When Meghan Markle first debuted her dazzling engagement ring from Prince Harry in November 2017, the world couldn’t help but swoon. The stunning sparkler, which features a large center diamond flanked by two smaller stones on a yellow gold band, is a true masterpiece of jewelry design.
Since then, Meghan’s ring has undergone some subtle changes, but it remains an iconic symbol of the couple’s love story. Let’s take a closer look at the fascinating history and details behind this royal ring.
The Original Design
A Thoughtful Collaboration Between Harry and Cleave and Company
Prince Harry originally designed Meghan’s engagement ring himself, working closely with court jewelers Cleave and Company. He chose a trilogy ring featuring a large cushion cut center diamond sourced from Botswana, a country close to the couple’s hearts. The center stone is flanked by two round diamonds from Princess Diana’s personal collection, as a touching way to include Harry’s late mother in the momentous occasion.
The original band was made of classic yellow gold, Meghan’s favorite. Harry has said he chose yellow gold for the band because it’s her favorite, and he wanted everything about the ring to be perfect for his bride-to-be.
The 2019 Redesign
A Delicate Upgrade with Added Sparkle
Eagle-eyed royal watchers noticed that Meghan’s engagement ring looked a bit different when she made appearances in 2019 after the birth of the couple’s son Archie. While the center stones remained the same, the plain yellow gold band had been replaced by a thin, diamond-studded micro-pavé band.
The new band added extra sparkle and a delicate touch to the ring. Some speculate that the change was meant to incorporate a family heirloom, perhaps a diamond eternity band that once belonged to Princess Diana. Others think it may have been an anniversary gift or “push present” from Harry to celebrate their growing family.
Symbolic Elements
A Ring Rich in Meaning and Sentiment
Beyond its stunning beauty, Meghan’s engagement ring is rich in symbolism and sentimental meaning. Some key elements:
- Botswana Diamond: The center stone is sourced from Botswana, a country Harry has visited since childhood and a place where the couple had spent time together early in their relationship. Botswana is known for its ethically-sourced diamonds.
- Princess Diana’s Diamonds: By incorporating two diamonds from his mother’s collection, Harry honored Princess Diana’s memory and ensured she would be with them “on this crazy journey together.”
- Trilogy Setting: The three-stone design, also known as a trilogy setting, is said to represent a couple’s past, present, and future together. It’s a classic, romantic choice for engagement rings.
- Yellow Gold: Harry chose a yellow gold band because it’s Meghan’s favorite. The warm gold tone beautifully complements her skin tone and the white diamonds.
Similar Rings
Get Meghan’s Look with These Inspired Designs
Love Meghan’s ring style? You’re not alone. Many jewelers now offer Meghan Markle-inspired engagement rings that capture the trilogy setting, cushion cut center stone, and delicate diamond band. Some popular options:
- The Meghan Ring by Brilliant Earth features an ethically-sourced cushion cut center stone, side stones, and a diamond-accented band. Customize it in your choice of metal.
- Meghan Markle Engagement Ring Replica by Bailey’s Fine Jewelry is a near-exact replica of the ring, down to the diamond-studded band added in 2019. They use lab-grown diamonds for an eco-friendly option.
- Three Stone Meghan Ring by James Allen lets you choose your center diamond or gemstone to personalize the classic trilogy look. Available in platinum or 14K white, yellow or rose gold.
Whether you opt for a ready-made design or work with a jeweler to customize your own version, a Meghan-inspired ring is a timeless choice that exudes elegance and romance.
Caring for Your Ring
Keep Your Sparkler Looking its Best with Proper Care
If you’re lucky enough to have a Meghan-inspired engagement ring of your own, it’s important to take proper care of it to keep those precious stones shining bright. Here are some tips:
- Have your ring professionally cleaned and inspected every 6 months. A jeweler can make sure the prongs are tight and there are no loose stones.
- Clean your ring at home using a soft toothbrush and a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. Gently brush the front and back of the ring. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft cloth.
- Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach and chlorine. Remove your ring before swimming, doing dishes, or cleaning.
- Don’t wear your ring during activities that could cause impact, like sports or heavy lifting.
- Store your ring separately from other jewelry to avoid scratching. When you’re not wearing it, keep it in a soft pouch or lined jewelry box.
With a little TLC, your Meghan Markle-inspired engagement ring will stay stunning for years to come – a lasting symbol of your own love story.
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