Isn’t it fascinating how gem-encrusted stories intertwine with the cosmos? With Venus shining brightly in the sky, let’s dive into a tale of royal sparkle—specifically the beloved jewelry collection of the late Princess Diana, whose shimmering legacy continues through her daughters-in-law, Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. It’s a bit like a cosmic competition for the crown jewels, where Kate’s iconic sapphire engagement ring undoubtedly shines the brightest—each scintillating facet echoing back to a love story that transcended time. Meanwhile, Meghan sports a treasure trove of Diana’s personal pieces, like her striking Cartier watch and aquamarine cocktail ring, bringing a touch of everyday elegance to her modern wardrobe.
But here’s the rub—when it comes to who got the “best” collection, it’s not merely about the bling. Some of Kate’s jewels are true Diana heirlooms, while others belong to the royal collection, putting a slight twist in this sparkling narrative. So, how do the scales of sentiment and glamour balance between a sapphire that has crossed generations and more personal items that tell stories of intimacy? Let’s swirl that question around as we explore the enchanting world of Princess Diana’s jewelry, a vivid reflection of her spirit and her heartfelt intentions for the future!
Princess Diana left behind one of the world’s most recognizable jewelry collections, and decades after her death, several of its most sentimental pieces continue to appear on Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle. Kate received perhaps the most famous jewel of them all: Diana’s sapphire engagement ring. Meghan, meanwhile, has worn a broader assortment of personal pieces, including the late princess’ Cartier watch and striking aquamarine cocktail ring. However, determining who received the “best” collection is not as simple as counting diamonds. Some jewels Kate wore belonged to Diana, while others remained part of the royal collection and were merely loaned to both princesses.
![Diana Princess of Wales smiles during her visit to PakistanLahore, Pakistan - October 1991Credit: Anwar Hussein Newscom/(Mega Agency TagID: wennphotos414008.jpg) [Photo via Mega Agency]](https://media.theblast.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788%2Cheight=1218%2Cfit=crop%2Cquality=65%2Cgravity=auto%2Cmetadata=none%2Cformat=auto%2Conerror=redirect/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/wennphotos414008-788x1218.jpg)
Diana reportedly made her wishes clear before her death in 1997.
“I would like you to allocate all my jewelry to the share to be held by my sons, so that their wives may, in due course, have it or use it,” she stipulated in a letter accompanying her will, according to Vanity Fair.
The exact division between Prince William and Prince Harry has never been publicly disclosed. Nevertheless, the pieces their wives have subsequently worn offer occasional glimpses into how Diana’s personal collection may have been distributed. Kate and Meghan have both used the jewels to honor the mother-in-law they never met. Their selections also reflect their different public lives: Kate regularly wears statement pieces at state occasions, while Meghan frequently incorporates Diana’s more personal accessories into contemporary outfits.

Kate’s sapphire-and-diamond engagement ring is arguably the most recognizable piece of jewelry Diana ever owned. The late princess selected the 12-carat Ceylon sapphire, surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, from Garrard following her engagement to the then-Prince Charles in 1981. Prince William later proposed to Kate with the ring in 2010.
“It’s very special to me, and Kate is very special to me now as well,” William said after their engagement. “It was my way of making sure my mother didn’t miss out on today.”
Kate has also worn Diana’s Collingwood pearl earrings, three-strand pearl bracelet and diamond-and-South Sea pearl earrings. Her collection reportedly includes sapphire earrings once owned by Diana, complementing the famous engagement ring. According to British Vogue, Kate has worn at least nine significant pieces associated with Diana over the years. That apparent advantage comes with an important qualification. Several of the most spectacular items Kate has worn, including the Lover’s Knot tiara, Queen Mary’s emerald choker, and the four-row pearl choker, were not Diana’s personal property. They belonged to the royal collection and were loaned to Diana before later being made available to Kate.
