Wimbledon, Prince Louis’s christening...honestly, where AREN’T the royals these days? America has been captivated by the British royal family for decades, if not centuries, as princes and princesses effortlessly set trends and turn heads.
While the royals undeniably have influenced clothing (did you know Queen Victoria popularized the white wedding dress?), they have also had an incredible impact on jewelry trends throughout the ages. Join Dickinson Jewelers as we take a look at some of our favorite royal gemstone looks.
Duchess Meghan's Reception Ring
It's special to see all of the ways Princess Kate and Duchess Meghan have chosen to remember their late mother-in-law, Princess Diana. One evident way was at Harry and Meghan's wedding reception, where Meghan flashed this gorgeous aquamarine sparkler.
Fun fact: Dickinson Jewelers has almost an exact duplica of this ring in our personal estate collection. Come in today to check it out!
The Imperial State Crown
Show of hands: who’s mentally reliving this scene from Netflix’s The Crown?
Worn at Queen Elizabeth’s coronation, this beast has 2868 diamonds, 17 sapphires, 11 emeralds, and 269 pearls. It dates back to King George IV’s coronation in 1937, and it weighs nearly 3 pounds. That’s a lot to balance on your head - just another reason we’re obsessed with the Queen.
One of the sapphires in the crown is from the ring of Edward the Confessor and was taken in 1163. The large ruby in the front is a baby compared to that: it entered the family’s possession in 1367. No wonder it’s used rarely! We’d want that sucker under lock and key too.
Duchess Meghan’s earrings
The Markle Sparkle is all natural - the newly minted Duchess of Sussex tends to wear delicate, yellow-gold pieces that rarely feature a gemstone. She made an exception to her rule during her engagement announcement, though, and sported these understated opal studs. We love the Duchess’s lowkey style because these opals are eye-catching without being distracting.
The ancient Romans believed that opal was the gem of power. Maybe Duchess Meghan was making a statement when she wore these, or maybe they were a gift from her hunky hubby, Prince Harry. Either way, we’re obsessed!
Diana’s sapphire ring
Come on, you knew this one was going to make the list. It’s probably pictured next to the word “iconic” in the dictionary! It literally has its own Wikipedia page. Princess Di’s engagement ring has 14 solitaire diamonds and a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire set in 18-karat gold. Famously, Prince William gave the ring to Princess Kate when he proposed as a way to ensure his mother would be close on their wedding day.
Obviously, sapphires didn’t go out of style! The royal family has made blue sapphires timeless. These beautiful gems are September’s birthstone as well as the gem of fifth and forty-fifth anniversaries. Gentlemen, take a page from Wills’ playbook and make sure your princess has at least one blue sapphire piece in her jewelry box.
Ready to get the royal treatment? Make plans to attend our Gem and Design Event in Dunkirk on August 14 and in Prince Frederick on August 15. Presented by Artinian Gems, this event will feature ethically-sourced, all-natural gems that will take your breath away. We can’t wait to see you there!