The Royal Sparkle: Meghan Markle’s Engagement Ring & Its Lasting Influence on Jewelry Design
When Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle in 2017, the world turned its gaze not only to the couple’s love story but also to the stunning engagement ring that sealed their union. Elegant, symbolic, and rich with royal history, Meghan Markle’s engagement ring quickly became one of the most iconic pieces of modern jewelry.
At Vermont Gem Lab, we understand the power of a ring to reflect identity, legacy, and love. In this post, we’ll explore the design, meaning, and cultural impact of Meghan Markle’s engagement ring—and how you can create your own bespoke version, infused with personal significance and royal-worthy craftsmanship.
A Closer Look: What Makes Meghan Markle’s Engagement Ring Special?
Meghan’s engagement ring is a three-stone diamond ring, crafted in yellow gold with a large cushion-cut center diamond sourced from Botswana and two round brilliant diamonds from Princess Diana’s personal collection.
Key Features:
- Center Stone: Cushion-cut diamond from Botswana, a place of deep meaning for Harry and Meghan.
- Side Stones: Two round diamonds from Princess Diana’s jewelry, making the ring a tribute to heritage and memory.
- Band: Originally yellow gold, redesigned in 2019 with a delicate pavé setting for a more modern look.
This ring is not just a royal jewel—it’s a symbol of connection, personal history, and evolving love, designed with intentionality and emotional depth.
The Three-Stone Setting: Love’s Past, Present, and Future
The three-stone setting has become even more popular since Meghan debuted her ring. Known for its symbolic power, the style represents:
- Past: Memories and foundations of the relationship
- Present: The current moment of love and commitment
- Future: A shared vision and dreams ahead
At Vermont Gem Lab, we specialize in crafting custom three-stone engagement rings that can carry stones from your family’s heirlooms, ethically sourced gems, or personally chosen diamonds and colored stones. It’s the ideal setting to tell your own story.
Diamonds with Meaning: The Botswana Connection
Prince Harry selected the cushion-cut diamond from Botswana for both personal and ethical reasons. The couple had traveled there early in their relationship and considered it a special sanctuary. Additionally, Botswana is known for ethical diamond mining, making this choice a conscious one.
This reflects a broader shift in luxury—away from flash and toward meaningful materials, responsible sourcing, and intentional design.
If you're looking to design a ring with similar values, our team at Vermont Gem Lab is here to help you choose diamonds or gemstones that match your ethics and aesthetics alike.
Honoring Legacy: Princess Diana’s Influence in Meghan’s Ring
The two side stones from Princess Diana’s collection are more than beautiful—they serve as a tribute to Harry’s late mother, ensuring her presence in their union. This deeply personal detail transforms the ring from a luxury object into a living memory.
This design choice has inspired countless couples to incorporate heirloom stones or repurpose vintage pieces into modern engagement rings.
If you have a stone passed down through your family—or wish to include one—we encourage you to explore our design process for heirloom-inspired rings. We treat every story with care, crafting new designs that celebrate the old while speaking to your future.
Meghan Markle’s Updated Ring: Subtle Yet Elegant Changes
In 2019, Meghan quietly updated her ring with a thinner, diamond-pavé band, adding a bit more sparkle and aligning the ring more closely with her evolving personal style. This kind of subtle redesign shows how engagement rings can grow with you, adapting to life’s changes while retaining their meaning.
This flexibility is central to our approach at Vermont Gem Lab. Whether you’re starting with a blank slate or redesigning an existing piece, our custom jewelry gallery showcases what’s possible.
How Meghan’s Ring Has Influenced Engagement Ring Trends
The popularity of Meghan Markle’s engagement ring has sparked widespread trends in the jewelry world. These include:
1. Three-Stone Rings
Demand for three-stone engagement rings surged after the royal engagement. People are drawn to the symbolism and the added brilliance of multiple stones.
2. Yellow Gold Bands
Though white gold and platinum have long dominated, Meghan’s yellow gold ring helped bring back warm tones in bridal jewelry—ideal for vintage lovers and those seeking a classic feel.
3. Ethical & Story-Driven Sourcing
More couples now ask about origin, sustainability, and symbolism—aligning with Meghan and Harry’s values.
4. Cushion-Cut Diamonds
The soft edges and vintage feel of cushion-cut diamonds have made a strong comeback. This cut offers excellent fire and a romantic, timeless look.
At Vermont Gem Lab, we help clients translate these trends into deeply personal, custom rings that speak to their own stories—not just royal ones.
Inspired by Royalty: Designing Your Own Meghan Markle–Inspired Engagement Ring
You don’t need a royal title to own a ring that reflects elegance, intention, and legacy. Here’s how we help you design your Meghan-inspired engagement ring:
1. Select Your Center Stone
Choose from ethically sourced cushion-cut diamonds or gemstones like sapphire, emerald, or even moissanite for a modern twist.
2. Choose Meaningful Side Stones
Use heirloom gems, birthstones, or complementary diamonds to build your three-stone setting with personal depth.
3. Customize the Band
Pick from yellow gold, white gold, platinum, or rose gold. Add pavé diamonds, filigree details, or a hidden inscription.
4. Add Symbolism
Include subtle engravings, hidden symbols, or stones that reflect personal or shared meaning between you and your partner.
5. Craft with Care
Our expert team ensures every element of your ring is crafted with precision, passion, and transparency—hallmarks of Vermont Gem Lab.
Beyond the Ring: How Jewelry Carries Legacy and Love
One of the most inspiring elements of Meghan Markle’s engagement ring is how it blends past, present, and future—something every engagement ring should strive to do. Whether that’s through design, the use of heirloom materials, or an ethically sourced diamond, jewelry becomes more than adornment; it becomes a vessel of memory and meaning.
At Vermont Gem Lab, we believe in helping you create not just a ring, but a legacy.
Final Thoughts: A Ring That’s Royal at Heart, Personal in Spirit
Meghan Markle’s engagement ring captured the world’s attention, not because of extravagance, but because of its thoughtfulness, elegance, and symbolism. It’s a perfect example of how a ring can honor family, express love, and reflect evolving identity—all at once.
You can create the same kind of significance in your own jewelry journey. Whether you love the look of Meghan’s three-stone setting or want to reinterpret its meaning with your own materials, we’re here to craft a piece that’s worthy of your story.
Ready to bring your royal inspiration to life? Start designing with Vermont Gem Lab today.