Royal engagement rings have long influenced bridal trends, and the York family is no exception. Each of the York women—Sarah, Duchess of York, and her daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie—have chosen a ring that perfectly reflects their personal style. From bold coloured gemstones to antique-inspired designs, their choices continue to inspire modern brides looking for something meaningful and unique. Let’s take a closer look at all three York engagement rings and how you can recreate their iconic looks for yourself!
Duchess of York
Presented to her by Prince Andrew in 1986, Sarah Ferguson received a large ruby and diamond cluster engagement ring set in yellow gold.
Purchased at the time for £25,000 (now thought to be worth more like £70,000), it’s said the couple wanted something ‘slightly unconventional’ the duchess of York’s engagement ring.
If you’re thinking “unconventional? it looks perfect to me!” – we agree! But we can also give you the breakdown:
Whilst coloured gemstones have always featured in the Crown Jewels, most royals (like much of the public) had gravitated toward diamond engagement rings. Just a few years earlier, the world had been captivated by Princess Diana’s sapphire engagement ring—still a coloured stone but considered a more ‘classic’ royal choice than a fiery ruby.
Sarah’s featured a rare Burmese ruby, specifically chosen to match Sarah’s red hair, standing out as a personal and bold choice rather than one of tradition!
This all being said she’s not the first to choose ruby! Princess Margaret famously had a similar but less extravagant ruby cluster, styled like a rosebud as representation of her middle name ‘Rose’.
After 10 years of marriage, the couple got divorced but Sarah was still pictured wearing the beautiful ring until 2003.
Princess Beatrice of York
In 2019 Princess Beatrice of York showed off a diamond Art Deco engagement ring in sleek platinum. Her now husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi is said to have worked with British jeweller Shaun Leane to design the Princess’ dream ring, in a process that took four months!
He has since stated that he took influence from his Art Deco preferences and Beatrice’s love of vintage engagement rings to create this one-of-a-kind diamond sparkler. With a large feature round cut diamond, the shoulders are ornamented with tapering baguettes and further smaller diamonds. The glittering white design could not be more different to her mother’s, the Duchess of York’s large ruby cluster!
For a similar style look for a three stone diamond ring or Art Deco ring with feature stone and side baguettes!
Princess Eugenie of York
On the other hand, Princess Eugine appeared to follow in her mother’s red engagement ring footsteps with a pink engagement. Designed with her help from her now husband, Jack Brooksbank, the unique ring features a rare Padparadscha sapphire, known for its delicate pink-orange hue.
Padparadscha sapphires are highly sought after. The name ‘padparadscha’ stems from the Sinhalese word for ‘lotus blossom’, reflecting the gemstone’s delicate colour palette. They are sourced from Sri Lankan mines and whilst the nation boasts a variety of sapphire colours including the rare blue Ceylon sapphire, the Padparadscha is one of the most valuable.
Princess Eugenie of York’s engagement ring features an oval cut sapphire surrounded by a halo of diamonds and extra diamonds in the shoulders. The diamonds themselves appear to be set in white metal, making the stones look even brighter whilst the ring is set in a yellow gold. It’s thought to have cost between £100,000 to £120,000!
Get the York Look
If you’re looking for a York-inspired engagement ring, here’s what we recommend! For something more similar to Princess Eugenie or Sarah Ferguson’s, we’d suggest choosing a vintage cluster engagement ring – a style that beautifully showcases a central gemstone surrounded by a halo of diamonds. Vintage ruby engagement rings are perfect for a romantic feel, echoing Sarah Ferguson’s bold choice. Love Eugenie’s look but not the price tag of a Padparadscha sapphire? Try a different colour like stunning pink sapphire ring, or even a yellow sapphire for a similar halo at a more accessible price.
For a touch of 1920s glamour, Art Deco rings offer striking geometric details and timeless elegance that echoes Princess Beatrice’s choice. Whether you’re drawn to rich rubies, soft sapphires, or intricate antique settings, a York-inspired ring is a truly special way to celebrate love.
