The 5 Hidden Meanings Behind Meghan Markle’s Engagement Ring Redesign: Why She Changed The Iconic Band

The modification of Meghan Markle’s engagement ring remains one of the most talked-about royal jewelry stories since its debut in November 2017. The Duchess of Sussex, known for her modern and minimalist style, made a subtle yet significant change to the sentimental piece, sparking widespread debate and curiosity among royal watchers and jewelry experts. This redesign, which became public knowledge in mid-2019, transformed the ring from its original classic royal aesthetic to a more contemporary, dazzling stack. The decision to alter a ring designed by Prince Harry and featuring diamonds from his late mother, Princess Diana, was a bold move that speaks volumes about Meghan’s personal style and her wish to create a cohesive, meaningful jewelry collection. The update, which involved replacing the original solid yellow gold band with a delicate micro-pavé diamond band, was not merely a cosmetic choice but a strategic one to integrate the engagement ring with her new, equally significant eternity ring. As of December 2025, the redesigned ring remains a permanent fixture in her signature jewelry stack, symbolizing an enduring love story that evolves while honoring its deeply personal origins.

The Duchess of Sussex: A Biographical Profile

To fully appreciate the significance of the engagement ring’s evolution, it is important to understand the woman who wears it. Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has always been a figure who blends Hollywood glamour with humanitarian efforts and a distinctly modern perspective on royal life.

• Full Name: Rachel Meghan Markle
• Born: August 4, 1981, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Education: Northwestern University (Theater and International Relations)
• Career Highlights: Actress (best known for her role as Rachel Zane on the TV series Suits), humanitarian, author, and producer.
• Royal Title: Duchess of Sussex, Countess of Dumbarton, Baroness Kilkeel.
• Marriage: Married Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, on May 19, 2018.
• Children: Prince Archie of Sussex and Princess Lilibet of Sussex.

The Original Ring: A Sentimental Masterpiece by Prince Harry

The original three-stone engagement ring, unveiled during the couple’s photocall in the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace, was a deeply personal and symbolic creation by Prince Harry himself. The design was intended to tell a story, making the subsequent modification all the more surprising to the public.

The Three-Stone Design and Its Significance

The ring features a stunning central cushion-cut diamond, ethically sourced from Botswana, a country that holds immense sentimental value for the couple. Harry and Meghan had spent time together there early in their relationship, cementing the location's importance. The two smaller, round brilliant diamonds flanking the center stone came directly from the personal collection of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. This inclusion ensured that 'Princess Diana’s diamonds' would be with Meghan on their journey together, a poignant gesture of remembrance and inclusion. The original setting was a classic yellow gold band, a metal Meghan has often favored, and the ring was crafted by the Queen’s jewelers, Cleave and Company.

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The Engagement Ring Change: Micro-Pavé and Modernity

The subtle but distinct change to the ring was first noticed by eagle-eyed fans when Meghan appeared at Trooping the Colour in June 2019. The solid yellow gold band was gone, replaced by a much thinner band completely encrusted with micro-pavé diamonds.

1. Achieving Cohesion: The ‘Ring Stack’ Intention

The primary reason for the redesign was to create a cohesive 'ring stack.' The change coincided with the arrival of a new piece of jewelry: an eternity ring gifted by Prince Harry for their first wedding anniversary (May 2019) and the birth of their son, Archie. The new eternity band was a delicate pavé-set piece, and the original, thicker yellow gold engagement band would have clashed with its intricate sparkle. By changing the engagement ring’s band to a micro-pavé setting, all three rings—the engagement ring, the Welsh gold wedding band, and the eternity ring—now flow together seamlessly, creating a dazzling and contemporary look.

2. A Nod to Personal Style: Dainty vs. Classic

Meghan Markle has always favored dainty, minimalist jewelry. The original yellow gold band, while classic and traditional, was a bolder look. The micro-pavé band adds extra sparkle and brilliance while making the ring appear lighter and more delicate on her finger, aligning perfectly with her preferred elegant and modern aesthetic.

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3. The Hand of a Hollywood Jeweler: Lorraine Schwartz

The redesign was reportedly handled by celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz, a favorite among Hollywood stars. This choice in jeweler is significant, symbolizing Meghan and Harry's move away from the traditional royal jewelers (Cleave and Company) toward a more contemporary, celebrity-focused approach. The micro-pavé technique is a signature of high-end, modern jewelry designers like Schwartz.

4. The Eternity Ring’s Hidden Meaning

The eternity ring itself adds another layer of personal meaning to the new stack. Also designed by Lorraine Schwartz, the pavé band is rumored to have the birthstones of Prince Harry (peridot), Meghan (olivine), and Archie (emerald) hidden on the underside of the band. The decision to redesign the engagement ring was, therefore, an act of integrating it with this new, deeply personal anniversary and birth-gift ring.

5. Resizing and Practicality

While less glamorous, a practical reason for the modification was likely resizing. After the birth of their son, Archie, in May 2019, many women experience changes in finger size. It is speculated that Prince Harry enlisted Lorraine Schwartz to resize and reset the ring to ensure a perfect, comfortable fit for Meghan, using the opportunity to update the aesthetic to her liking.

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The Evolution of a Royal Heirloom

The 'Meghan engagement ring change' is a fascinating case study in how royal jewelry evolves to meet the personal tastes of its wearer. Unlike the rings of past generations, which remained static, Meghan's decision to update the design reflects a modern approach to tradition. She honored the sentimental value of the stones—the Botswana diamond and Princess Diana's diamonds—while updating the setting to better reflect her own identity and the cohesive look of her three-ring stack. The redesign has cemented the ring’s status as a unique piece of jewelry history, representing a blend of royal legacy and contemporary personal style. The three-ring stack—engagement, wedding, and eternity—tells a powerful story of their past, their commitment, and their growing family.