Prince Harry banned ‘blood diamonds’ in Meghan’s ring
PRINCE Harry was insistent that a “blood diamond” should not adorn Meghan Markle’s engagement ring.
He chose the band’s “centre diamond” from Botswana, with two surrounding diamonds from Princess Diana’s personal jewellery collection.
Blood diamonds are gems mined in a war zone or used to finance conflicts. A royal source said the Prince had demanded that the jewel from Botswana was ethically-sourced as his bride-to-be is involved with UN humanitarian work.
“Harry was very involved with the design of the ring,” the source said.
“One of his questions during its making was about the origin of the centre stone.
“He did not want it to be from a country with a history of so-called blood diamonds – this was one of his direct stipulations about the ring.
“Meghan is deeply involved in humanitarian causes around the world and he wanted to make sure it was all ethically produced.”
The controversial trade was highlighted by the 2006 film Blood Diamond starring Leonardo DiCaprio set in war-torn Sierra Leone.
Countries including Botswana have signed up to a UN agreement to guard against “conflict diamonds” entering the jewellery supply chain.
Botswana has a good history in terms of diamond production, with profits from the industry often reinvested in the country’s infrastructure, schools and hospitals.
The ring was created by the Queen’s preferred jeweller, Cleave and Company. Experts suggest it includes diamonds that could be worth up to £260,000. But it has been declared “priceless” due to the inclusion of diamonds from Diana.
Kathryn Money, vice president of strategy and merchandising at Brilliant Earth – an ethically-sourced jewellery company – estimated the ring has 6.5 carats in total, with the centre diamond roughly five carats. She said: “This ring is priceless with unmatched cultural significance.”
In an engagement interview last week, the couple revealed Meghan flew out to Botswana to spend five days there with Harry just a few weeks after they first met.
Meghan said: “Obviously not being able to meet his mom – it’s important to me to know she’s a part of this with us. It’s incredibly special.
“And to have this ring which links where Harry comes from and Botswana, which is important to us – it’s perfect.”