What Royal Engagement Ring Stones Mean

The meaning of engagement rings is vast for the British royal family. However, not many people are aware of the subtext of their central stone. Each royal woman has her own taste, and that’s definitely reflected in their engagement rings. From Kate MiddletonTo Queen Elizabeth, and from Princess AnneTo Meghan Markle, here’s what each engagement ring means. 

Sapphire – Kate Middleton, Princess Anne, Princess Eugenie

Although many people believe that sapphires can only be found in blue, the precious stone is available in a variety colors. Kate Middleton’s sapphire engagement ring, which once belonged to Princess Diana, is the classic blue gem we’ve all come to expect, but her royal in-laws have strayed from the mold in recent years. 

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 16: Prince William and Kate Middleton pose for photographs in the State Apartments of St James Palace on November 16, 2010, in London, England. Today Clarence House announced the engagement of Prince William and Kate Middleton, after much speculation. The couple will be married in the Spring or Summer of next Year. Prince William will continue to live in North Wales, while Prince William is an air-sea rescue pilot with the RAF. After eight years of being together, the couple got engaged on a recent holiday to Kenya. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images).

Princess Eugenie’s husband, Jack Brooksbank, went a little outside the norm when he proposed with a rare orange-pink sapphire, but regardless of the coloring, the meaning remains the same. Sapphires are a symbol of faith, hope, protection, and good fortune. This means that sapphire engagement rings will create a deep spiritual connection, which will help protect the couple and keep them safe.

Princess Anne, Queen Elizabeth’s only daughter, also received a sapphire engagement ring. Sir Timothy Laurence was her second husband. He proposed to her with an oval cut sapphire set in a cabochon.  

Emerald – Wallis Simpson

One of the most famous royals in history was the only one to receive an emerald-encrusted engagement ring. Wallis Simpson was the first woman to marry King Edward VIII, after he proposed in 1937. The union was scandalous at the time, as Simpson was not only an American socialite but also a divorcée. 

Edward abdicated the throne in order to marry Simpson. The two went on to enjoy a long marriage that only ended in 1972 upon Edward’s death. Their marriage lasted for over 40 years. The emerald rings they wore to their engagement are a symbol of growth and renewal, as well as fidelity.

Ruby – Sarah Ferguson

Prince Andrew, Queen Elizabeth’s second-oldest son, proposed to Sarah Ferguson with a flower-shaped ruby ring surrounded by diamonds. They married in 1986 and had two daughters, Princesses Beatrice & Eugenie. Ruby engagement rings represent passion. These rings can be used to bond couples and are believed to be full-of love and excitement. 

Unfortunately, that didn’t quite hold true for Ferguson and Andrew. They split in 1992, and they divorced in 1996. But they are still close to one another today. They even share the Royal Lodge in Windsor, their home. 

Diamond – Meghan Markle, Queen Elizabeth, Princess Beatrice

LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 27: Prince Harry and actress Meghan Markle during an official photocall to announce their engagement at The Sunken Gardens at Kensington Palace on November 27, 2017 in London, England. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are a couple since November 2016. They will be married in Spring 2018. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Chris Jackson/Getty Images

Aquamarine – Meghan Markle’s Second Ring

WINDSOR, UNITED KINGDOM – MAY 19: Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex wave as they leave Windsor Castle after their wedding to attend an evening reception at Frogmore House, hosted by the Prince of Wales on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England. (Photo by Steve Parsons – WPA Pool/Getty Images)

After their 2018 wedding ceremony, Prince Harry and Meghan markle made their way to Florida after a quick costume change. Markle wore her wedding dress as a cover-up and opted for a Stella McCartney halter neck gown. She also rocked a familiar aquamarine ring on her right hand, a ring that was once worn by Harry’s mother. The pale blue color symbolizes courage and communication, which can be wonderful qualities to incorporate into a marriage. 

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