Princess Anne’s engagement ring story is unusual because both of her engagement rings featured sapphire instead of the traditional diamond center stone.
Her first ring, given by Captain Mark Phillips in 1973, featured a blue sapphire set between two diamonds on a yellow gold band. Years later, when Anne became engaged to Timothy Laurence, she received another sapphire ring, this time featuring an oval cabochon sapphire surrounded by small diamond clusters.
Although the two designs are different, sapphire connects both rings. The gemstone is often linked with loyalty and devotion, making it a meaningful choice for an engagement ring. Anne’s two rings also show how the same gemstone can be used in very different designs while still keeping its personal character. For those exploring similar gemstone designs, Antiquecut offers inspiration for creating a ring with a distinctive personal touch.
The Story Behind Princess Anne’s Two Rings
Princess Anne has worn two notable sapphire engagement rings, one from Captain Mark Phillips in 1973 and another from Timothy Laurence in 1992. Both feature a blue sapphire at the center, but the designs have clear differences. Her first ring, made by Garrard, had a simple three-stone design with a sapphire between two diamonds. The second ring also used a blue sapphire but featured an oval cabochon-cut stone with three small diamonds on each side.
The two rings are also interesting because they reflect different approaches to using sapphire in fine jewelry. The first design is easy to read at a glance, with the blue center stone framed by two diamonds. Its three-stone arrangement gives the ring a balanced appearance while allowing the sapphire to remain the main point of attention. The yellow gold band also adds warmth to the overall design.
The second ring takes a different approach. Its oval cabochon sapphire has a smooth surface, creating a look that can also be compared with the soft shape of an oval cut lab grown diamond ring. The diamonds placed along both sides add detail around the center without taking attention away from the sapphire. This difference makes the two rings useful examples of how changing the stone shape and diamond arrangement can create a completely different look.
| Detail | Mark Phillips Ring | Timothy Laurence Ring |
|---|---|---|
| Fiancé | Captain Mark Phillips | Timothy Laurence |
| Year | 1973 | 1992 |
| Center Stone | Blue sapphire | Blue sapphire |
| Design | Three-stone setting with a blue sapphire center | Oval cabochon sapphire with three diamonds on each side |
| Side Stones | Two diamonds | Six small diamonds |
| Band | Gold | Yellow gold |
| Designer | Garrard | Not clearly confirmed |
What Makes Princess Anne’s Rings Different From Other Royal Rings?
Princess Anne’s engagement rings stand out because sapphire, rather than a large diamond, takes center stage. The 1973 ring paired a blue sapphire with two diamonds and was set on a yellow gold band. It was made by Garrard, a jeweler closely linked with British royal jewelry.
Anne’s choice of sapphire was also notable because her first ring came before Princess Diana’s famous blue sapphire engagement ring. Her second engagement ring from Timothy Laurence also featured a deep blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
Together, the two rings show Anne’s preference for colored gemstones and designs with a more personal character. They are a good example of how a sapphire engagement ring can make a strong statement without needing a large center diamond.
Sapphire Engagement Ring Inspiration From Princess Anne
Princess Anne’s two engagement rings show two different ways to design a sapphire engagement ring. Her first ring uses a central sapphire with two diamonds, creating a simple three stone engagement ring layout where the sapphire remains the main focus. Her second ring features a cabochon sapphire, which has a smooth, rounded surface instead of traditional facets. This gives the stone a different look and feel.
Anne’s rings also show that a colored gemstone does not need an elaborate setting to become the main feature. The first design keeps the arrangement easy to understand, with the sapphire immediately drawing attention to the center. The second uses more diamonds around the sapphire, creating additional detail while keeping the colored stone as the focal point. This makes both rings useful examples for anyone comparing different ways to design a gemstone-centered engagement ring.
Together, the two designs show how sapphire shape, side diamonds, and setting can change the overall appearance of a ring. They can be useful inspiration if you want a colored gemstone ring with a personal touch.
Choosing a Sapphire for an Engagement Ring
If Princess Anne’s rings have inspired you to consider a sapphire engagement ring, the next step is finding a stone that suits your own preferences. Color is important, but cut, clarity, origin, setting, and metal can also affect how the finished ring looks and feels to wear.
The setting should also match how you plan to wear the ring. A secure setting is especially important for an engagement ring because it is usually worn regularly. Side diamonds can be arranged in several ways, from a simple three-stone design to smaller clusters around the center stone. Looking at these details together can help you create a ring that feels connected to the inspiration without simply copying another design.
You do not have to copy Anne’s rings exactly. A sapphire can be paired with different diamond arrangements, metals, and settings to create a ring that feels personal to your own story.
| Consider | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Color | Choose a blue shade that you personally enjoy, from soft blue to deeper tones. |
| Cut | Faceted sapphires have flat surfaces, while cabochons have a smooth, rounded top. Anne’s first ring features a cabochon sapphire. |
| Clarity | Natural sapphires can contain inclusions. Examine the stone carefully and ask whether it has been treated. |
| Origin | If origin matters to you, ask the seller for reliable documentation about where the sapphire came from. |
| Setting & Metal | Choose a secure setting for everyday wear. Yellow gold creates a warm contrast, while white metals give a cooler look. |
Take inspiration from Anne’s sapphire rings, then choose the stone, setting, and metal that make your ring personal to you.
The Emotional Meaning Behind Two Sapphire Rings
Princess Anne’s two sapphire engagement rings are meaningful because each one belongs to a different chapter of her life. Her first ring marked her marriage to Captain Mark Phillips, while her second ring became part of her relationship with Timothy Laurence. What makes the story more personal is that sapphire appeared in both rings. Although the designs were different, the gemstone created a connection between two important stages of her life.
Anne’s rings show that jewelry can hold more than beauty or royal history. It can be linked to relationships, memories, change, and new beginnings. For anyone choosing an engagement ring today, her story is a reminder that there is no single formula to follow. From classic sapphire designs to lab created blue diamond rings, the most meaningful ring is often the one that feels right for the person wearing it.
Final Thoughts
Princess Anne’s two engagement rings are memorable because they feature sapphire while representing two different chapters of her life. Her first ring from Mark Phillips featured a blue sapphire between two diamonds, while her second ring from Timothy Laurence featured an oval cabochon sapphire surrounded by three diamonds on each side.
For anyone looking for a sapphire engagement ring, Anne’s rings show that a colored gemstone can take center stage and still create a balanced, meaningful design. In the end, it is not only the gemstone or design that makes a ring special. The story connected to it can make the piece far more meaningful and memorable.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Did Princess Anne have two engagement rings?
Yes. Princess Anne received two engagement rings, one from Mark Phillips and another from Timothy Laurence.
2. What is special about Princess Anne’s second engagement ring?
Her second ring features an oval cabochon sapphire surrounded by three diamonds on each side.
3. Was Princess Anne’s first engagement ring made by Garrard?
Yes. Princess Anne’s first engagement ring was made by Garrard, the historic British jeweller.
4. Is Princess Anne’s engagement ring a three-stone ring?
Her first ring is a three-stone design, with a sapphire in the center and a diamond on each side.
5. Why did Princess Anne choose sapphire?
Sapphire gave her rings a distinctive colored gemstone center instead of the more traditional diamond.
6. Who gave Princess Anne her first engagement ring?
Captain Mark Phillips gave Princess Anne her first engagement ring when they became engaged in 1973.
7. What gemstone is in Princess Anne’s engagement rings?
Both of Princess Anne’s engagement rings feature blue sapphire as the center gemstone.
