All the Jewelry Passed Down to Kate Middleton from Princess Diana, Including Her Engagement Ring

Princess Diana left her remarkable jewelry collection to her sons, intending for it to be passed on to their future wives. Catherine, Princess of Wales, notably received Dianas iconic sapphire engagement ring when Prince William proposed in 2010. Since then, Kate Middleton has regularly worn tiaras, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that were favorites of the late Princess.

Diana had hoped her jewelry would continue to be cherished by her daughter-in-laws. According to The Telegraph, she outlined in a letter of wishes her desire to allocate all my jewellery to the share to be held by my sons, so that their wives may, in due course, have it or use it. Both Catherine and Meghan Markle have honored this wish, wearing Dianas pieces at royal events and special occasions.

The Sapphire Engagement Ring

Kate Middletons first piece from Dianas collection was the famous sapphire engagement ring, presented by Prince William in Kenya in 2010 after nearly a decade of dating. The ring, featuring a 12-carat Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds, was originally sold by Garrard, which sparked controversy in 1981 as royal engagement rings were usually custom-made. Now, its a treasured heirloom and a signature element of Catherines $527,312 ring ensemble.

Queen Marys Lovers Knot Tiara

The Queen Marys Lovers Knot Tiara, once a favorite of Diana, became a staple for Middleton after her 2011 marriage. First worn in 2015 at Buckingham Palace, the tiara has appeared on at least ten other occasions, including two state banquets in 2025. Diana had previously borrowed it from the royal collection, which stayed within the family after her divorce.

Diamond and Pearl Earrings

Diana paired the tiara with diamond and South Sea pearl earrings at a 1990 banquet. After more than 20 years out of the spotlight, Kate revived the earrings at the 2019 BAFTA Awards. She has since worn them at Royal Ascot 2022, Remembrance Sunday 2022, and King Charless coronation in 2023, often pairing them with modern outfits for contemporary elegance.

Three-Strand Pearl Bracelet

Diana, a fan of pearls, had a delicate three-strand pearl bracelet designed by Nigel Milne in the 1980s. Kate has worn the bracelet on multiple occasions, including a 2017 German royal tour and a 2022 tour in a white lace Alexander McQueen dress, showing its versatility as a timeless accessory.

Emerald and Diamond Choker

Diana converted her emerald and diamond choker into a headband for a 1985 tour of Australia. Middleton has worn the choker as a necklace at the 2022 Earthshot Prize Awards, pairing it with a bright green dress to complement the events sustainability theme. Originally a gift from Queen Elizabeth, the choker was passed down for future generations.

Sapphire Necklace and Earrings

Among Dianas wedding gifts was a sapphire suite from the Saudi royal family in 1981, including a necklace, earrings, ring, and bracelet. Middleton is believed to have transformed one sapphire necklace into a pendant worn during a 2020 Buckingham Palace visit by Ukraines President Zelenskyy. She also inherited a pair of sapphire and diamond earrings, modernized into drop earrings, worn at various events including a 2025 visit to the Anna Freud Center.

Double-Drop Sapphire and Diamond Earrings

These iconic earrings, frequently associated with Diana, were worn by her on the cover of Vogue and at her only Met Gala in 1996. Middleton debuted the earrings publicly in 2022 at Trooping the Colour and has since worn them in the U.S., at the 2023 Shaping Us event, and during the 2023 Christmas service in Sandringham.

Four-Strand Pearl Choker

The Japanese Pearl Suite, including a four-strand pearl choker, was part of Queen Elizabeths collection. Diana wore it at a 1982 state banquet, and Middleton has donned it to celebrate Elizabeth and Philips 70th wedding anniversary and at their funerals, maintaining the tradition across three generations.

Collingwood Pearl Earrings

Diana received these earrings as a wedding gift from jewelers before her 1981 nuptials. Kate has worn them on numerous special occasions since 2017, including a state banquet, her 40th birthday portrait, and Remembrance Sunday 2025, honoring her late mother-in-laws legacy.

Analysis: Princess Diana's Legacy Through Her Jewelry

Princess Diana's jewelry collection remains an enduring symbol of her legacy, not just in terms of its intrinsic value but also as a meaningful link between generations. She entrusted her collection to her sons, with the intention that their wives would wear and cherish these pieces. This decision reflects her desire to ensure that her personal items continued to be a part of the royal family's heritage, even after her passing.

Catherine, Princess of Wales, has become the most prominent figure in carrying on this tradition, frequently wearing pieces from Diana's collection at major events. From the iconic sapphire engagement ring to the Queen Mary's Lover's Knot Tiara, Kate Middleton has honored her mother-in-law’s wishes by incorporating these jewels into her public life. The widespread appearance of Diana’s jewelry at royal events not only highlights its historical significance but also strengthens the royal family's connection to the past.

One key example is Kate’s wear of the sapphire engagement ring, which has become a signature element of her style since her engagement in 2010. The ring, once the source of public debate, now serves as a cherished heirloom, symbolizing the continuity of the royal family. Similarly, other items like the three-strand pearl bracelet and the emerald choker continue to make appearances at both formal and personal events, demonstrating their timeless appeal and versatility.

Meghan Markle, too, has played a part in preserving this tradition. She has worn several pieces from Diana’s collection, including the diamond and pearl earrings and the sapphire necklace. Her choice to wear these items at key moments in her royal life reflects her own connection to Diana’s legacy, adding further depth to the narrative of royal continuity.

The ongoing use of these pieces illustrates a broader message of family and continuity within the royal family. These items, once worn by Diana, continue to be passed down through the generations, signifying not just wealth and status, but a shared history that binds the women of the royal family together. The jewelry has, in a sense, become more than just fashion—it represents a lasting bond between the past and the present, ensuring that Diana’s influence remains ever-present in the royal family’s modern-day narrative.

Sources:

• All of the Jewelry Kate Middleton Inherited From Princess Diana, Including Her Engagement Ring