Last updated on September 20, 2026
Princess Diana’s aquamarine ring remains one of the most recognizable pieces of jewelry associated with her. The large emerald-cut aquamarine became especially memorable after Diana wore it following her divorce, later passing to Prince Harry and eventually being worn by Meghan Markle.
But the ring’s story is only part of the appeal. Aquamarine itself is a blue to slightly greenish-blue variety of beryl, known for its clarity, light color, and relatively good durability for everyday jewelry.
Table of Contents
What Is Aquamarine?
What Is Aquamarine?
Aquamarine is a blue to slightly greenish-blue variety of beryl, known for its clear appearance and soft, ocean-like color. It is also the birthstone for March.
Unlike gemstones that are often valued for visible inclusions or dramatic color variation, aquamarine is commonly appreciated for its transparency and clean appearance. Its combination of color, clarity, and good durability has made it a popular choice for jewelry.
Want to learn more about its color, clarity, durability, and value? See our complete Aquamarine Guide.
Princess Diana's Famous Aquamarine Ring
Princess Diana's Famous Aquamarine Ring
Princess Diana’s famous aquamarine ring was commissioned from Asprey in 1997, following her 1996 divorce from the then-Prince Charles. The ring features a large emerald-cut aquamarine surrounded by diamond accents and set in yellow gold.
Diana wore the ring on her ring finger in place of her engagement and wedding rings, including at the 1997 Christie’s auction of her clothes and during her visit to Sydney later that year.
After Diana’s death, the ring passed to Prince Harry, who later gave it to Meghan Markle. Meghan wore it at her wedding reception in 2018.
Key Details of Princess Diana's Aquamarine Ring
Key Details of Princess Diana's Aquamarine Ring
| Detail | What to Know |
|---|---|
| Gemstone | Aquamarine |
| Cut | Emerald cut |
| Setting | Yellow gold |
| Accent stones | Diamonds |
| Estimated gemstone weight | Around 30 carats |
| Common nickname | Diana’s “divorce ring” |
The ring’s appeal comes from more than its size. The large aquamarine, clean emerald cut, diamond accents, and yellow-gold setting work together to create a look that is both distinctive and elegant.
Why Is Princess Diana's Aquamarine Ring Called Her “Divorce Ring”?
Why Is Princess Diana's Aquamarine Ring Called Her “Divorce Ring”?
The nickname comes from when and how Diana wore it.
After her divorce from the Prince of Wales in 1996, Diana commissioned the aquamarine ring and began wearing it in place of her engagement and wedding rings. Because of this connection, the ring became widely known as her “divorce ring.”
The name is a popular description rather than the ring’s official name. It also reflects how differently the large blue gemstone stood out from the traditional diamond engagement-ring look Diana had worn before.
How Many Carats Was Princess Diana's Aquamarine Ring?
How Many Carats Was Princess Diana's Aquamarine Ring?
Princess Diana’s aquamarine ring is widely reported to feature an aquamarine of around 30 carats.
The exact weight should be treated as an estimate rather than a confirmed specification. The large emerald-cut stone is one of the defining features of the ring and gives it much of its visual impact.
Its appeal is not simply about carat weight, though. The combination of the stone’s size, color, clarity, cut, and setting is what gives the ring its distinctive appearance.
How Much Is Princess Diana's Aquamarine Ring Worth?
How Much Is Princess Diana's Aquamarine Ring Worth?
There is no single current market price that can be treated as the definitive value of Princess Diana’s aquamarine ring.
Publicly reported estimates have varied over time. More importantly, a historic piece associated with Princess Diana cannot be valued in the same way as an ordinary aquamarine ring. Its gemstone and setting have value, but its history, provenance, and connection to Diana also contribute to its collector appeal.
For a modern aquamarine ring, carat weight alone does not determine the price. Color, clarity, cut, carat weight, metal, and overall design all influence the value and appearance of the finished piece.
Is Aquamarine a “Worthless” Gemstone?
Is Aquamarine a “Worthless” Gemstone?
No. Aquamarine is not a worthless gemstone.
Its value depends on its quality and how it is used in jewelry. Deeper blue to slightly greenish-blue colors can be especially desirable, while lighter blue aquamarine can appeal to shoppers who prefer a softer, more understated look.
