Prince Harry is expected to break with tradition by purchasing a large, clear diamond engagement ring for Meghan Markle.
While the pair – who have been dating for more than a year – are yet to get engaged, such speculation is rife and it is believed the flame-haired prince is looking to buy a big sparkler with a clear stone for the US-born actress rather than a traditional coloured one the royal family tend to prefer.
Jewellery expert David Law told Express.co.uk: "Looking back throughout history, royals have frequently chosen a ring featuring diamonds around the centre stone – whether this be a diamond or a coloured gemstone with diamonds set into the band.
"As for Americans, typically they are into size rather than the colour and clarity of the stone. In my experience, a typical American client prefers a centre stone that is 3-carat and above."
Harry’s late mother Princess Diana – who was married to his and Prince William’s father Prince Charles from 1981 to 1996 – had a sapphire ring, as did William’s wife Duchess Catherine.
What’s more, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, and Princess Margaret both had ruby engagement rings.
Last week, Harry was advised against popping the question with an emerald ring.
Tobias Kormind, founder of 77Diamonds, said: "Engagement rings are our core product. We are working on a concept where we will launch coloured stones.
"It’s interesting because at the high end these are performing really well – the sapphires and emeralds – because they are quite rare, and they are absolutely beautiful, and we all love colour. But I think it’s much better if you do earrings or pendants with those stones rather than the knuckle duster ring!
"Gemstones are softer, so over the course of a lifetime they won’t last, so unless it’s a ruby or a sapphire we do say, especially for engagement rings, that they are prone to chipping and breaking. Unless the stone was too soft to set we would never say no to creating it, but we would definitely advise against every day wear."
Prince Harry to break with ring tradition?
