Meghan Markle and Prince Harry wedding day© GettyImages

Meghan Markle’s royal wedding day jewels explained by renowned jewelry expert

Grant Mobley gives in-depth details about the Duchess of Sussex’s sparkly heirlooms


UPDATED MAY 19, 2020 1:31 PM EDT

Since the day in which they became husband and wife,  Prince Harry  and  Meghan Markle  have welcomed their one-year-old son, Archie, and built a new life together. It’s been two years since they said ‘I do’ at St. Georges Chapel in Windsor Castle on Saturday, May 19, 2018, but we’re still not over the big day (and probably never will!). While the Duke of Sussex looked handsome as can be in his military uniform, the Duchess of Sussex was absolutely stunning in her minimalist wedding gown by  Givenchy ’s former Artistic Director, Clare Waight Keller. Of course, Meghan’s jewelry played an important role that day, both on a fashion front and sentimentally.

“You can see from all the pieces selected by Meghan that there is a trend – natural diamonds,” said jewelry expert, Grant Mobley. The renowned gemologist spoke to HOLA! USA to give in-depth explanations about the bride’s sparkly jewels that day. “Not only do diamonds make for the perfect wedding accessories, but they are suitable for all life’s important milestones as well as everyday life. They are a wonderful investment that women can cherish forever and pass down to future generations – one of the things the royal family is famous for.”

Keep reading for more of Grant’s commentaries on the heirlooms Meghan wore on one of her most memorable days.

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Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring

“The only piece of jewelry that spectators could bank on Meghan wearing prior to the royal ceremony was her timeless three stone engagement ring. This ring, which was a source of inspiration for many brides in 2018/2019, has a cushion-shaped center diamond, and side diamonds that belonged to the late Princess Diana, making it the ultimate family heirloom. The center stone is a natural diamond from Botswana, a country that has significant meaning to the couple and is very close to their hearts. This was most certainly a deliberate decision of Harry‘s since Botswana has been positively transformed by the diamond industry, enabling every child there to receive free primary and secondary education. Prior to diamond discovery, Botswana was one of the poorest countries in the world, but since then it has been transformed into one of Africa’s most prosperous nations. Originally, the band was yellow gold, a favourite of the Royal family’s, but she has since updated the band and swapped from a yellow gold design to a micro pavé one.”

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Diamond and White Galanterie de Cartier Studs

“Over the years the royal family has continuously shopped at Cartier, so it didn‘t come as a big surprise that Meghan chose to wear her diamond Galanterie de Cartier earrings, which are a rumored gift from Prince Charles, on her wedding day. These beautiful diamond studs are simple, elegant and incredibly versatile. They can be worn day or night, with almost any outfit – one of the great qualities of natural diamonds. They are also timeless and are also considered on-trend. Meghan re-wore the earrings to her son’s christening last year.”

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Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau Tiara

“Perhaps the most anticipated jewel of the day was what tiara Meghan was going to wear. She opted for Queen Mary‘s Diamond Bandeau Tiara, a stunning art deco style diamond tiara that originally belonged to the Queen’s grandmother. It’s made of natural diamonds and platinum and is formed as a flexible band of 11 sections with interlaced ovals.”

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A close up

“It features both large and small natural diamonds, and the center stone is actually a detachable brooch with a large diamond at the center, surrounded by nine smaller brilliant diamonds. It’s almost an unwritten rule that all royal brides wear a beautiful diamond tiara on their big day. Perhaps this is because natural diamonds are the ultimate symbol of true love, romance and longevity. They are also precious and rare, which is what a marriage is meant to be – unique and special for each couple.”

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Reflection de Cartier Bracelet

“Meghan paired her sparkling Cartier earrings with a Cartier bracelet for her special day. This breathtaking piece brings together diamonds of various cuts, arranged in playful and geometric clusters. The bracelet is made from white gold with baguette-cut, princess-cut (square) and trillion-cut (triangular) diamonds. It highlights the exquisite craftsmanship of Cartier pieces and demonstrates Cartier’s powerful style. The rendition of the bracelet on the Cartier website is composed of 18K white gold, set with 104 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 4.50 carats, and with 52 baguette-cut diamonds totaling 5.61 carats.”

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Princess Diana’s Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Ring

“The ring that wowed us all on the couple’s big day was the aquamarine cocktail ring Meghan wore to their evening reception at Frogmore House. Prince Harry gifted this stunning piece, which once belonged to his mother, to Meghan. This statement cocktail ring is one of the most vibrant pieces of jewelry that Meghan owns. Its large emerald-cut center stone varies in tone from pale turquoise to deep blue. The ring was made by Asprey and is believed to have been commissioned by Princess Diana, following her 1996 divorce from Prince Charles.”