Anne’s Risky Rings: The Choice Royals Once Feared

• Princess Anne shattered royal norms by choosing sapphire engagement rings for both of her proposals, moving away from the diamond-centric tradition.
• Her first ring in 1973 from Captain Mark Phillips featured a classic cornflower blue sapphire, setting a new precedent for royal jewelry.
• The second ring from Sir Timothy Laurence in 1992 was a modern, understated cabochon sapphire, reinforcing her unique personal style.
• Anne’s choice predated Princess Diana’s famous sapphire ring, establishing her as the original trendsetter who made colorful gemstones a coveted royal option.

The Unseen Trendsetter: How Anne Redefined Royal Engagement Rings

Long before the world became captivated by Princess Diana’s and later Kate Middleton’s iconic sapphire engagement ring, another royal was quietly making waves and breaking with staid tradition. Princess Anne, the Queen’s only daughter, established a new trend for colorful gemstones with not one, but two stunning sapphire engagement rings, proving her status as a true royal style maverick.

H3: The First Break from Tradition

In 1973, when Captain Mark Phillips proposed to Princess Anne, he presented her with a ring that was both classic and controversial for its time. The elegant piece featured a brilliant cornflower blue sapphire flanked by two sparkling diamonds, set on a simple gold band. While diamonds had been the long-standing, expected choice for royal engagements, Anne’s selection of a vibrant sapphire was a bold statement. This personal and stylish choice signaled a departure from rigid protocol, prioritizing individual taste over historical convention. It was a move that many didn’t see coming, but one that would soon influence the entire Royal Family.

H3: Setting a Precedent for Future Royals

Princess Anne’s decision in 1973 directly paved the way for what would become one of the most famous rings in history. Eight years later, in 1981, Prince Charles proposed to Lady Diana Spencer with a spectacular oval sapphire surrounded by a halo of diamonds. While Diana’s ring became a global sensation, it was Anne who first normalized the choice, making it an acceptable and fashionable option for a high-profile royal engagement. She was the original influencer, setting a trend that continues to captivate jewelry lovers and royal watchers alike.

H3: A Second Sapphire: The Ring from Sir Timothy Laurence

After her divorce, Princess Anne found love again with Commander, now Vice Admiral, Sir Timothy Laurence. For her second engagement in 1992, she once again opted for a sapphire, further cementing it as her signature stone. This ring, however, showcased a more modern and understated aesthetic. It features an oval, cabochon-cut sapphire—a polished, unfaceted gem—accented by a trio of small diamonds on each side. The choice of a less traditional cut demonstrated Anne’s consistent confidence in her personal style and her disregard for fleeting trends.

A Lasting Legacy of Individuality

Princess Anne’s two engagement rings are more than just beautiful pieces of jewelry; they are symbols of her independent spirit. By twice choosing sapphires, she not only highlighted her personal preference but also subtly challenged the monarchy’s unwritten rules. Her quiet rebellion created a lasting legacy, proving that personal expression could coexist with royal duty and inspiring a new generation of royals to choose engagement rings that truly represent them. Don’t miss out on acknowledging the true pioneer behind this enduring royal trend.