rundown
Meghan Markle wasn’t just in the spotlight for her loving date night with Prince Harry at the NBA All-Star Game in Los Angeles over the weekend. Fans immediately noticed that she was wearing a new diamond ring on her right hand with a large pear diamond.
This is the second time Meghan has worn a sparkler in public. She debuted the song at Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Festival in New York City in October 2025. At that time, she was also wearing it on her right hand.
Although Meghan hasn’t revealed the story behind the piece, its placement is symbolic. “Right-handed rings often reflect personal style and milestones more than tradition,” Angie Kennedy, vice president of product merchandising at Zales, tells ELLE. “Wearing such an important item on her right hand makes it a statement and emphasizes her personal self-expression.”
Alexandra Samit, founder and CEO of Alexandra Beth Fine Jewelry, adds that this is also a trend: “We believe pear-shaped diamonds are poised to become the next ‘it’ stone.”
Jewelers spoke to ELLE about Meghan’s statement pieces and the details of their designs.
Meghan’s ring features a pear diamond that looks naturally large.
Meghan’s new ring features a large diamond, the shape of which only increases in carat size. “Pear diamonds are very large for their carat weight,” explains Lauren Bock, founder and CEO of Hella Fine Jewelry. “Because it’s shallower than most other diamond cuts, most of the carat weight is retained at the top of the stone, making it appear larger. It’s a great value option.”
It also has a stylish appearance. “The distinctive pear shape feels effortlessly chic, and the timeless design allows you to pair it seamlessly with your existing jewelry,” Samit added.
Meghan Markle’s center stone is estimated to weigh between 4 and 6 carats and is valued at six figures.
Meghan’s pair of diamonds are naturally large and expensive. Steph Mazuela, who founded her eponymous brand of custom engagement rings, tells ELLE, “The center stone seems to be about 5 to 6 carats. A high-quality natural diamond in that size range could easily get a six-figure valuation.”
Kennedy agrees, estimating that it would be “at least five carats, with prices in the six-figure range depending on color, clarity, and precision of cut.” Summit also believes that the size ranges from 5 to 6 carats, with an “estimated value starting at about $250,000, depending on the quality of the diamond.”
Boc estimates were slightly lower, at 4 to 5 carats. “The price for a mined diamond of this size can vary widely depending on its quality and exact carat weight, up to $200,000,” she says.
The ring has a very minimalist yellow gold setting with a focus on diamonds.
Meghan is known for her minimalist style, and that applies to this jewelry as well. “What stands out most[about this ring]is its restraint,” Mazuela says. “The band is slim and lightweight, creating a strong contrast to the size of the diamond. It almost appears to be floating on her finger.”
The choice paid off, Kennedy says. “Simplicity in the setting is key, so the large pear-shaped diamond shines undisturbed. Choosing a clean, elegant design keeps the focus on the stone’s brilliance and impressive scale.”
“A minimalist band with stones over 5 carats ensures ease of wear and balance. The setting is carefully crafted to support the diamond while showing off its size, brilliance and silhouette,” she added. Overall, she says, it’s a “perfect blend of drama and sophistication.”
The setting is designed to protect the diamond with a wide basket.
Large diamonds require careful design choices to protect the stone, and Meghan’s ring is no exception. “Her diamond appears to be supported by a wide basket beneath it, which is a wise structural choice for the large pear shape,” explains Mazuela. “This allows the diamond to be held low and close to the hand. The tip of a pear cut is sharp and requires careful protection, so the prongs placed at the tip of the shape are also very important.”
Bock says the lower ring setting is a smart choice. “Such a large diamond requires careful design to keep the ring stable and secure,” she says. “At Hera, manufacturing standards change as the center stone gets larger, as larger stones require more gold weight. A lower setting helps prevent bending or other damage to the ring. A lower setting also prevents the top of the ring from becoming too heavy and potentially tipping the ring over on your finger. We also recommend a good band width and claw size for large diamonds.”
Meghan’s ring incorporates several trends, including the return of pear diamonds.
Meghan’s ring incorporates several trendy elements. Boc cites its setting color as one. “Yellow gold is by far the most popular metal choice among our customers,” she says.
Summitt, Mazuela and Kennedy say the time is right for pear diamonds. “We expect pear-shaped diamonds to make a strong comeback in 2026,” Summitt explains. “Clients are increasingly asking for pears in all categories, including rings, necklaces, earrings and bracelets.”
Mazuela has a similar experience. “There continues to be a strong desire for large center stones. For many of my clients, elongated shapes, including pear cuts, are preferred because they appear quite large for their carat weight and give presence in the hand.”
Kennedy believes this preference reflects a broader desire for larger statement pieces. Meghan’s ring in particular “exemplifies the trend towards dramatic, impactful stones paired with simple, elegant bands,” she says. “Large pear-shaped diamonds are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique shape, elongating fingers, and eye-catching effect.”
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