Design and Physical Characteristics of the Ring
The engagement ring given to Princess Elizabeth by Prince Philip in 1947 features a center stone from a family heirloom and a distinctive multi-stone setting. The center diamond is a 3-carat emerald-cut stone flanked by a row of baguette diamonds on each side, mounted in platinum. The design is widely attributed to the British jeweler Garrard & Co., which served as the Crown Jeweler at the time. The ring has been described in multiple biographies and royal collections documentation as a symbol of the couple's personal choice rather than a custom commission from the firm. Public images and official portraits consistently show the same stone arrangement, with no recorded changes to the setting over decades of wear Forbes.
Gemstone Specifications and Setting Details
The center stone is identified in several auction and jewelry industry reports as a South African-origin diamond, consistent with the sourcing norms of the era. The total carat weight of the ring, including all side stones, is estimated at approximately 5 carats. The platinum band width and the symmetrical placement of the baguette diamonds are standard features of mid-20th-century high-jewelry design from London-based houses. Garrard & Co., founded in 1735, was the first jeweler to hold the Royal Warrant as Crown Jeweler, and its historical records include references to the Elizabeth Philip commission Garrard.
Provenance and Historical Context
The ring was purchased by Prince Philip using a combination of personal funds and a gift from his grandmother, Queen Mary, according to publicly available accounts from the Royal Collection Trust and biographers. The proposal took place in July 1947, and the marriage followed on November 20, 1947, at Westminster Abbey. The choice of a family heirloom diamond rather than a newly mined stone was noted in contemporary press coverage as a practical decision during the post-war period. The ring later became a recognizable symbol of the monarchy, appearing in official portraits and public engagements throughout Elizabeth II's reign Royal Collection Trust.
Role of the Royal Warrant and Jeweler Selection
Garrard & Co. held the Royal Warrant as Jeweller to the Crown during the 1940s, which placed it among a small number of firms authorized to supply the royal household. The selection of Garrard for the engagement ring aligns with standard practice for major royal commissions, though the specific design was reportedly a personal collaboration between the couple. The firm later created other notable pieces for the family, including the Sapphire Jubilee brooch and various coronation-related items. Public records from the Warrant Holders Association list Garrard among active royal warrant holders through the late 20th and early 21st centuries Warrant Holders Association.
Estimated Market Value and Comparable Sales
Independent jewelry appraisers and auction house specialists have estimated the replacement value of the ring in the range of several million dollars, based on the quality of the center stone, the total diamond weight, and the provenance premium. Comparable antique emerald-cut diamonds of similar size and clarity have sold at auction for high six- to seven-figure sums in recent years, though royal provenance typically adds a significant premium. The ring is not part of the Crown Jewels and remains personal property of the royal family, which affects its valuation under standard insurance and appraisal frameworks. Industry analysts note that pieces with direct royal ownership history consistently outperform similar