When Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped into the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace back in 2017, the world wasn't just looking at the couple. We were all squinting at her left hand. It was the first time we saw it—the Meghan Markle engagement ring. It looked classic, almost surprisingly simple for a royal sparkler. But if you think it’s stayed the same since that "roasting a chicken" proposal, you haven't been paying attention.
The ring has lived several lives. Honestly, it’s basically a shapeshifter at this point.
From the ethical mines of Africa to the private vaults of Princess Diana, every single facet of this ring tells a story. Some people call it a "trilogy" ring because it has three main stones. In jewelry lingo, that usually stands for a couple’s past, present, and future. Kind of poetic, right? But for Harry and Meghan, the meaning was way more literal and, frankly, a lot more personal.
The Original Design: Botswana and Diana
Harry didn’t just walk into a shop and pick something off the shelf. He went to Cleave & Company, the late Queen Elizabeth’s regular jewelers, and designed the whole thing himself. He knew Meghan’s favorite metal was yellow gold, so he started there.
The center stone is the big one. It’s a cushion-cut diamond weighing about three carats. Harry sourced it from Botswana. If you’ve followed their story, you know that’s where they had their third date, camping out under the stars. It was a "huge leap," as Harry put it, but clearly, it worked out. Botswana isn’t just a romantic backdrop, though. It’s known for ethical diamond mining, which was a big deal for a couple that tries to lean into "conscious" living.
Then you’ve got the side stones. These are the ones that make people get a little misty-eyed.
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They are two round brilliant-cut diamonds that belonged to Princess Diana. Harry was very vocal about this during their BBC engagement interview. He wanted to make sure his mom was with them on what he called "this crazy journey together." By using her diamonds, he ensured that a piece of her legacy was physically present in his marriage.
The First Big Change (2019)
For about 18 months, the ring stayed exactly how Harry designed it. Then came the 2019 Trooping the Colour. Meghan stepped out, and the "eagle-eyed" fans (you know the ones, the people who zoom in 400% on every photo) noticed the yellow gold band was gone.
In its place? A thin, delicate micro-pavé diamond band.
It was a total vibe shift. The ring went from looking like a sturdy, traditional heirloom to something much more modern and "Hollywood." At first, people thought Meghan just wanted a bit more sparkle. But it turns out, the redesign was actually Harry’s idea. He worked with celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz to update the ring for their first wedding anniversary.
While she was at it, Lorraine also helped Harry create an eternity band. This wasn't just a regular diamond band, though. It had a "hidden" detail on the underside: the birthstones for the family.
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- Peridot for Meghan (August)
- Sapphire for Harry (September)
- Emerald for Archie (May)
It was a "push present" and an anniversary gift rolled into one. Pretty smooth, Harry.
Wait, Is It an Emerald Cut Now?
Fast forward to early 2025. Promotional clips for Meghan’s Netflix series With Love, Meghan started dropping, and people lost their minds. In some shots, that soft, rounded cushion-cut diamond looks... different. It looks square. Or rectangular.
The internet is currently divided on this. Some experts think she’s had the center stone re-cut into an emerald cut (or maybe a princess cut). An emerald cut has those long, "hall of mirrors" step-cuts that look very sophisticated and architectural. Others think she’s just wearing a "travel ring" or a replica.
Let's be real: if you're a high-profile person who spends a lot of time in the kitchen for a Netflix show, you might not want to wear a $350,000 original piece of history near the garbage disposal.
Why the Evolution Matters
Some critics get annoyed every time the ring changes. They say it’s "disrespectful" to the original sentiment. But honestly? Jewelry evolves. People change. Styles shift.
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Meghan’s style in 2017 was very different from her "Californian Entrepreneur" era in 2026. Updating a ring to reflect who you are now is actually a pretty common thing, even if you aren't a Duchess. The core elements—those Diana diamonds—haven't gone anywhere. They’re still the foundation.
What the Experts Say About Value
When the ring first debuted, jewelers estimated its value at around $150,000. But that was just the cost of the materials. Once you add the "Diana Factor" and the "Harry Designed It Factor," the price skyrockets.
By the time the pavé band was added and more diamonds were tucked around the setting in 2022, experts like Zack Stone of Steven Stone moved the estimate closer to $350,000. If she truly has upgraded to a larger emerald-cut center stone recently, you’re looking at even more. But let’s be honest: you can’t really put a price on stones that belonged to the Princess of Wales. They’re priceless.
How to Get the Look (Without the Royal Budget)
If you're obsessed with the three-stone look, you don't need a Prince to get it. Here is how you can pull it off:
- Prioritize the Cut: The "cushion cut" is what gave the original ring its romantic, vintage feel. It’s softer than a round diamond and hides inclusions well.
- Mix Your Metals: If you like the 2017 version, go for a yellow gold band with white gold prongs. This keeps the diamonds looking white and bright while giving you that warm gold glow on the finger.
- The "Trilogy" Ratio: To get the Meghan proportions, the side stones should be about one-third the size of the center stone. If you have a 1.5-carat center, look for 0.5-carat sides.
- Lab-Grown is Your Friend: Meghan is a huge fan of sustainable jewelry. Using lab-grown diamonds lets you get a much bigger "Botswana-sized" center stone for a fraction of the price.
- Add a Hidden Detail: Follow Harry’s lead. Put a tiny birthstone or an engraving on the inside of the band. It’s a secret just for you.
The story of this ring isn't over. Whether she's wearing the original cushion cut or has moved on to a sleek emerald shape, the Meghan Markle engagement ring remains the most influential piece of jewelry of the last decade. It proved that you can respect tradition while still making something entirely your own.
For your next step, you might want to look into ethical diamond sourcing or "Conflict-Free" certifications like the ones Harry used. Many modern jewelers now offer "Origin Reports" so you can ensure your diamond comes from a specific region like Botswana, just like the Duchess’s centerpiece.