So rather than asking whether aquamarine is expensive or inexpensive as a whole, it is more useful to consider the color, clarity, cut, size, and overall design of the specific stone.
Is Aquamarine Good for an Engagement Ring?
Is Aquamarine Good for an Engagement Ring?
Yes. Aquamarine can work well as an engagement-ring gemstone when it is worn with reasonable care.
With a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8, aquamarine has good scratch resistance for a colored gemstone. Still, an engagement ring is exposed to everyday activity, so the setting and wearing habits matter too.
It is a good idea to remove an aquamarine ring for activities involving hard impacts or strenuous work and to avoid unnecessary exposure to harsh chemicals or heat.
For someone who likes a clear blue gemstone but wants something different from a traditional diamond, aquamarine can offer a softer and more distinctive look.
Why Is Aquamarine Still Popular Today?
Why Is Aquamarine Still Popular Today?
Princess Diana’s ring gave aquamarine a memorable place in modern jewelry history, but you do not need a royal connection to appreciate the gemstone.
Today, aquamarine is used in a wide range of ring styles, from simple solitaires to cluster, halo, toi et moi, and nature-inspired designs. Its relatively light blue color also works well with both minimalist and more decorative settings.
MollyJewelryUS’s current Aquamarine Rings collection includes oval and pear-shaped designs as well as engagement rings, promise rings, wedding sets, and other styles. The collection currently includes designs paired with moissanite or diamond accents, giving the same gemstone very different visual directions.
If you like the look of Diana’s large blue gemstone but want something designed for your own style, starting with the shape and setting you actually want is more useful than trying to recreate her ring.
Choosing an Aquamarine Ring for Your Own Style
Choosing an Aquamarine Ring for Your Own Style
You do not need a large center stone to get the character that makes aquamarine recognizable.
A few simple choices can change the overall look:
- Emerald cut: Clean lines and a more structured appearance, similar to the shape seen in Diana’s famous ring.
- Oval: Softer proportions with a classic, versatile look.
- Pear: More distinctive and expressive, especially in nature-inspired or cluster settings.
- Solitaire: Keeps the aquamarine as the clear focal point.
- Cluster or side-stone: Adds more detail and sparkle around the center stone.
- Toi et moi: Creates a more contemporary look by pairing aquamarine with another gemstone.
The color matters, too. If you like the clear, pale-blue appearance associated with many aquamarine rings, look at the stone in the setting rather than judging color from the gemstone alone. Metal color, lighting, cut, and surrounding stones can all change how the blue appears.
For a broader comparison of gemstone choices, our guide to the best gemstone rings for different styles and lifestyles also discusses where aquamarine fits compared with other colored gemstones.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
Princess Diana’s aquamarine ring is memorable for more than its large blue gemstone. Its emerald cut, distinctive setting, and connection to an important period in Diana’s life helped make it one of her most recognizable pieces of jewelry.
Aquamarine itself has plenty to offer beyond its royal association. Its clear blue color, good durability, and range of available cuts make it a versatile choice for modern jewelry.
Whether Diana’s ring first caught your attention or you simply love aquamarine, the best place to start is with the color, shape, and setting you actually want to wear.
FAQs
FAQs
What is Princess Diana's aquamarine ring?
It is a large emerald-cut aquamarine ring with diamond accents set in yellow gold. Princess Diana commissioned the ring from Asprey in 1997, following her divorce from the then-Prince Charles.
How many carats was Princess Diana's aquamarine ring?
The aquamarine is widely reported to be around 30 carats. The exact weight is not consistently documented, so 30 carats should be treated as an estimate.
Why is Princess Diana's aquamarine ring called a divorce ring?
Diana commissioned and wore the ring after her 1996 divorce, using it in place of her engagement and wedding rings. This is why it became widely known as her “divorce ring.”
Who has Princess Diana's aquamarine ring now?
The ring passed to Prince Harry after Diana’s death. Meghan Markle later wore it at her wedding reception in 2018.
Is aquamarine a good gemstone for an engagement ring?
Yes. Aquamarine has a Mohs hardness of 7.5–8 and can work well for an engagement ring with reasonable care. Avoiding hard impacts and choosing a secure setting are still important for everyday wear.
What makes aquamarine valuable?
Color, clarity, cut, and carat weight are the main factors used to evaluate aquamarine. The metal, setting, and overall design also affect the price of a finished piece of jewelry.
