An engagement ring is a timeless symbol of love, representing commitment, devotion and the promise of a future together.
And what better occasion to propose than Valentine’s Day, the most romantic day of the year?
With love in the air, Valentine’s Day provides the perfect backdrop for a heartfelt proposal – whether it’s an intimate moment at home, an idyllic getaway or a grand gesture.
While deciding when and where to pop the question is important, finding the perfect ring is essential.
Taking inspiration from the Royal Family, we’ve uncovered the best lookalikes, from Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire to Princess Beatrice’s vintage-inspired beauty.
These exquisite rings are certain to impress now and for years to come. All that’s left is to choose a favourite…
Princess Diana
Princess Diana’s engagement ring is one of the most iconic pieces of jewellery in history. Purchased by Charles in 1981 for £28,000, its current value now exceeds £300,000.
Designed by the London luxury jeweller Garrard, the ring showcases a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire, surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds.
Its design was inspired by Queen Victoria’s sapphire brooch, which she wore as her ‘something blue’ when marrying Prince Albert in 1840.
Diana and Charles reportedly selected the ring together from a selection of options, as its colour complemented her blue eyes.
Breaking royal tradition, the ring was not a custom-made piece but rather available from a catalogue, meaning others could purchase the same design.
Today, Kate Middleton wears the ring, and several similar styles can be found on the high street, including a notable dupe from The Diamond Store priced at £1,365.
Princess Diana’s engagement ring was purchased for £28,000 by Charles in 1981 and is now valued at upwards of £300,000
Recreate the look…
The Diamond Store lab sapphire and diamond ring, £1,365
This lab sapphire ring from The Diamond store is reduced to £1,365 and comes with a five-year guarantee
Princess Eugenie
Princess Eugenie’s engagement ring features a rare padparadscha sapphire, presented to her during a proposal in Nicaragua.
The name ‘padparadscha’ comes from the Sinhalese word for the colour of a tropical lotus blossom, which has a delicate rosy-peach hue.
During an appearance on BBC’s The One Show, Jack Brooksbank shared that the sapphire reminded him of Eugenie, saying: ‘It changes colour when it hits certain lights, much like Eugenie’.
The vintage-inspired ring boasts an oval sapphire, estimated to be five-carat, surrounded by a diamond halo and set in rose gold.
For royal fans seeking a similar style, Fenton offers a design that closely mirrors Eugenie’s, complete with the same warm hue.
Princess Eugenie’s engagement ring features a rare padparadscha sapphire, presented to her during a proposal in Nicaragua
Recreate the look…
Fenton ‘Mayfair’ pink sapphire halo ring, from £3,150
This Fenton pink sapphire ring, priced from £3,150, cleverly draws in light to interact and shine through the centre stone
Princess Beatrice
Princess Beatrice’s engagement ring is a stunning Art Deco-inspired creation by British jeweller Shaun Leane, highlighting a six-claw round diamond at its centre.
The bespoke design process began with an in-depth and personal consultation between Leane and Beatrice’s fiancé, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
On closer inspection, the ring reveals exquisite details, including tapered shoulders, featuring baguette and pavé diamonds.
Both Beatrice’s engagement and wedding rings were handcrafted in Leane’s atelier in London’s Mayfair district.
The diamonds used in the rings are of the highest colour and clarity, all GIA-certified and ethically sourced, ensuring both beauty and responsibility in their craftsmanship.
For those hoping to achieve a similar impact, Tiffany & Co has unveiled a stunning variation, priced from £5,000, which is certain to captivate jewellery enthusiasts.
Princess Beatrice’s engagement ring is a stunning Art Deco-inspired creation by British jeweller Shaun Leane, highlighting a six-claw round diamond at its centre
Recreate the look…
Tiffany three stone ring with baguette side stones, from £5,000
This £5,000 Tiffany ring features two tapered baguette diamonds precisely cut to frame a classic round brilliant centre stone
Meghan Markle
When Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle in 2017, he designed an engagement ring featuring a cushion-cut diamond from Botswana – offering a nod to the couple’s first holiday together.
He also incorporated two smaller round diamonds from Princess Diana’s personal jewellery collection, ensuring that his late mother would always be a part of their journey.
Originally crafted by Cleave & Company, the late Queen Elizabeth’s trusted jeweller, the ring featured a simple gold band and was estimated to be worth around £120,000.
However, less than two years later, Harry commissioned Lorraine Schwartz to resize and reset the ring with a new diamond band, which Meghan debuted at Trooping the Colour in 2019.
Speculation arose again in 2022 when reports suggested Meghan may have further modified the design by adding a hidden halo.
Either way, the classic trilogy style, representing the past, present and future, is a fitting gesture for any proposal.
Why not emulate the look with the ‘Lisbon’ ring from 77 Diamonds?
When Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle in 2017, he designed the ring to feature a cushion-cut diamond sourced from Botswana
Recreate the look…
77 Diamonds ‘Lisbon’ engagement ring, from £1,289.45
Why not emulate Meghan Markle’s look with the ‘Lisbon’ ring from 77 Diamonds? Prices start at £1,289.45
Zara Tindall
Mike Tindall proposed to Zara Phillips in 2010 with a sophisticated engagement ring, featuring a split platinum band adorned with pavé diamonds.
