Princess Eugenie’s Rare Pink-Orange Sapphire Engag...

Princess Eugenie’s Rare Pink-Orange Sapphire Engagement Ring Has a Hidden Story — And Its Most Intriguing Secret Is in the Changing Color

When Princess Eugenie stepped into the spotlight after announcing her engagement to Jack Brooksbank in January 2018, attention quickly turned to the striking ring on her finger. At first glance, it looked like another glamorous royal engagement ring. But a closer look revealed something considerably more unusual: a rare pink-orange Padparadscha sapphire, a gemstone prized for its distinctive coloring and exceptional scarcity.

Unlike the deep blue sapphire associated with Princess Diana and now worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, Eugenie’s center stone has a softer blend of pink and orange. The color can appear to shift depending on the lighting and viewing angle, giving the gemstone an almost sunset-like quality. That unusual characteristic was central to Jack Brooksbank’s choice of the stone and helped make the ring instantly recognizable.

A gemstone with an extraordinary identity

Padparadscha sapphires are among the rarest varieties of sapphire. The name is traditionally associated with the color of a lotus flower, while gem experts generally use it to describe a delicate range of pinkish-orange to orange-pink hues.

The finest examples are particularly difficult to find, and color is only one factor affecting their value. Origin, clarity, size, treatment and the exact balance between pink and orange can all dramatically influence a stone’s desirability. Sri Lanka has historically been one of the most important sources of Padparadscha sapphires.

Estimates published by jewelry specialists have placed the center stone in Eugenie’s ring at around five carats, although the precise specifications and value of a privately owned royal jewel should not be treated as officially confirmed. Earlier industry estimates suggested that a high-quality, untreated Padparadscha can command tens of thousands of dollars per carat, illustrating why exceptionally fine examples can become extremely valuable.

The romantic meaning behind Jack’s choice

Perhaps the most personal detail is the reason behind the gemstone selection.

Brooksbank did not simply choose a conventional sapphire because it looked beautiful. The stone’s ability to appear different from different angles reportedly reminded him of Eugenie herself. That makes the changing color more than a visual curiosity—it became a symbolic part of the proposal.

The couple became engaged during a trip to Nicaragua in January 2018, with the proposal taking place as they watched the sunset. Their relationship had already lasted several years by that point, having begun after they met while skiing in Switzerland.

A subtle tribute to Eugenie’s mother

There is another fascinating layer to the ring.

Its overall design bears a striking resemblance to the engagement ring once given to Eugenie’s mother, Sarah Ferguson, by Prince Andrew. Sarah’s ring featured a vivid Burmese ruby surrounded by diamonds. Eugenie’s version replaces the ruby-red center with the unusual pink-orange sapphire, creating a modern variation of a family connection.

The resemblance is especially interesting within the wider history of royal jewelry. Royal engagement rings frequently carry personal or family symbolism, whether through inherited gemstones, familiar designs or references to previous generations.

Eugenie’s ring therefore manages to stand apart while still quietly connecting her to her family.

She and Brooksbank went on to marry at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor, on October 12, 2018. The ring that first captured attention during their engagement remains one of the more distinctive modern royal engagement jewels—not because it follows the traditional royal formula, but because it deliberately breaks away from it.

And that may ultimately be its most fascinating secret: the ring was never simply chosen to look royal. Its unusual color, changing appearance and resemblance to a family jewel were all part of a deeply personal story.