Prince Charles initially proposed without an engagement ring, Diana choose a engagement ring from a selection of rings provided by Garrard Jewelers, instead of a diamond she preferred sapphire engagement ring that weighed at an astounding 18 carats sapphire, oval shaped, deep blue colored, was surrounded by 14 small diamonds in an elegant cluster setting made of white gold.

It was a Garrard Jewelers design and her engagement ring was a piece in the Garrard catalog and could be purchased by anyone, for the hefty price of 28,000 British pounds, or the equivalent of $65,000 (at 1981 exchange rates).

The engagement ring created controversy in the royals and the public when it was found that it had not been custom designed for the Princess.