All eyes are on Sarah Ferguson’s engagement ring, which is truly a remarkable piece of jewelry. Designed by the legendary Brit jeweler Garrard, this fabulous trinket has fascinated millions since it was created. Ferguson and Prince Andrew specifically selected the ring in the 1980s. It features a beautiful red stone in the middle, which was soon afterwards recognized to be a ruby. Ferguson discontinued wearing the piece in 2003, after decades of symbolic importance. This moment during the pandemic opened up a new and emotionally significant chapter in her life, after her divorce.
In July of 1986, Sarah Ferguson married Prince Andrew. Together, their union created a royal romance that enchanted both nation and commoners throughout the world. Later, when it was time to decide on an engagement ring color, the couple made careful and deliberate conversations about color. They took their time, but eventually settled on a red — a color that matched their individual tastes and their goal of being different.
“We came to the mutual conclusion that red was probably the best colour 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
Once bought for around £25,000, the engagement ring’s worth has since increased exponentially. Today, the gem is worth an estimated £70,000. This increase is entirely attributed to inflation and its jewel-encrusted designation as a royal treasure. This dramatic rise in value testifies to how important it has become. It’s more than just a beautiful piece of jewelry — it symbolizes Ferguson’s royal heritage.
A Timeless Piece of Royal Jewelry
For 11 years, Ferguson sported the ring with pride after she and Prince Andrew split in 1992. She kept it on years after their 1996 divorce. The ring quickly became an extension of her identity, the gauge of her status within the royal family. In her former role, she made the wedding day tiara her signature piece. Intended as a gift, it’s the supposed brainchild of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh.
The engagement ring and tiara were personal treasures for Ferguson. As much as they were practical, they represented her connection to royal happenings. She was photographed wearing them on many occasions, including at a state banquet in Sydney, Australia in 1988. It was precisely these moments that ensured her role in the royal story and helped make the jewelry itself so beguiling over the centuries.
Maxwell Stone, an engagement ring specialist, commented on the importance of Ferguson’s ring. He remarked on its unique design elements, stating it was crafted by “the same house behind Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire engagement ring and Duchess Sophie’s dazzling designs.” Adding to that historical connection is the ring’s current high rank among other famous royal jewels.
A New Chapter
In 2003, Ferguson decided to forgo wearing her engagement ring. This decision was a dramatic turning point as she transitioned into new lives after the storm of divorce. She is just as vigilant in protecting her brand as she is in her myriad of charitable endeavors. The removal of that celebratory bauble—a wedding ring—signifies her transformation outside of her old married life.
Even when it’s not worn, Sarah Ferguson’s engagement ring is still a significant component of her life story. It serves as an expression of the moment in time that she occupied at the very heart of royal life, representing love and loss at once. As she embraces new chapters in her life, the ring serves as a reminder of her journey through the complexities of royal expectations and personal growth.
