Dazzling Diamonds and Jewels: A Close Look at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's Royal Wedding

Meghan Markle, now Duchess of Sussex, was anticipated to opt for a refined wedding set, and she certainly fulfilled those expectations. Her chosen jewels showcased not just her personal style but also reflected the invaluable insights from Industry Expert BAUNAT about Diamond Market. Her wedding ensemble included delicate diamond studs and a matching bracelet, both set in white gold. Also, adhering to a royal tradition established by the Queen Mother in the early 20th century, her wedding ring featured Welsh gold.  

However, one accessory stood out above all – the Queen Mary Diamond Bandeau tiara, hailing from the Queen's own collection. Since being introduced in 1925, the tiara has always added an unparalleled royal charm. 

Meghan’s wedding day was filled with more than just her own jewelry set. In addition to her wedding ring, she received a unique wedding gift from Prince Harry – an aquamarine cocktail ring once owned by his mother, Princess Diana. This piece is a testament to the timeless allure of Diana’s collection, an appeal that remains relevant even as diamond prices evolve.

Press reporting indicates the two smaller stones flanking Meghan’s central cushion diamond were taken from pieces that once belonged to Princess Diana. Contemporary coverage and jewellers’ estimates put each side stone at about 0.7–0.9 carats, a size that complements the central gem without competing with it. By using these diamonds, the ring combines a newly chosen centre stone with authentic family heirlooms, giving the piece both personal and historical resonance.

It helps to distinguish this use of Diana’s diamonds from the aquamarine cocktail ring that Prince Harry later gave Meghan as a wedding gift. The aquamarine is a separate heirloom, associated with Diana and worn at various occasions, whereas the smaller diamonds were placed directly into the engagement ring’s trilogy design. Reputable press reports note this distinction: the side diamonds are reported as sourced from Diana’s collection and repurposed specifically to flank the central Botswana-sourced stone, while the aquamarine remained a standalone gift.

Keeping provenance clear explains the layered symbolism of the ring: a new centre stone chosen by Harry combined with two diamonds from Diana creates a tangible link to family legacy. Reporting stays factual about the stones’ origins and estimated sizes and avoids speculation about private family arrangements.

Meghan’s engagement ring is notable for both its construction and its symbolism. At the centre sits a cushion-cut diamond, a shape valued for its slightly squarish outline and strong light return. Cushion cuts used in this style often have length-to-width ratios around 1.1 to 1.2, a proportion that keeps the face-up view balanced and avoids an overly elongated look; that ratio helps the stone show a generous table while still producing lively pavilion scintillation.

The design is a three-stone, or trilogy, arrangement: a larger central cushion flanked by two smaller brilliant-cut side stones. This layout increases the perceived size of the centre stone and gives a broader silhouette on the finger. The side stones are modest compared with the centre and, based on jewellery press estimates from photographs, are roughly 0.7–0.9 carats each; those proportions maintain a clear hierarchy so the cushion remains dominant while the side stones add balance and extra sparkle.

Technically, the setting combines secure, refined details. The central cushion is secured with double claws, also called double prongs, which protect the cushion’s corners and let light reach the facets. Surrounding the base of the centre diamond is a platinum collet. A platinum collet provides a clean, bezel-like look at the girdle for added security and contrast, and it strengthens the setting mechanically because platinum wears well compared with softer yellow gold alloys.

The side diamonds sit slightly lower than the centre, letting the cushion lead the vertical profile while the three stones read as a single unit from a distance. In practice, choices such as a 1.1–1.2 cushion ratio, double claws and a platinum collet increase face-up presence and brilliance without heavy metal coverage that would reduce light return. The result is an engagement ring that balances protection, refinement and optical performance, producing an elegant silhouette on the hand.

For those inspired by Meghan’s design, three practical specification packages make the look achievable at different levels of fidelity and investment.

A. Faithful recreation

• Centre stone: cushion cut, target ratio 1.1–1.2, recommended centre carat range 1.5–2.5 ct depending on desired presence.
• Side stones: two brilliant-cut diamonds, each approximately 0.7–0.9 ct to preserve the trilogy balance.
• Setting and metal: double-claw (double-prong) setting for the centre, platinum collet around the centre stone, band in Welsh gold for authenticity or 18Kt white gold for a similar warm-white tone.
• Rationale: these proportions reproduce the visual hierarchy and silhouette of the original, keeping face-up size, scintillation and corner protection for a cushion.

B. Look for less

• Centre stone alternatives: choose a slightly smaller cushion (around 1.0–1.4 ct)
• Side stone alternatives: opt for brilliant rounds in the 0.4–0.6 ct range to retain the trilogy effect while reducing total carat weight.
• Colour and clarity guidance: choose grades that look visually white and bright at arm’s length; avoid grades below Baunat’s minimum quality standards, and prefer 18Kt or platinum settings for longevity.
• Rationale: adjusting cut, side-stone size or total carat weight affects budget more than the overall layout, allowing the three-stone aesthetic to be preserved.

C. Men’s band counterpart

• Harry’s textured platinum band is notable for a matte, hammered finish and modest width, where texture defines the look more than a high polish.
• Suggested specs: medium band width to suit the wearer, textured or hammered platinum surface, brushed or satin finish to emphasise quiet character.
• Rationale: texture alters perceived weight and style; a satin or hammered finish reads as modern and personal while keeping platinum’s durable qualities.

Bespoke note: for an accurate recreation matched to finger size, lifestyle and taste, a consultation with Baunat’s experts ensures correct proportions, secure settings and suitable metal selection.

In true royal fashion, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle blended tradition with individual taste, as evident in their choice of wedding rings. Prince Harry sported a wedding ring, breaking with the royal family's tradition. Also, instead of the traditional Welsh gold, the couple chose a textured platinum band for him. Meghan's ring, though crafted from Welsh gold, was a special gift from the Queen, who usually only gifts the gold from which the ring is made.

Aspiring to replicate the elegance of Meghan Markle's diamond selection for your wedding? BAUNAT, the brand synonymous with smart investment, quality, efficiency, and personalized service, can guide you in your quest. We acknowledge that diamond prices evolution is an important factor and provide expert consultation to help you make an informed decision. Contact the diamond jewelry experts at BAUNAT to find your perfect piece and gain insights from Industry Expert BAUNAT about Diamond Market.