CollectionsApr 08, 2026
Hearts On Fire Celebrates 30 Years By Asking a QuestionThe “What’s Your Signature?” campaign invites women to think about how they see themselves.
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:
More on Editors
The Latest
SourcingApr 08, 2026
Sale of 42-Carat Blue Diamond Gives Petra a Boost in Q3The big diamond’s sale added to the company’s revenue though the market remains “challenging” overall, particularly for smaller goods.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
AGS Confluence Returns with AI, Sustainability SessionsRob Bates of The Jewelry Wire will also moderate a panel on the state of the jewelry industry during the virtual event.
Brought to you by
Protect Your Customers and Your BusinessYou deserve to know what you are selling–to protect your customers as well as your business and your reputation.
Events & AwardsApr 08, 2026
TJS to Honor 2 Longtime Former Stuller EmployeesThe Jewelry Symposium will honor two industry veterans with lifetime achievement awards at its upcoming May event.
Weekly QuizApr 02, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
TrendsApr 08, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: April’s Brilliant Birthstone With their durability, brilliance, and beauty, diamonds are the perfect stone for everyday birthstone jewelry.
MajorsApr 07, 2026
QVC Group’s Latest Filing Calls Its Future Into QuestionThe retailer failed to file its annual report on time and said it may issue a going concern warning.
Brought to you by
Is This You? Every Jeweler Has This Problem; We Have the Solution.Every jeweler faces the same challenge: helping customers protect what they love. Here’s the solution designed for today’s jewelry business.
ColumnistsApr 07, 2026
Peter Smith: A Tip to the Post Office on Workplace CultureSmith recounts a recent trip to the post office that included an uncomfortable, embarrassing, and public exchange between two employees.
GradingApr 07, 2026
GIA CFO David Tearle to Retire in June John Cowley, who has more than 30 years of experience, is succeeding Tearle as the lab’s chief financial officer.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Nerd Out Over Gemology Geek’s First Jewelry CollectionFounder Erica Silverglide has designed 35 colorful pieces set with fluorescing gemstones for the brand's first finished jewelry offering.
CollectionsApr 07, 2026
Ukrainian Jewelers Highlighted In New Book“Ukrainian Jewelry | Contemporary Jewelry and Art Jewelry from Ukraine” features 33 contemporary Ukrainian designers and studios.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Fope’s New Jewelry Debuts Are Golden“The Golden Now” campaign celebrates the here and now with the brand’s signature styles and a selection of its new pieces.
MajorsApr 06, 2026
Kecia Caffie, Corinne Bentzen No Longer With Signet JewelersSignet confirmed that Caffie, president of Zales and Banter, and Bentzen, who headed Blue Nile, have left the company.
CollectionsApr 06, 2026
Historian Tanzy Ward Pens Book on Black Victorians’ JewelryThe antique jewelry dealer talks about the importance of including Black Americans in jewelry history and preserving their stories.
SourcingApr 06, 2026
Gemfields Reports $51M Loss in 2025Both its mines faced challenges last year, from operational issues to disruptions in the market.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Taylor Swift’s ‘Elizabeth Taylor’ Video Puts Jewelry Front and CenterIconic pieces, like the Mike Todd Diamond Tiara, appear in the superstar’s new music video for her song inspired by the actress.
MajorsApr 03, 2026
Saks Global Says It Will Emerge From Bankruptcy This SummerThe luxury retailer, which went Chapter 11 in January, announced Thursday that it has secured $500 million in exit financing.
Events & AwardsApr 03, 2026
JCK Luxury, NouvelleBox Partner on New Designer BallroomThe NouvelleBox ballroom will feature independent jewelry designers, including Lene Vibe, Wyld Box Jewelry, and Kiaia Limited.
CollectionsApr 03, 2026
Buddha Mama Brings Its ‘Moon’ Locket To DallasThe one-of-a-kind locket, our Piece of the Week, opens to reveal three hidden images to keep close to your heart.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Pandora Opens New Canadian Distribution Center Amid Tariff ConcernsThe new facility was also designed to better serve its growing customer base in Canada.
TrendsApr 02, 2026
Michelle Yeoh Fronts New Mikimoto Campaign The campaign is a tribute to the year 1893, when Kokichi Mikimoto created the world’s first cultured pearl.
GradingApr 02, 2026
GIA Debuts New Campus in TaiwanIt is the only GIA school to offer the GIA Graduate Gemologist program in Chinese.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
DCA Launches ‘Second Spark’ Workforce InitiativeThe initiative connects veterans and parents returning to the workforce with careers in jewelry retail.
MajorsApr 02, 2026
Hoover & Strong Names New National Sales RepresentativeThe wholesale manufacturer and precious metals refiner has appointed Michael Angelo as its new national sales representative.
MajorsApr 01, 2026
Foundrae Sues Pandora for Allegedly Copying Its Medallion DesignsFoundrae also accused the jewelry giant of copying its mood board style of marketing.
AuctionsApr 01, 2026
John Jacob Astor IV’s Titanic Pocket Watch Heads to AuctionA Patek Philippe for Tiffany & Co. timepiece owned by the American businessman who died on the Titanic will be offered at Freeman's Chicago.
