Princess Eugenie & Sarah Ferguson’s blushing ruby & sapphire engagement rings
When it comes to royal engagement rings, tradition is most often at the heart of the design. But some in the royal family like to break the mould, like Princess Eugenie and Sarah Ferguson. We take a closer look at their bold royal engagement rings and the colourful rubies and sapphires that bring them to life.
In January 2018, Princess Eugenie announced her engagement to her longtime boyfriend, Jack Brooksbank. The couple first met while skiing in Verbier, Switzerland in 2010, with the Princess later saying it was ‘love at first sight’. The couple became engaged on a holiday in Nicaragua, on a night when Brooksbank said ‘the sun was setting, birds were flying…’ Princess Eugenie describes the engagement as ‘really surprising even though we’ve been together for seven years.’
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In their official portrait announcement we caught our first glimpse of the Princess’ stunning sapphire engagement ring. The now-famous ring features an oval padparadscha sapphire and diamond halo. The band and centre sapphire appear to be set in rose gold while the diamond halo seems to be set in platinum. We estimate that the centre gemstone is 5–6ct and that the ring is worth between £45,000 and £55,000.
The term “padparadscha” derives from the Sinhalese word that describes the colour of a tropical lotus blossom, which bears a rosy peach colour. Padparadscha sapphires straddle the colour boundary between pink and orange, giving them a dynamic and enchanting tonality. Brooksbank chose a padparadscha sapphire ring because it changes colour from every different angle, which is how he sees Eugenie.
The Padparadscha Sapphire ring that Jack Brooksbank proposed with is guaranteed to become a precious family heirloom. The classic halo design feels fresh and original because of its peachy-pink centre sapphire whose sunset tones are perfectly complimented by a rose gold setting. It’s a contemporary engagement ring fit for a real life princess.
Annie Mackay, Collection 3D Designer
The couple were married in autumn 2018 in St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle, just a few months after her cousin, Prince Harry married his wife Meghan Markle. Princess Eugenie looked stunning in the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara, which features an incredible 94ct cabochon emerald—another breathtaking gemstone choice for the Princess!
Three rings inspired by Eugenie’s Padparadscha ring
We love Princess Eugenie’s padparadscha halo engagement ring, and we can’t help but think that she must have been inspired by her mother, Sarah Ferguson’s engagement ring. Her ring features a fiery red Burmese ruby, which Prince Andrew reportedly chose because it’s reminiscent of the Duchess’s red hair.
Sarah Ferguson’s engagement ring has inspired us to create a breath-taking floral design with a beautiful diamond halo surrounding a centre ruby, which symbolises love and devotion. The ruby has a passionate, saturated colour that rings out with romance. This beautiful cluster ring with a modern platinum basket is our representation of what love can feel like.
Eimile Zalubaite, Collection Coordinator
Featuring a 3–3.5ct Burmese ruby, the centre stone is set within a halo of pear shaped diamonds. The diamonds and ruby are set in platinum while the band is crafted in 18ct yellow gold. We estimate that the cost of this ring is circa £35,000—£45,000.
Three rings inspired by Sarah’s ruby ring
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