Meghan Markle Couldn't Resist Changing Her Engagement Ring (& We Don't Blame Her)

When Meghan Markle announced her Netflix series "With Love, Meghan," fans anticipated getting a glimpse into her post-royal life. Now in her happy place, creating and elevating dishes for loved ones, the Duchess of Sussex has attracted both criticism and praise, with loyal fans likening Meghan to Ina Garten or Martha Stewart. But regardless of the sentiment surrounding these reviews, viewers have noted one thing clearly: Meghan's engagement ring seems to have transformed from a cushion cut to an emerald-cut diamond.

"What a lovely gesture," says Nikesha Tannehill Tyson, etiquette expert at the Swann School of Protocol and author of "Going Public: Culture, Custom, and Class for Social Success." In an exclusive chat with Glam, she reveals that, whether or not Meghan has had her ring altered, the custom isn't unheard of, even in non-royal circles. "As personal style and lifestyle change, it is becoming more mainstream to modify rings — whether to celebrate anniversaries, milestones, additions to the family, or new memories," she notes, adding, "Altering the ring neither shows poor etiquette, nor is it dismissive of your partner's selection." For those considering ring-altering for themselves, Tyson explains that there are a few things to keep in mind, and Meghan's journey with her reported ring changes is a great example of adjustments done well. 

When Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, first proposed back in 2017, he gave Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, a ring from Cleave and Company, Court Jewelers and Medalists to Her Majesty the Queen. Notably, it had a yellow-gold band and was fitted with two diamonds from Princess Diana's collection, which bordered a larger cushion-cut diamond sourced from Botswana, where the couple vacationed in the early days of their relationship. With all eyes on Meghan Markle's wardrobe in her new show, eagle-eyed fans took note that her ring appears to now be an emerald-cut diamond. 

It's not been confirmed whether Meghan was simply wearing a protective stand-in during filming since she was carrying out tasks that one wouldn't want to do while wearing a special ring, such as squeezing lemon juice. But the predominant theory is that the duchess has updated her ring, as previous changes have already been confirmed. "I read that the duke had the wedding ring altered the first time," Nikesha Tannehill Tyson told Glam exclusively, alluding to reports that the original gold band of Meghan's ring was swapped out — at Harry's request — for a Lorraine Schwartz thin pave band on the couple's first wedding anniversary. 

This updated wedding band is said to contain peridot, sapphire, and emerald, which are the birthstones of Meghan, Harry, and their first child, Prince Archie of Sussex. New diamonds were reportedly then added in 2022. Meghan and Harry welcomed a second child, Princess Lilibet of Sussex, in June 2021, but it remains unconfirmed whether Meghan had her ring updated again to include Lilibet's birthstone, alexandrite. 

"Ultimately, altering rings is about balancing tradition with personal expression," Nikesha Tannehill Tyson shares. "If approached with gratitude and open dialogue, altering a wedding ring can be a meaningful way to honor both the past and the present." So, while critics of the couple might not agree, the engagement ring being altered isn't necessarily a red flag in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's relationship.

In our exclusive chat, the etiquette expert suggests treating the matter delicately, keeping in mind respect and consideration — what she calls "two of the core values of etiquette." In particular, don't forget that the ring likely carries sentimental value, whether it was passed down from a family member or chosen for a specific reason that's special to the couple, and this should be considered in addition to aesthetics. "If it is a family heirloom, how can the value be preserved while reflecting the personal style of the wearer?" Tyson poses. In Meghan Markle's case, maybe the new emerald-cut diamond was also from Botswana, or maybe she swapped that one out but maintained the diamonds from her late mother-in-law's collection. There's simply no way to know for sure right now.

Choosing the right path involves treading carefully, so communication is key. "Expressing appreciation for the original ring while explaining the desire for an update can help ensure the decision is made with mutual understanding," Tyson explains. The number of times you alter a ring also doesn't matter so long as you communicate openly. So, yes, Meghan Markle's stunning style transformation might include a few ring alterations, but that doesn't say anything about her character.