It was February 1981. A 19-year-old Lady Diana Spencer stood before a tray of glittering options from Garrard, the Crown Jeweller. Most people assume the princess diana blue sapphire ring was a custom-made masterpiece, a one-of-a-kind relic forged in the fires of royal tradition.
Honestly? It wasn't.
Diana did something that made the old guard at Buckingham Palace absolutely cringe: she picked it from a catalog. Specifically, the Garrard retail catalog. That meant anyone with a fat enough bank account—about $60,000 at the time—could have walked in and bought the exact same ring. It wasn't "royal" enough for the critics. They even nicknamed it the "Commoner's Sapphire."
The anatomy of a legend
Let’s get into the technical weeds for a second because this isn't just a "pretty blue rock." The center stone is a massive 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire. Ceylon sapphires, which come from Sri Lanka, are prized for that specific "cornflower" or "royal blue" hue that seems to glow from the inside.
It's not just the sapphire, though.
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Surrounding that deep blue ocean of a gem are 14 solitaire diamonds. These aren't tiny pavé chips; they are substantial round brilliant-cut diamonds that create a halo effect, making the sapphire look even larger than it already is. Everything is set in 18-karat white gold.
- Center Stone: 12-carat Oval Ceylon Sapphire.
- Halo: 14 round brilliant diamonds.
- Metal: 18k White Gold.
- Estimated Value in 2026: Easily north of $500,000 (though, let’s be real, it’s priceless).
Why a catalog ring?
There are a few theories about why she chose it. Some say it reminded her of her mother’s engagement ring. Others think she just wanted the biggest stone on the tray. Prince Charles allegedly presented her with a dozen or so options, and she went straight for the blue.
Whatever the reason, her choice basically democratized royal style. It was the first sign of the "People's Princess" emerging. She didn't want something hidden away in a vault; she wanted something that felt real, even if it was technically "available to the public."
The Queen Victoria Connection
Ironically, while the ring itself was "new," the design was actually a throwback. The cluster style was inspired by a sapphire and diamond brooch that Prince Albert gave to Queen Victoria in 1840. Victoria loved it so much she wore it as her "something blue" on her wedding day. So, while the palace snobs hated the catalog origin, the aesthetic was actually as royal as it gets.
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The Ring’s Second Life (and that "Harry" rumor)
We’ve all heard the story: after Diana’s tragic death in 1997, her sons were allowed to pick a memento. Legend has it Harry chose the ring and William chose a Cartier watch. Later, when William was ready to propose to Kate Middleton, Harry supposedly "gave" the ring to his brother so it could one day sit on the throne.
Actually, Harry’s own memoir, Spare, kind of nukes that narrative. He claimed he didn't even know William had the ring until it was announced.
Regardless of the "how," the princess diana blue sapphire ring reappeared in 2010 on Kate Middleton’s finger. William said it was his way of making sure his mother didn't miss out on his wedding day. It was a heavy gesture—literally and figuratively.
Wearing a piece of history in 2026
If you’ve seen Kate (now the Princess of Wales) lately, you might notice the ring goes missing occasionally.
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There’s been a lot of chatter about this. Is there trouble in paradise? Nope. It’s mostly about maintenance and health.
- Safety in Hospitals: Kate often removes it during hospital visits for hygiene reasons.
- Maintenance: The ring is over 40 years old. Those prongs need constant checking.
- The "Stack" Trend: In 2025 and early 2026, we’ve seen her swapping the heavy sapphire for a slimmer "eternity band" stack. It’s just more practical for a busy royal who doesn't want to snag a 12-carat rock on everything she touches.
Can you actually buy one?
You can't buy the ring, obviously. But because Diana picked a "stock" item, the "Diana Style" is the most replicated jewelry design in history.
If you're looking for something similar, don't just settle for "blue glass." You want to look for a Ceylon-origin sapphire. Why? Because Thai or Australian sapphires tend to be very dark—almost black in certain lights. A true Ceylon stone stays blue even in the shade.
Also, check the "halo." Modern replicas often use tiny diamonds to save money. The original used 14 distinct, large solitaires. That’s what gives it that "flower" look rather than just a sparkly border.
Buying Guide for the Diana Look:
- Sapphire Quality: Look for "Royal Blue" or "Cornflower Blue." Avoid "Inky" stones.
- Metal Choice: Stick to White Gold or Platinum. Yellow gold "muddies" the blue of the sapphire.
- The Setting: Ensure the center stone is "elevated" slightly. This allows light to hit the pavilion (the bottom of the stone), which is what makes it sparkle.
- Origin: Ask for a GIA or GRV report confirming "Sri Lanka" or "Ceylon" origin.
The princess diana blue sapphire ring changed the jewelry industry forever. Before 1981, diamonds were the only "real" choice for engagement. Diana made color cool again. She proved that a ring doesn't have to be unique to be iconic—it just has to be worn by someone who isn't afraid to break a few rules.
If you’re planning to invest in a sapphire of this caliber, your first step should be finding a reputable gemologist who specializes in colored stones rather than just diamonds. A 12-carat sapphire is a different beast entirely when it comes to inclusions and "windowing" (clear spots in the stone). Start by researching "unheated Ceylon sapphires" to see the true premium versions of what Diana wore.