Princess Eugenie posted three adorable photos of her newly engaged sister Beatrice and Edoardo last week, and we were afforded a glimpse of her new gorgeous sparkler. It is thought the engagement ring was designed by Edoardo himself, in collaboration with renowned jewellery designer Shaun Leane. The Royal Family have sported some of the most unique engagement rings ever, so how does Beatrice’s size up to the rest? Express.co.uk spoke to a ring expert to find out.
Alastair Smith, founder of Ringspo.com, regularly profiles celebrity engagement rings.
And according to Mr Smith, Princess Beatrice’s engagement ring most closely mirrors that belonging to the head of the Royal Family.
Mr Smith said: “The royal ring that Beatrice’s ring most closely resembles is the Queen’s, which is a 3 carat ‘old cut’ diamond set in a traditional claw setting in platinum with five smaller diamonds on each shoulder, giving a tapered appearance not dissimilar to the baguettes on either side of Beatrice’s ring.”
The Queen’s engagement ring is thought to feature gems from a diamond and aquamarine tiara, which belonged to Prince Philip’s grandmother, Princess Alice of Battenberg.
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Mr Smith added: “Meghan Markle’s ring is also a three stone diamond ring, with the centre stone a 3.5 carat cushion cut, with two round brilliant diamonds on either side.”
Mr Smith also highlights how many royals have swerved the traditional diamond-centred engagement rings.
Mr Smith said: “Many other royals have received an alternative gemstone to diamond for their ring – Beatrice’s sister Eugenie’s ring is a rare ‘padparadscha’ sapphire ring with a halo setting, which actually looks not dissimilar to the ruby ring that their mother received as her engagement ring from Prince Andrew.
“Kate’s ring famously also does not feature a diamond centre stone as she inherited Princess Diana’s stunning sapphire halo ring.”
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The engagement ring of Princess Diana is perhaps the most iconic of all royal engagement rings.
A 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire, the huge rock was adorned with 14 solitaire diamonds, resting on a white gold band.
Upon the Princess’ death, her engagement ring was passed on the Prince William, while her famous wedding dress was given to Prince Harry.
The engagement ring now belongs to Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, when she became engaged to Prince William in 2010.
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Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, received a very distinct ring from Prince Andrew when he proposed in 1986.
A Burmese ruby is the centrepiece of the design, and it is surrounded by ten diamonds to form a floral pattern.
Another unusual choice for a royal engagement ring is Sophie, Countess of Wessex’s.
The Garrard’s ring features an oval diamond centre, with two small heart-shaped gems either side.