Princess Anne has two almost identical engagement rings for this 'protective' reason

The Princess Royal recently celebrated her 30th wedding anniversary with husband Timothy Laurence.

Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence
(Image credit: Getty)

Princess Anne has two almost identical engagement rings for this 'protective' reason, a jewellery expert has revealed as the Princess Royal celebrates her 30th wedding anniversary.


Princess Anne's two engagement rings have been analysed by a jewellery expert who claims they "protect against negative energies" and represent her strongest qualities.

Having just celebrated her 30th wedding anniversary to her second husband Timothy Laurence, Princess Anne's second engagement ring is almost identical to her first - she received a sapphire ring from her first husband Mark Phillips whom she went on to marry and have two children, Zara Tindall and Peter Phillips. But they divorced in 1992 after 19 years of marriage.

The Princess Royal remarried, with husband Timothy Laurence, on 12th December 1992 and Timothy also presented Princess Anne with a sapphire ring when they got engaged and the couple live at Gatcombe Park.

And Jewellery expert Maxwell Stone, of UK retailer Steven Stone, has revealed what this shows about Princess Anne as a person. He said, “It’s interesting that Princess Anne received sapphire engagement rings rather than traditional diamond rings. Blue sapphires are often linked to people who are respectful, loyal, hardworking, and honest, which only makes these rings even more special, and suggests that this could have meant something to Princess Anne."

He continued, "Princess Diana also famously had a blue sapphire ring, which is now in the hands of Kate Middleton, whilst Queen Elizabeth II was frequently seen sporting the gemstone on her famous brooches." 

And she's not they only royal fan of a sapphire. Maxwell noted, "It’s clear to see that the royal family are huge fans of sapphires – a stone which is traditionally believed to attract abundance and blessings. Historically it has been used to protect against negative energies, as well as calm the mind, strengthen intuition, and invite spiritual clarity, so it’s no wonder the royal ladies love them.”

Princess Anne sapphire engagement ring from Mark Phillips and also her engagement ring from Timothy Laurence

(Image credit: Getty/ Getty)

Princess Anne's first engagement was in secret and took place back in 1973, and they announced their engagement officially a month later as they followed royal family traditions and stood outside Buckingham Palace to face the press on 30th May 1973. 

The couple met over their love of horses and it's understood that royal jeweller Garrard created the ring "to her specifications".

Her first ring is estimated to be worth around £10,000 and has a huge oval sapphire diamond in a cabochon setting in the centre, surrounded on either side by a pair of dazzling diamond side stones. It is traditionally set on a yellow gold band, using welsh gold, like most royal rings.

Meanwhile, her second ring, contains a 3ct oval-cut cabochon sapphire, framed by a cluster of three small diamonds on either side and this is estimated to be worth in the region of £25,000.

Princess Anne and Timothy Laurence in a car after their wedding

(Image credit: Getty)

Meanwhile, Zara Tindall's engagement ring from husband Mike Tindall has a secret similarity to Princess Anne's as they both feature smaller stones, allowing the royals to wear them on a day to day basis.

Selina Maycock
Senior Family Writer

Selina is a Senior Family Writer for GoodtoKnow and has more than 16 years years of experience. She specialises in royal family news, including the latest activities of Prince George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet. She also covers the latest government, health and charity advice for families. Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism, and gained her NCTJ and NCE qualifications. During her career, she’s also written for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman&Home, and Woman's Weekly as well as Heat magazine, Bang Showbiz - and the Scunthorpe Telegraph. When she's not covering family news, you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories (including award-winning scarecrows!)