Meghan Markle is once again capturing attention, this time for what may be the fourth iteration of her engagement ring.
Fans have speculated that subtle changes to this iconic piece of jewelry were evident in the trailers for her upcoming Netflix series, igniting discussions across social media.
When Prince Harry popped the question back in 2017, he designed a stunning engagement ring featuring a cushion-cut diamond that weighs between 2.5 and 3 carats.
The diamond originated from Botswana, a place that holds special meaning for the couple as it was where they enjoyed their first trip together.
Accompanying the central stone are two smaller, round diamonds that once belonged to Princess Diana, adding a deeply personal touch to the ring.
Meghan has consistently emphasized how vital it was for her to include Harry’s late mother in their life together.
In her words, this sentimentality made her feel closer to Diana, indicating that the late princess is a part of their “crazy journey.”
The ring’s yellow gold band was specifically chosen because it’s Meghan’s favorite, a thoughtful gesture from Harry that showcased his love and care.
Initially crafted by Cleave & Company, the ring’s estimated worth is around £120,000.
However, within a mere two years, changes began to surface.
At the Trooping the Colour event in 2019, Meghan debuted a thinner band, marking the first noticeable transformation of this beloved engagement ring.
Fast forward to 2023, and viewers have seen footage of Meghan sans her ring at various appearances.
Yet, in the promotional material for her Netflix show, subtle hints of an updated design emerged.
Notably, it seems as though the cushion-cut diamond may have been swapped for an emerald-cut stone, creating a fresh, elegant look.
The announcement of Meghan’s Netflix series, “With Love Meghan,” faced a setback, briefly postponed to March 4 due to fires in Los Angeles.
The first public glimpse of her ring occurred during the couple’s engagement photoshoot at Kensington Palace, where a clearly enamored Prince Harry presented the ring he had thoughtfully designed.
Reports in 2022 from Omid Scobie’s book, “Finding Freedom,” outlined how Harry initiated the first modifications to the ring.
He collaborated with renowned jeweler Lorraine Schwartz to resize it, introducing a new diamond band that replaced the original.
This revamped design featured a micro-pavé band along with a conflict-free diamond eternity band, symbolizing their growing family.
The eternity band incorporated their respective birthstones during its design—peridot for Meghan, emerald for Archie, and sapphire for Harry—crafted again by the talented Schwartz.
The following year, speculation arose once more as Meghan appeared at the Invictus Games, showcasing what appeared to be additional diamonds encircling the central stone.
During that event, Meghan replaced her eternity band with a delicate gold hand bracelet, which paired beautifully with her ring.
As 2023 rolled around, the ring went mysteriously absent from several appearances at the Invictus Games due to rumored repairs on a loose stone, triggering further speculation of yet another redesign.
In promotional videos for her Netflix series, an evolved version of the ring was spotted, potentially marking the fourth time Meghan has made alterations.
After their marriage in 2018, Harry gifted his wife an eternity ring that coincided with updates to her engagement ring, highlighting the continuing evolution of this romantic symbol.
The jewelry industry often sees this trend of upgrading engagement rings—much like other high-profile figures such as Victoria Beckham and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark—which often signifies milestones in their relationships or a desire for a little more bling.
Experts suggest that many men choose safe and classic designs for proposals, leaving space for their partners to add personal touches down the line, whether it’s a larger stone or a new design altogether.
