In a captivating twist of royal history, Meghan Markle has reclaimed a stunning 13-carat emerald-cut aquamarine ring that once belonged to Princess Diana.
This exquisite piece, valued at a staggering $90,000, has resurfaced in the public eye, stirring conversations about its origins and rightful ownership.
The ring first made headlines when Diana wore it as a replacement for her iconic sapphire engagement ring after her divorce from Prince Charles was finalized in 1996.
Diana’s affinity for aquamarines was well-known; she often paired this ring with a matching aquamarine and pearl bracelet, creating a signature look that resonated with elegance.
Fast forward over two decades, and we see the ring making a glamorous appearance on Meghan’s right hand during her wedding reception in Windsor in May 2018.
The striking geometric lines of the emerald-cut stone complemented Meghan’s sleek reception dress perfectly, and the modern Cartier earrings she wore added a contemporary flair.
However, the story behind the ring is more complicated than it appears.
Sources reveal that while the ring was a personal item and not officially part of the royal collection, Meghan technically doesn’t have the right to keep it.
This intriguing detail highlights the complexities surrounding royal jewelry, especially those pieces that hold sentimental value.
Despite this, Meghan’s choice to wear the ring speaks volumes about her connection to Diana’s legacy.
Legally speaking, Meghan cannot take the ring out of the UK, as it currently belongs to the Spencer family, Diana’s relatives.
Consequently, these cherished jewels are intended for the late princess’s sisters and nieces.
This situation raises questions about the nature of royal gifts, particularly regarding the annual royal gift list, which notably omitted any mention of wedding presents for the Sussexes.
Digging deeper, the 2018 royal gift list showcases various jewelry items received by Meghan during official trips to places like Ireland, New Zealand, and Fiji.
However, it seems that a wedding does not qualify as an official engagement under royal protocols, meaning gifts exchanged during such occasions fall outside the realm of official royal gifts.
Diana had a remarkable collection of aquamarine jewelry, much of which was acquired during her marriage.
One notable addition was a breathtaking cocktail ring featuring an emerald-cut aquamarine adorned with diamond accents, gifted to her by Lucia Fletcher de Lima around the time of her divorce.
This ring became one of the last major pieces in Diana’s collection, further cementing her love for aquamarines.
Meghan made a memorable entrance on her wedding day in 2018, showcasing the aquamarine ring as she waved to photographers while riding in a vintage Jaguar convertible with Prince Harry.
This moment not only highlighted the ring’s beauty but also signified Meghan’s embrace of her new royal identity.
The Duchess of Sussex has donned the ring on several occasions since then, including during a royal tour of Tonga later in 2018, where she wore it for a private audience with King Tupa VI and Queen Nanasbo.
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