British Royal Jewels: Queen Elizabeth’s Engagement and Wedding Rings

We don’t get to see much of the Queen’s Engagement Ring because it is usually hidden under her trademark white gloves. Every woman’s engagement ring is special but the Queen’s ring is among her most important jewels sentiments-wise because of its provenance as well.

Queen Elizabeth's Engagement Ring

When Lieutenant Philip Mountbatten proposed to Princess Elizabeth, he presented her with a simple yet timeless ring: a 3 carat diamond solitaire as a centrepiece, flanked by five smaller diamonds on each side, all set in platinum. 

Princess Alice wearing the tiara diamonds from which were used to create Queen Elizabeth's engagement ring

The diamonds were taken from a tiara owned by Prince Philip’s mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg. Prince Philip personally designed the ring which was eventually created by London jeweller Philip Antrobus LTD.

Queen Elizabeth on her engagement day; her ring had to be shortened just days before the official photographs were taken

It is often said that the ring was originally too big for Princess Elizabeth and had to be altered two days before the official engagement photographs were taken. There is also another story (I cannot vouch for its accuracy though) that it serves as a kind of subtle and wordless method of communication between Her Majesty and her ladies-in-waiting: if she twists the ring around her finger, she is annoyed by something (or someone). 

Queen Elizabeth’s wedding band was made from a nugget of Welsh gold, as the family tradition dictates. 

Queen Elizabeth wearing her engagement ring and wedding band

Her Majesty wears her engagement ring and wedding band on all occasions, very rarely taking them off. Actually, I don’t think I have ever seen the Queen without either. 

Queen Elizabeth wearing her engagement ring

In my opinion, Queen Elizabeth’s engagement ring is one of the most beautiful rings ever, royal or not. It’s subtle and elegant, not at all like the usual statement rocks that seem to be in vogue these days. But at the same time, it is just timeless. If I could choose, I’d totally select it as my own engagement ring.