Newly engaged Princess Beatrice has had royal fans delighted for her and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, but the most excitement has centered around her gorgeous engagement ring—which is drawing comparison to her grandmother the Queen's ring, too! According to Ajay Anand, CEO of Rare Carat, this is his valuation of what Beatrice's ring would be valued at currently and might have cost (it's an estimation, obviously, since he hasn't seen the real thing) and how it might compare to other iconic royal rings.
Let's get the obvious out of the way here: None of the royals would ever sell their rings (it's more likely they'll pass the jewelry down). Furthermore, it's not a competition to see whose is the most expensive—ring style comes down to personal choice and preference. My hands are tiny, and ginormous rings look unbelievably stupid on me, for example. So this is just a fun little exercise, and a guesstimate at what they might be worth.
Anand's team of gemologists and data scientists "estimate [Beatrice's ring] to be a 4 carat round brilliant cut center. Assuming top quality, and the classic style with tapered baguettes on the side, we estimate the retail value to be $130K." Wow.
It's similar in style and size to Meghan Markle's stone, "except Meghan opted for a cushion cut rather than the more popular and expensive round shape. We'd estimate the retail value of Meghan's at $100K, putting Beatrice's just a bit higher." (If you remember, Meghan actually redesigned her ring slightly, and received a third ring as an anniversary present from Harry).
"However, Kate Middleton's sapphire ring, an heirloom from the days of Princess Diana's, would easily fetch $500K, more than the combined worth of both these rings." And, TBH, that would be on the lower side, I'd imagine. Diana's possessions and clothing sells for higher than expected, often.
Here are closeups of each of them (I know what you like):
Beatrice's:
Meghan's (new design!):
Kate's:
And Queen Elizabeth's, just so you can see the comparison:
Suffice to say, though, I would be delighted with any of these fine rings. Adding it to my Pinterest dream board IMMEDIATELY.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Katherine’s a Boston-based contributor at Marie Claire who covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle—from “Clueless” to Everlane to news about Lizzo. She’s been a freelancer for 11 years and has had roles with Cosmopolitan and Bustle, with bylines in Parents, Seventeen, and elsewhere. It’s “I go to dinner,” not “Her huge ego,” but she responds to both.
-
Both Kim Kardashian and Blake Lively Appeared to Spoof the Kate Middleton Photoshop Scandal Over the Weekend
Yep, they went there.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Can Reformation Join You on Vacation?
The label is re-entering the swimwear chat just in time for summer.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Prince William Likely Feels "Guilty" for Not "Protecting" Princess Kate Amid Royal Drama, Expert Claims
Jennie Bond says William wants to avoid repeating history.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published