Princess Diana Chose an Engagement Ring From a Public Catalog in 1981 — the Royal Establishment Was Not Pleased

Princess Diana was an icon known for her rebellious choices. One decision that sources say surprised the royal establishment was her choice of a sapphire engagement ring rather than a custom-commissioned design, which had long been the expectation for royal brides.

The decision has since been described as having "shattered" long-held royal tradition, per RadarOnline.

According to reports, Diana selected the ring in 1981 from a Garrard catalog, which was valued at more than $37,000 at the time. The ring features a 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds, it was even available for public purchase, which was quite unusual for other royal engagement rings. Diana wore the ring throughout her marriage to then-Prince Charles and continued to wear it even after their divorce in 1996.

The report notes that the ring, once considered controversial, has since become the world's most recognizable piece of jewelry. The decision is also now reinterpreted as a defining moment of personal agency.

The ring was later passed to Prince William by his brother Prince Harry and worn by Princess Catherine upon their engagement

A source shared with the publication, “At the time, this ring was seen as a significant departure from tradition – royal brides were expected to wear something unique, commissioned and entirely exclusive. Diana choosing a ring that anyone could theoretically buy was viewed by some as almost unthinkable, but it also spoke volumes about her independence and instinct to do things differently.”

A jewelry expert, speaking with RadarOnline, also offered perspective on Diana's ring selection. While speaking with the publication, the expert acknowledged that the late princess was “genuinely ahead of her time” and that the ring “perfectly captured that spirit.” The expert added, “Opting for a design that was striking, unconventional, and accessible rather than traditionally exclusive showed a level of confidence and individuality that set her apart within the royal family.”

The expert stated that it was Diana’s “bold” and “modern decision” which reflected her personality. He noted that she never shied away from challenging expectations and, in doing so, redefined the royal style.

In addition, the report notes that, even though it was an unusual choice, it was inspired by a sapphire brooch that Prince Albert gave to Queen Victoria in 1840. Later, Victoria wore it on her wedding day as her “something blue”, followed by Queen Elizabeth II, connecting Diana’s choice to a long royal tradition despite its modern look.

Princess Diana died in 1997 at age 36 in a car crash in Paris. Following this, her younger son, Prince Harry, inherited the ring and passed it to his brother, Prince William, when he proposed to Catherine.

During an interview with ITV, the Prince of Wales described the proposal. When further questioned that it was a family ring, William doubled down, asserting, “Obviously, she’s (his mother) not going to be around to share in all the fun and excitement, so this is my way of keeping her close to it all.”

William reportedly proposed to Catherine on one knee during a vacation in Kenya with friends.