring was subtly adjusted by Garrard so it sits secure during day to day events. Jewelers often add small sizing beads inside the shank to improve fit, which keeps a top heavy halo from spinning. The piece pairs with Catherine’s Welsh gold wedding band, a royal tradition running since 1923. It is still the same unqiue sapphire cluster that once introduced Diana to the world.
How to choose a Diana style sapphire engagement ring
Many seek the same emotion and silhouette without chasing a museum piece. The good news is that the cluster design is timeless and widely available. The better news is that a few technical cues help nail the look while protecting the budget.
- Center stone: look for an oval sapphire with saturated royal blue. Sri Lankan origin is classic, but Madagascar and Thailand also produce fine stones.
- Size and proportions: a 12 carat sapphire is rare and costly. Consider 2 to 5 carats for a similar face-up presence on the hand.
- Halo count: the Diana ring has 14 round diamonds in the halo. Matching that count keeps the silhouette faithful.
- Metal: 18 carat white gold mirrors the original shine. Platinum also works for durability.
- Treatment disclosure: the Gemological Institute of America notes sapphires commonly receive heat treatment. Ask for a lab report that states any treatments.
Wear, care and insurance: keeping a sapphire halo safe
Sapphire is built for daily life. On the Mohs scale it clocks a hardness of 9, as documented by GIA, which makes it second only to diamond among common gemstones. That toughness helps the center stone resist scratches when worn frequently, including at public events.
Cleaning is straightforward. Warm water, a drop of mild soap, a soft brush under the halo. Ultrasonic cleaners are often fine for sapphire, though inclusions or glued settings can change that. A jeweler’s check once a year keeps prongs tight around both the center stone and the halo, a small step that prevents big headaches.
Resizing deserves a careful approach on cluster rings. Small sizing beads or an internal guard preserve balance so the face does not roll toward the palm. For those exploring heirloom insurance, appraisers will document carat weights, measurements, and make of the piece. That paper trail complements sentiment with practical protection.
The icon endures because the design is sincere. A vivid oval, a halo of light, a story passed from Lady Diana to Catherine. The rest is craft and care, choices anyone can follow to build a forever piece of jewelery with the same quiet glow.