The dazzling design, estimated to be worth £140,000, is centred around a single solitaire diamond.
Created with practicality in mind, the ring’s low-profile setting was chosen to accommodate Zara’s equestrian career, allowing her to wear it comfortably while competing. This design also makes it more resistant to knocks and scuffs.
Steven Stone has a near-identical ring, available from £2,063, on its website, with the option for customers to hand-pick their centre stone.
Mike Tindall proposed to Zara Phillips in 2010 with a sophisticated engagement ring, featuring a split platinum band adorned with pavé diamonds
Recreate the look…
Steven Stone cutdown split shoulder engagement ring, from £2,063
Steven Stone has a near-identical ring, available from £2,063, on its website, and customers can hand-pick their centre stone
Queen Camilla
When Prince Charles proposed to Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005, he presented her with a 5-carat diamond ring that once belonged to his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.
The ring features an emerald-cut diamond flanked by three baguette diamonds on each side, showcasing a timeless Art Deco design.
While its exact origins remain unclear, it is believed to be part of the jewellery collection bequeathed to the Queen Mother by Dame Margaret Greville in 1943.
Valued at approximately £212,000, this exquisite piece is the second most expensive engagement ring in the Royal Family, coming in behind the Princess of Wales’ sapphire and diamond ring.
For those seeking a similar heirloom-style piece, Vrai – an LA-based brand backed by Leonardo DiCaprio – offers an elegant five-stone ring starting at £1,444.
Prince Charles proposed to Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005, with a 5-carat ring that once belonged to his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother
Recreate the look…
Vrai five-stone heirloom emerald engagement ring, from £1,444
Vrai – an LA-based label backed by Leonardo DiCaprio – sells a similar exquisite five-stone heirloom ring, from £1,444
Queen Elizabeth II
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip shared a long-distance courtship, exchanging love letters for eight years before finally becoming engaged in 1946.
Upon returning to the UK after World War II, Philip sought King George VI’s permission to marry his daughter.
The King granted his request, with one condition – the engagement would only be announced after Elizabeth’s 21st birthday the following April.
Philip proposed with a ring designed by London jeweller Philip Antrobus, incorporating diamonds repurposed from a tiara belonging to his mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg.
At its centre sits a 3-carat Old European cut diamond, held by eight eagle prongs.
Estimated to be worth over £200,000, the ring is a true royal treasure.
For those inspired by its regal elegance, Brilliant Earth’s ‘Opera’ ring, featuring a striking centre stone flanked by pear-shaped diamonds, is a fitting tribute to royal romance.
Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip exchanged love letters for eight years before becoming engaged in 1946
Recreate the look…
Brilliant Earth ‘Opera’ three stone engagement ring, £4,050
Gleaming pear-shaped diamonds frame the centre stone in this £4,050 ring by Brilliant Earth
Sarah Ferguson
When Prince Andrew proposed to Sarah Ferguson in 1986, he selected a vibrant Burmese ruby for her engagement ring, reportedly chosen to complement her fiery red hair.
The floral-inspired design, crafted by Garrard & Co, features a 3-carat ruby encircled by a halo of pear-shaped diamonds, all set in platinum with an 18-carat yellow gold band.
With an estimated value of £40,000, the ring remains one of the most distinctive royal engagement pieces.
For those looking to recreate the look, Diamonds Factory offers a beautiful halo ruby engagement ring for £1,137 – an ideal gift for someone special this Valentine’s Day.
Prince Andrew reportedly chose a fiery Burmese ruby for Sarah Ferguson’s engagement ring as it reminded him of his fiancée’s red hair
Recreate the look…
Diamonds Factory oval halo ruby engagement ring, from £1,137
The halo ruby engagement ring from Diamonds Factory, available for £1,137, is an ideal gift for someone special this Valentine’s Day
Princess Anne
Princess Anne met her second husband, Timothy Laurence, while he was serving as a Royal Navy commander aboard the Royal Yacht Britannia.
Their romance remained largely private, with the couple rarely seen together before their engagement.
In 1992, Timothy proposed with an elaborate 3-carat oval-cut cabochon sapphire, framed by three small diamonds on either side.
Valued at approximately £25,000, the design exudes understated elegance.
Interestingly, Anne’s first engagement ring from Mark Phillips also featured a sapphire, proving her enduring love for the deep-blue gemstone.
For those drawn to Anne’s timeless style, Fenton’s exquisite trefoil sapphire ring, available from £2,100, offers a similarly elegant choice.
Timothy Laurence proposed to Princess Anne in 1992 with an elegant ring, containing a 3-carat oval-cut cabochon sapphire framed by a cluster of three small diamonds on either side
Recreate the look…
Fenton trefoil blue sapphire ring, from £2,100
For those drawn to Anne’s timeless style, Fenton’s exquisite trefoil sapphire ring, available from £2,100, offers a similarly elegant choice
