In a rare and personal revelation, Lady Margarita Armstrong-Jones has confirmed that she is the current custodian of one of the Royal Family’s most romantic and iconic jewels: Princess Margaret’s engagement ring. The 22-year-old granddaughter of the late princess shared that while she is the proud keeper of the historic piece, she reserves it only for the most significant moments.
The stunning jewel, which heralded the marriage of Princess Margaret to photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones in 1960, is not an everyday accessory for the young royal. Instead, Lady Margarita emphasized that she wears it for “very special occasions,” preserving the ring’s legacy and profound personal connection to her grandmother.
The engagement ring is as unique as the couple whose union it represented. Antony Armstrong-Jones, who would become the Earl of Snowdon, personally designed the piece for his royal bride. In a touching tribute to her full name, Princess Margaret Rose, he crafted the ring to resemble a delicate rosebud.
The design features a vibrant ruby at its center, encircled by a halo of brilliant-cut diamonds that form the petals. The choice of a ruby over a more traditional diamond was a bold and fashionable statement at the time, perfectly capturing Princess Margaret’s famously spirited and stylish personality. The ring has since been hailed as a masterpiece of sentimental jewelry design.
Lady Margarita is the youngest child of David Armstrong-Jones, 2nd Earl of Snowdon, making her Princess Margaret’s only granddaughter. Her connection to the world of fine jewelry is not just through inheritance; she is a budding designer herself, having founded her own bespoke jewelry label, The Silverlinings.
This professional link adds another layer of significance to her ownership of the ring. As a creator of jewelry, her appreciation for the craftsmanship, history, and emotional weight of her grandmother’s ring is undoubtedly profound. It represents a direct link to her family’s creative and royal heritage. While the public may only catch fleeting glimpses of the treasured heirloom at future special events, its legacy is secure in the hands of a new generation who understands its true worth.