Royal Engagement Rings: A Look Back

Royal Engagement Rings

Queen Elizabeth's sister received a ruby engagement ring that was designed by her future husband -- it was created to look like a rosebud (a ruby surrounded by diamonds) to honor the princess' middle name, Rose.

Royal Engagement Rings

For her first marriage, Princess Anne chose a sapphire and diamond engagement ring by Garrard Jewelers. While the resulting wedding was watched around the world, it was only the second time in 200 years that a member of the British Royal Family married a "commoner."

Royal Engagement Rings

After Charles' proposal (he did not immediately present Diana with a ring, so she could consider the implications of their marriage), Diana chose an 18-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by 14 brilliant-cut diamonds and set in 18-carat white gold by Garrard Jewelers, the official crown jeweler for the British monarchy. This "store-bought" ring inspired many copies.

Royal Engagement Rings

For the Duchess of York, Prince Andrew helped design an oval Burma ruby ring (to compliment her red hair) from Garrard Jewelers, surrounded by a cluster of 10 drop diamonds. It is set in 18-carat yellow gold, and has a white gold band.

Royal Engagement Rings

After a five-year courtship, Prince Edward surprised Sophie with a delicate three-diamond engagement ring (a 2-carat oval diamond flanked by two smaller heart-shaped diamonds) in white gold from royal jeweler Garrard.

Royal Engagement Rings

A ring of great historic value, Camilla's heirloom engagement ring was left to Charles by his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth (a gift from her mother-in-law upon the birth of Queen Elizabeth II). An art deco design, the platinum ring is comprised of an emerald-cut diamond flanked by three diamond baguettes on both sides.

Royal Engagement Rings

When the Queen's grandson proposed to Autumn Kelly, he presented her a three-diamond ring set in white gold. He had originally planned on asking Kelly to marry him on a romantic hot-air-balloon ride, which was canceled because of bad weather. Instead he popped with question while the pair walked their dog in the rain near their weekend home, Aston Farm, a cottage on Phillips' father's Gloucestershire estate.

Royal Engagement Rings

Upon the Swedish Crown Princess' engagement to her longtime boyfriend (Daniel proposed on one knee in the grounds of Drottningholm Palace), the couple kept quiet about the ring. It was later revealed that it's a classic engagement ring with a brilliant-cut diamond of two to three carats, most likely purchased from the jeweler WA Bolin in Stockholm.

Royal Engagement Rings

Prince Albert gave the former South African swimming champion a pear-shaped engagement ring of about three carats embellished with round brilliant diamond and set in a unique gray gold. Created by Parisian jeweler Maison Repossi, it's a royal choice.

Royal Engagement Rings

While vacationing in Kenya in October 2010, Prince William proposed to his long-time girlfriend with his mother's, Princess Diana's, engagement ring. Lady Diana Spencer selected an 18-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by 14 brilliant-cut diamonds and set in 18-carat white gold by Garrard Jewelers, the official crown jeweler for the British monarchy. The groom said he wanted his mother to be part of this special time in his life, and therefore chose to give his bride her ring.

Royal Engagement Rings