For royal watchers and jewelry enthusiasts, the fate of Princess Margaret’s engagement ring has been a persistent and tantalizing puzzle. Following her death and the subsequent 2006 Christie’s auction of her belongings, the iconic ring vanished from the public eye, leading many to believe it had been sold to a private collector. Now, the mystery is officially solved, and the truth confirms the piece remains securely within the royal family.
The story of the ring began in 1960 when Princess Margaret, the spirited younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II, became engaged to the society photographer Antony Armstrong-Jones. In a deeply romantic gesture, Armstrong-Jones designed the ring himself. He created a masterpiece centered on a ruby, surrounded by a margin of diamonds, fashioned to look like a delicate rosebud. The design was a touching tribute to the Princess’s middle name, Rose.
This unique and personal piece became one of Margaret’s most cherished jewels, a symbol of a love that captivated the world. Its disappearance after her passing left a void in the story of royal adornments.
Contrary to widespread belief, the engagement ring was never sent to the auction block. It was quietly passed down to Princess Margaret’s son, David Armstrong-Jones, who became the 2nd Earl of Snowdon. The ring was kept as a private family heirloom, away from the public gaze that had defined so much of his mother’s life.
The final piece of the puzzle fell into place recently when sharp-eyed observers identified the unmistakable rosebud ring on the hand of Serena, Countess of Snowdon, David’s estranged wife. Photographic evidence has confirmed that she is now the keeper of the iconic jewel. This revelation not only solves a long-standing mystery but adds a new layer to the ring’s history, ensuring its story continues with a new generation. The treasured ring remains a poignant link to the inimitable style and romantic history of Princess Margaret.
Image Referance: https://www.thecourtjeweller.com/2025/11/the-mystery-of-princess-margarets-royal-engagement-ring-is-officially-solved.html