TechnologyMay 01, 2026
Gemist, Saban Onyx Partner on Retailer-Focused Customization OfferingTheir partnership combines Gemist’s customization technology with Saban Onyx’s U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities.
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:
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Editors
The Latest
SurveysMay 01, 2026
Consumer Confidence Inches Up in April Despite Rising Gas PricesRespondents were concerned about the Middle East conflict and how it will impact their finances.
CollectionsMay 01, 2026
A ‘Hidden Garden’ Emerges in Tiffany & Co.’s 2026 Blue BookOur Piece of the Week, the “Butterfly” necklace, showcases a 7.02-carat oval diamond set between diamond, platinum, and 18-karat gold wings.
Brought to you by
Discover Timeless Treasures: A Showcase of Antique Jewelry & Timepieces in Las VegasGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
ColumnistsApr 30, 2026
Peter Smith: A Sleazy Salesman and the Case for Regret Avoidance Smith uses a comment he overheard in the grocery store to remind retailers that their job is to inspire buying behavior, not just sell.
Weekly QuizApr 30, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 30, 2026
Claire’s New Summer Campaign Is a Sensory Wonderland for Gen Alpha“A Girl SMR at Claire’s” celebrates girlhood through the five senses with stacked jewelry, slime toys, scented accessories, and ASMR.
AuctionsApr 30, 2026
Vintage Cartier Watch Crashes Through Records, Selling for $2MBelieved to be one of three made in 1987, the Cartier London Crash was hot at the “Shapes of Cartier” sale at Sotheby’s Hong Kong.
Brought to you by
Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show: Showcasing the Most Collectible Merchandise from Across the GlobeGain access to the most exclusive and coveted antique pieces from trusted dealers during Las Vegas Jewelry Week.
CrimeApr 30, 2026
Masked Group Uses Hammers, Pepper Spray in Texas Jewelry Store RobberyOfficials are looking for a group that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers at an outlet mall in Round Rock, Texas, in broad daylight on April 21.
Supplier BulletinApr 30, 2026
OROAREZZO 2026: The B2B Event for Italian Excellence in Goldsmith, Jewelry and Silver ManufacturingSponsored by OROAREZZO International Jewelry Exhibition
TechnologyApr 29, 2026
The Thought Process Behind the Mother's Day Email Opt-OutSome retailers are taking a nuanced approach to marketing what can be a difficult holiday for many.
IndependentsApr 29, 2026
Dick Abbott to Retire From The EdgeThe Edge has announced its new CEO, as well as a new partnership with an investment firm focused on founder-led software businesses.
SourcingApr 29, 2026
De Beers’ Production Rises, Market Remains ‘Challenged’De Beers’ diamond production was up 17 percent in Q1, boosted by increased output at its mines in South Africa and Canada.
AuctionsApr 29, 2026
This'll Be the Day You Own John Wayne's RingA signet ring belonging to the Western film star of Hollywood’s Golden Age will be up for auction at Elmwood’s next month.
Policies & IssuesApr 28, 2026
Tariff Refunds: How to File, What to Expect Importers can submit claims now to receive money back for the IEEPA tariffs they’ve paid, with refunds expected to take up to 90 days.
IndependentsApr 28, 2026
This North Carolina Jeweler Is Passing the TorchThe owners of Gregory Jewelers in Morganton, North Carolina, are heading into retirement.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
Doug Hucker Retires From ICAThe colored gemstone industry leader is heading into retirement after four years as the association’s CEO.
SourcingApr 28, 2026
NDC Hires Tapestry Exec to Head Global Marketing Susie Dewey joins the Natural Diamond Council as its new chief marketing officer.
AuctionsApr 27, 2026
12 Years Later, the ‘Ocean Dream’ Diamond Resurfaces at Christie’sThe largest known fancy vivid blue-green diamond could fetch more than $12 million at its second auction appearance.
ColumnistsApr 27, 2026
Stop Treating Mother’s Day Like an AfterthoughtEmmanuel Raheb says jewelers need to start marketing early and make it easy for customers to pick a gift for mom.
IndependentsApr 27, 2026
Longnecker Jewelry Celebrates 30 YearsIn honor of the milestone, the Nebraska jeweler has debuted Leslie & Co., its new in-house jewelry brand.
MajorsApr 27, 2026
JBT Re-Elects Jeff Corey as Board ChairThe trade organization, which held its annual elections earlier this year, also added five new board members.
SurveysApr 24, 2026
Mother’s Day 2026 Jewelry Spending to Top $7B, NRF SaysNRF’s annual survey found that 45 percent of consumers plan to purchase jewelry for a loved one this Mother’s Day.
TechnologyApr 24, 2026
TwentyFour’s Digital-Age Locket Is a Virtual VaultThe “Vault” charm, our Piece of the Week, expands on the memories that can be stored in a locket by connecting to your phone.
Events & AwardsApr 24, 2026
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Return in JulyThe open-to-the-public luxury jewelry and timepiece show, in its second year, is slated for July 23-26.
IndependentsApr 23, 2026
Meet the Real Moms of Day’s JewelersThe jeweler’s Mother’s Day campaign highlights the women who work there—mothers, grandmothers, women who want to be mothers, and dog moms.
Supplier BulletinApr 23, 2026
JM® Shipping Solution: Smarter Shipping for High-Value GoodsSponsored by Jewelers Mutual