![The Duke and Duchess of Sussex watch the Swimming finals on day four of the Invictus Games Dusseldorf 2023 at the Merkur Spiel Arena, Dusseldorf, Germany, on the 13th September 2023. 13 Sep 2023 Pictured: Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex. Photo credit: MEGA TheMegaAgency.com +1 888 505 6342 (Mega Agency TagID: MEGA1030621_001.jpg) [Photo via Mega Agency]](https://media.theblast.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788%2Cheight=1035%2Cfit=crop%2Cquality=65%2Cgravity=auto%2Cmetadata=none%2Cformat=auto%2Conerror=redirect/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/MEGA1030621_001-788x1035.jpg)
Meghan may not have received Diana’s famous engagement ring, but several deeply personal pieces have made their way into her wardrobe. Her own engagement ring originally featured two smaller diamonds from Diana’s collection surrounding a larger Botswana diamond selected by Harry. Meghan has also worn Diana’s gold Cartier Tank Française watch, which has become one of her most-worn accessories. She recently brought the watch out again while promoting her As Ever chocolate Advent calendar, pairing it with more than $100,000 worth of modern jewelry. Another standout is Diana’s aquamarine cocktail ring. Meghan first wore the pale-blue Asprey piece to her 2018 wedding reception before bringing it back for subsequent public appearances. The Duchess of Sussex has additionally worn Diana’s butterfly earrings, matching gold-and-gemstone bracelet, and Cartier diamond tennis bracelet. British Vogue highlighted five notable pieces from Diana’s collection that have appeared on Meghan, demonstrating that Harry ensured his wife received more than a single keepsake from his mother.

When it comes to Diana’s most spectacular jewels, Kate has a significant advantage because of her position within the monarchy. As the Princess of Wales and wife of the heir, Kate has access to pieces from the royal collection that Meghan is unlikely to borrow after stepping away from royal duties. The Lover’s Knot tiara provides the clearest example. Queen Elizabeth II loaned the pearl-and-diamond creation to Diana, who made it a signature royal accessory. Kate has since worn it repeatedly at state banquets and diplomatic receptions.
Kate has also appeared in Queen Mary’s emerald choker, famously worn across Diana’s forehead during a 1985 tour of Australia, and the four-row pearl choker Diana borrowed for a 1982 state banquet. Those appearances give Kate the more visibly regal collection, but they do not mean she owns the pieces. They remain royal heirlooms available to her because of her official position. Meghan’s jewels, by contrast, seem more closely connected to Harry’s personal inheritance and are hers to incorporate into life outside the monarchy.
![The Duchess of Cambridge and The Duchess of Sussex watch the Womens final at the Wimbledon Championships, Wimbledon, London, UK, on the 14th July 2018. 14 Jul 2018 Pictured: The Duchess of Cambridge and The Duchess of Sussex watch the Womens final at the Wimbledon Championships, Wimbledon, London, UK, on the 14th July 2018. Photo credit: James Whatling / MEGA TheMegaAgency.com +1 888 505 6342 (Mega Agency TagID: MEGA252419_001.jpg) [Photo via Mega Agency]](https://media.theblast.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=788%2Cheight=728%2Cfit=crop%2Cquality=65%2Cgravity=auto%2Cmetadata=none%2Cformat=auto%2Conerror=redirect/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/MEGA252419_001-788x728.jpg)
If the contest is decided by one iconic piece, Kate wins with Diana’s sapphire engagement ring. Few jewels are as instantly recognizable, and its journey from one Princess of Wales to another gives it unmatched royal significance. Kate also enjoys access to the grander tiaras, chokers, and formal pieces Diana wore during her years as a working royal.
Meghan’s collection, however, arguably feels more personal. Diana’s watch, aquamarine ring, butterfly earrings, and bracelet can be worn beyond palace banquets, allowing her style to live on in a less formal setting. The final answer therefore depends on what “best” means. Kate has the most famous ring and access to the grandest royal jewels. Meghan appears to have received several of Diana’s most wearable personal treasures. Together, their collections fulfill Diana’s stated wish: that her jewelry would one day be worn and enjoyed by the women her sons married.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.