First comes love, then comes a massive engagement ring — at least if you're marrying into the royal family. One thing's for sure: Big jewels = big bucks. For example, Meghan Markle's stunning diamond ring reportedly cost as much as $350,000 and Princess Diana's (now Kate Middleton's) sapphire originally cost Prince Charles $37,000 back in 1981.
While these rings top the list as some of the most famous — and expensive — jewels, Sarah Ferguson's engagement ring from Prince Andrew isn't too far behind. The Burmese ruby reportedly cost the Prince roughly $33,000 back in 1986.
After a whirlwind romance, the couple announced their engagement on March 16, 1986. As expected, all eyes were on the soon-to-be Duchess's ring. The sparkler, which features a similar design to Princess Diana's Garrard ring, has one big ruby surrounded by 10 diamonds, forming on a flower pattern on a yellow gold band. When asked about the ring in their first official interview as a couple, Fergie described it as "stunning" and "red."
Come to find out, the color choice and style of the ring had deeper meaning for the young couple: "We came to the mutual conclusion that red was probably the best color for Sarah. That's how we came to the choice of the ruby. The extra bits around the outside, we wanted something that was slightly unconventional," Prince Andrew said in their engagement interview.
Just four months after their engagement, the couple wed at Westminster Abbey on July 23, 1986 (32 years ago). After becoming the Duke and Duchess of York, they shared "one hell of a kiss" on the balcony of Buckingham Palace — and she gave us another glimpse of her dazzling ring.
But even expensive rings can't buy love.
Two kids — Princess Beatrice of York and Princess Eugenie of York — and six years later, the couple announced their separation. They officially divorced in May 1996. If you take a look at the couple's $4 million divorce settlement, you'll notice her ring (and jewelry collection) doesn't make the cut.
Fergie wore here engagement ring years after her divorce from Prince Andrew, but it's unclear if she's still the owner of it today. If she was granted the same rights as Princess Diana, then she was able to hold on to her jewels.
Fergie hasn't passed her ruby ring down to her children (yet). However, Princess Eugenie's Padparadscha sapphire engagement ring is verrrrrry similar in design and color.
So, where's the former Duchess's ruby right now? Probably glistening in a vault somewhere — and getting more expensive by the minute. (It's estimated that the ring is now worth around $94,000.)
Amanda Garrity is a lifestyle writer and editor with over seven years of experience, including five years on staff at Good Housekeeping, where she covered all things home and holiday, including the latest interior design trends, inspiring DIY ideas and gift guides for any (and every) occasion. She also has a soft spot for feel-good TV, so you can catch her writing about popular shows like Virgin River, Sweet Magnolias, Hallmark Channel’s When Calls the Heart and more.
