Princess Diana and the Duchess of Sussex | Source: Getty Images

Heirloom Jewelry Passed from Princess Diana to Meghan Markle

By Monica Otayza-Go

Nov 01, 2025

01:00 P.M.

Share this pen

Facebook

Meghan Markle's royal jewelry collection includes several treasured heirlooms once worn by Princess Diana, each piece carrying emotional weight and a lasting connection to the late Princess of Wales.

Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, has been seen wearing several cherished pieces from Princess Diana's jewelry collection. These heirlooms connect past and present, honoring Diana's memory through meaningful appearances.

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends a National Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II at St Paul's Cathedral on June 3, 2022 in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Before her death in 1997, Princess Diana wrote a letter of wishes expressing her desire for her jewelry to be passed on to the wives of her sons. She left the exact division of the collection to Prince William and Prince Harry. Since Meghan's marriage to Prince Harry in 2018, she has worn multiple pieces once owned by the late Princess of Wales.

Diana, Princess of Wales has dinner at the British Embassy in Washington, DC, on November 1, 1985. | Source: Getty Images

1. Aquamarine Cocktail Ring

Princess Diana in Australia on October 31, 1996 (top); the Duchess of Sussex in Windsor, England, on May 19, 2018 (bottom). | Source: Getty Images

Meghan wore Princess Diana's bold aquamarine cocktail ring on her wedding day in 2018 during the evening reception. The ring features an emerald-cut aquamarine flanked by diamonds, set in yellow gold. Diana had worn the ring after her divorce from Prince Charles. Meghan has also worn it during the royal tour of Tonga in 2018 and at the Ripple of Hope Award ceremony in New York City in 2022.

2. Butterfly Earrings

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at Admiralty House in Sydney, Australia, on October 16, 2018 (top); Diana, Princess of Wales, in Prince George, British Columbia, on May 1, 1986 (bottom). | Source: Getty Images

Among Meghan's most sentimental heirlooms are a pair of delicate gold butterfly earrings. Diana wore the earrings during a 1986 visit to Canada. Meghan first appeared in them during her 2018 tour of Australia, shortly after announcing her pregnancy. She has continued to wear the earrings for other public appearances, making them a regular part of her accessory choices.

3. Diamond Tennis Bracelet

Diana, Princess of Wales, in Washington, USA, on June 17, 1997 (top); Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, at Westminster Abbey on March 11, 2019 (bottom). | Source: Getty Images

Princess Diana's diamond tennis bracelet has also been passed down to Meghan. She has worn the simple yet elegant piece on several occasions. Its classic design suits Meghan's modern style while preserving the grace associated with Diana's wardrobe.

4. Diana's Diamond Cross Pendant

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, in Nigeria on May 11, 2024 (left); Diana, Princess of Wales, in Rivers State, Nigeria, on March 19, 1990 (right). | Source: Getty Images

During a visit to Nigeria in May 2024, Meghan wore a diamond cross pendant with ties to Princess Diana. Although Diana was never seen wearing this piece publicly, it was previously reported that the necklace had belonged to her. The Duchess of Sussex reportedly received it as a gift from Prince Harry, adding a deeply personal touch to the trip.

5. Meghan's Engagement Ring

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the Land Rover Driving Challenge, on day 1 of the Invictus Games 2020 at Zuiderpark on April 16, 2022 in The Hague, Netherlands. | Source: Getty Images

Meghan's engagement ring carries significant meaning. Prince Harry designed it himself, using a large center diamond from Botswana and two smaller diamonds from Princess Diana's collection. This symbolic choice ensured Diana's presence in a key moment of their relationship. In 2019, Meghan updated the ring's original solid yellow gold band with a micro-pavé setting for a more modern look.

Diana, Princess Of Wales wears an emerald-cut aquamarine ring as she attends The Victor Chang Research Institute Dinner Dance During Her Visit To Sydney, Australia on October 31, 1996. | Source: Getty Images

These heirloom pieces are more than just jewelry. They serve as personal tributes and symbols of continuity within the royal family. Meghan’s choice to wear them during major public appearances reflects a respect for tradition and a connection to Princess Diana's enduring legacy. As the Duchess of Sussex continues her life in the public eye, Diana’s memory lives on—one piece of jewelry at a time.