Princess Diana’s engagement ring ‘Shattered Royal Convention’

Her piece – a 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds – was valued at more than $37,000 at the time and, unusually for a royal engagement ring, was available for public purchase. Diana wore it during her wedding to the then Prince Charles, now king and 77 years old, and continued to wear it occasionally after their divorce in 1996.

What was once seen as a controversial choice has since become one of the most recognizable pieces of jewelry in the world, later worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, 44, after being passed down through the royal family.

The decision, which initially raised eyebrows within royal circles, has since been reinterpreted as a defining moment of personal agency.

A palace source told us: “At the time, this ring was seen as a major departure from tradition; royal brides were expected to wear something unique, commissioned and completely exclusive. Diana choosing a ring that anyone could theoretically buy was considered almost unthinkable by some, but it also spoke volumes about her independence and her instinct to do things differently.”