When Prince Harry first popped the question back in 2017, the world didn't just look at the couple; they stared at the hand. Specifically, the left one. The Meghan Markle engagement ring became an instant icon, but if you look at photos from that crisp November morning at Kensington Palace and compare them to shots of the Duchess today, you’re looking at two very different pieces of jewelry.
Honestly, it's kinda rare for a royal engagement ring to change so much in such a short window. Most royal rocks are museum-grade heirlooms that stay frozen in time. Not this one. This ring has evolved, much like Meghan’s own role in the global spotlight.
It started as a classic trilogy design on a thick yellow gold band. It was sturdy. It was traditional-ish. Harry famously said yellow gold was her favorite, and he worked with Cleave & Company, the late Queen’s jewelers, to get it just right. But then, things got interesting.
The Diamond Origin Story (It’s Not Just About Sparkle)
The center stone is a roughly 3-carat cushion-cut diamond. Harry didn't just pick it out of a catalog. He sourced it from Botswana. That’s a place that basically served as their sanctuary during the early, secret days of their dating life. They camped under the stars there just weeks after meeting. It was their "third date" trip.
But the sentimental heavy hitters are the two smaller round diamonds flanking that center stone. They came from Princess Diana’s personal collection.
"The little diamonds on either side are from my mother’s jewelry collection to make sure she’s with us on this crazy journey together," Harry told the BBC.
People often debate the value of the ring. Experts like gemologist Grant Mobley have estimated the stones alone are worth around $150,000, but with the Diana provenance? It’s essentially priceless. You can’t put a market value on stones that belonged to the People's Princess.
Why She Changed the Band in 2019
About two years into the marriage, right around the time Archie was born, the ring underwent its first major surgery. The solid yellow gold band was gone. In its place was a thin, delicate micro-pavé diamond band.
This sparked a lot of "Did she hate the original?" chatter.
The truth is more nuanced. It’s widely reported that Harry actually commissioned the update with celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz. He wanted it to match the new eternity band he gave Meghan for their first anniversary. That eternity band is a hidden gem in itself—it features the birthstones of Harry (emerald), Meghan (peridot), and Archie (sapphire) on the underside of the band.
Replacing a solid gold band with a pavé one makes the diamonds look like they’re floating. It’s a more "Hollywood" aesthetic, which makes sense given her roots. But it also required a total reset of the stones.
The 2025 "Emerald Cut" Controversy
By early 2026, the internet was buzzing again. In recent footage from her Netflix series With Love, Meghan, the ring looks... different. Again.
Eagle-eyed fans noticed the corners of the center stone look sharper. Some experts suggest she may have swapped the original cushion cut for an emerald cut, or perhaps had the prongs adjusted to give it a more rectangular, "radiant" silhouette.
- The Cushion Cut (Original): Soft, rounded corners, "pillow" shape, classic brilliance.
- The New Look: Sleeker, step-cut appearance, more architectural.
Changing the center stone of a royal engagement ring is almost unheard of. It’s a bold move. It signals a shift from "member of the institution" to "independent mogul."
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How to Get the Look (Without the Royal Budget)
You don't need a Prince or a direct line to Botswana to recreate this vibe. If you're looking for something inspired by the Duchess, keep these technical details in mind:
- Proportions: The side stones should be roughly one-third the size of the center stone to maintain that "trilogy" balance.
- The Metal: While the world fell in love with her yellow gold era, her current stack is all about white gold or platinum to let the pavé diamonds blend in.
- The "Hidden" Detail: Adding birthstones to the inside of the band is the most underrated part of the Meghan Markle engagement ring story. It’s a way to keep family close without making the ring look cluttered.
The Actual Impact on Jewelry Trends
Since 2017, the "three-stone ring" has seen a massive resurgence. Before her, everyone wanted a single solitaire or a massive halo. Meghan brought back the "Past, Present, and Future" symbolism of the trilogy setting.
Interestingly, she’s also been spotted wearing lab-grown diamonds for other events. While her engagement stones are natural, she’s pushed the conversation toward ethical sourcing. Botswana diamonds are often cited as a gold standard for "development diamonds" that actually fund schools and infrastructure in the mining communities.
The ring isn't just a piece of jewelry anymore. It’s a timeline. It’s gone from a traditional royal gift to a customized piece of modern luxury. Whether you love the redesign or miss the original yellow gold, there’s no denying it’s the most talked-about ring of the decade.
If you’re planning your own ring and want to incorporate these elements, start by focusing on the "trilogy" layout. It’s timeless. Then, decide if you want the "sturdy" feel of a solid band or the "sparkle" of a micro-pavé. Most jewelers can easily mimic the Lorraine Schwartz style by using a 1.5mm to 1.8mm band width. Just remember that thinner bands are more delicate—if you’re active with your hands, the original 2017 yellow gold style is actually much more durable for everyday wear.