The Queens Engagement Ring

Since the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge sapphire sales have rocketed, due to Kate Middleton receiving Princess Diana’s classic Sapphire and Diamond engagement ring. Like his grandfather, Prince William gave Kate Middleton diamonds that belonged to his mother.

The diamonds for Queen Elizabeth II's engagement ring from Prince Philip also have a special history, as diamonds used to create the ring came from a tiara belonging to his mother – Princess Andrew of Greece.

Before asking for her hand in marriage, Prince Philip was heavily involved in the design of the stunning engagement ring, which is a platinum ring set with eleven diamonds, a 3 carat round solitaire and five smaller stones set on each shoulder.

How did the Queen and Prince Philip meet?

The Queen met Prince Philip when they both attended the wedding of Philip’s cousin, Princess Marina of Greece to The Duke of Kent. This was in 1934, when the Queen was a teenager and Prince Philip was an 18-year-old Royal Navy officer.

They met again at Dartmouth Royal Navy College in 1939, and Prince Philip tried to impress her on the tennis court. Soon after, the couple started writing to one another and Prince Philip declared his love. Their engagement was announced on July 9, 1947, after Philip asked King George VI for permission to marry his daughter.

The wedding took place four months after the engagement on 20th November at Westminster Abbey and was watched by 200 million people worldwide.  

A rationing was still in effect at the time, the Queen’s wedding dress was simple, with a fitted bodice and heart-shaped neckline which was paid for by clothing coupons. To show their support, hundreds of people across the UK sent the Princess their own coupons to help, however they had to be returned as it would have been illegal for her to use them.

What we know about the Queen's engagement ring

Prince Philip designed the square-cut diamond engagement ring with jewellers Philip Antrobus Ltd.

The ring is a platinum ring set with eleven diamonds, a 3 carat round solitaire and five smaller stones set on each shoulder. And, whilst Prince Philip was born a Greek prince, it seems his family were not extremely wealthy.

As Elizabeth was heir to the British throne, using diamonds from an existing piece may have been a way to save money as well as a sentimental gesture.

After taking a close look at the ring, our diamond experts estimate is likely to be worth around £207,082.  In comparison, Meghan Markle’s ring is estimated to be worth around £96,729, whilst Kate Middleton's is now worth around £300,000 thanks to its timeless legacy. 

The Queen’s wedding ring is made from a nugget of Welsh gold from the Clogau St David’s mine, near Dolgellau. The same nugget has been used to make Princess Anne, Princess Diana and Kate Middleton’s wedding rings.