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EditorsNov 28, 2017
Prince Harry’s American Fiancée Goes for Yellow Gold
Here’s what the engagement ring the prince gave to his actress fiancée says about today’s engagement ring trends.
Ertswhile specializes in stocking exceptional antique engagement rings, as well as re-purposing older designs into more modern fare. This 0.94-carat transitional cut diamond accented by two smaller transitional cut diamonds needed no re-design. The Art Deco piece in 18-karat yellow gold was created by Tiffany & Co. in 1935 and is similar in style to the ring Prince Harry gave to Meghan Markle to mark their engagement.
On Monday, Clarence House announced the engagement of His Royal Highness Prince Harry to Meghan Markle, an American actress currently starring in the USA drama “Suits.”
The public and the media were, of course, brimming with questions about the royal and his bride, who sat down for a television interview with the BBC to answer some of them, the most important of which was: Can we see the ring?
“The ring is obviously yellow gold because that’s (Meghan’s) favorite,” said Harry.
The public and the media were, of course, brimming with questions about the royal and his bride, who sat down for a television interview with the BBC to answer some of them, the most important of which was: Can we see the ring?
“The ring is obviously yellow gold because that’s (Meghan’s) favorite,” said Harry.
Embed from Getty Images
Indeed, the only unorthodox element of the classic style, which features a cushion-cut white diamond center stone flanked by two round brilliant diamonds, is its metal.
Yellow gold has been making a comeback in recent years after plummeting in popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
But white gold and platinum still overwhelmingly dominate bridal styles, independent retailers told National Jeweler over the course of the 50 Jewelers/50 States store profiles conducted this year, so it was a pleasant surprise to see Markle exert a preference for something classic but unique, perhaps an indicator of future sartorial choices.
And while simply set, the diamonds in the design are noteworthy in that they hold sentimental significance for the couple, Harry explained.
“The main stone itself I sourced from Botswana and the little diamonds on the side are from my mother’s jewelry collection to make sure that she’s with us on this crazy journey together,” he said.
“It’s beautiful,” Markle interjected, “and he designed it. It’s incredible.”
Embed from Getty Images
While Markle’s predilection for yellow gold, a slight departure from the stylistic norm, is representative of the trend of consumers desiring uniqueness in engagement rings, so is Harry’s choice to have a hand in the design of the piece.
A recent survey from The Knot showed that custom bridal design is an essential aspect of the engagement ring purchase, allowing customers to create something personalized to them (in Harry and Meghan’s case, the inclusion of stones from the collection of Harry’s mother, Princess Diana, and a stone with a special provenance, as the couple traveled to Botswana during their courtship.)
“I think everything about Harry’s thoughtfulness and the inclusion of that and obviously not being able to meet his mom; it’s so important to me to know that she’s a part of this with us,” Markle explained.
Just as Prince Harry proposed to American actress Meghan Markle with a ring utilizing two of his mother’s diamonds, this ring from Brooklyn-based brand Erie Basin, also in yellow gold, updates an older diamond in a new setting. The 1.33-carat old mine cut cushion diamond was cut in approximately 1850 and repurposed with a knife-edge shank in 2017. It retails for $11,250.
Seattle-based Erika Winters frequently creates bridal styles in yellow gold, which look contemporary in her signature brushed finish. Her Mariana Bezel ring pictured is shown with a square, emerald-cut diamond. (Price available upon request.)
Like Markle's engagement ring, this style from romantic and modern designer Jade Trau also feature a cushion-shaped diamond, but with a unique pave diamond bezel setting. Trau designs the piece in yellow, rose or white gold, as well as in platinum. The style starts at $4,700 for a 14-karat gold version.
British designer Jessica McCormack is highly sought after for her custom bridal pieces. Mixing metals in the setting is one of her hallmarks, as seen in this one-of-a-kind engagement ring with a 2.10-carat round brilliant diamond set in sterling silver on a yellow gold shank. (Price available upon request.)
KatKim's take on a simple, solitaire diamond ring involves an unexpected octagonal setting for the round brilliant diamond. This particular version features a 0.30-carat GH, VS diamond and retails for $4,880.
'This exquisite engagement ring from Lizzie Mandler feels both Deco and modern and features Mandler's signature knife-edge shank. A custom piece for a private client, the princess-cut diamonds are set in 18-karat yellow gold. (Price available upon request.)
Page Sargisson mixes her handmade ethos, in which the designer's hand feels present in the tactile designs, with an ultra-classic emerald-cut diamond, set East to West. The 3.32-carat diamond set in 18-karat yellow gold retails for $75,000.
“It’s incredibly special to be able to have this, which sort of links where (Harry comes) from and Botswana, which is important to us. It’s perfect.”
Harry concluded: “It is days like today when I really miss having her around and miss being able to share the happy news but you know with the ring and with everything else that’s going on …”
“She’s with us,” said Markle.
“I’m sure she’s with us,” Harry agreed.
Whether royal or not, like the generations before them, millennials are still attracted to pieces with emotional resonance; the more personal, the better.
See the full interview below:
“She’s with us,” said Markle.
“I’m sure she’s with us,” Harry agreed.
Whether royal or not, like the generations before them, millennials are still attracted to pieces with emotional resonance; the more personal, the better.
See the full interview below:
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