13-05-2025
Inside Queen Mary's love for a specific type of fashion accessory - and why one of them is likely to make Meghan Markle 'green' with envy
When Queen Mary of Denmark stepped out alongside husband King Frederik X last week in Denmark, she also pulled a jaw-dropping statement ring out of her jewellery archive.
The Danish queen was a vision as she and Frederik hosted the prestigious UN Chief Executives Board Dinner held on 7 May at Kronborg Castle in Helsingor.
Queen Mary, 53, looked ethereal in a blue printed pleated chiffon dress from London-based fashion label Erdem, which was paired with a matching Lady Dior clutch and suede Gianvito Rossi heels.
But it was the royal's matching aquamarine jewels - and specifically her whopping aquamarine ring - that proved unmissable.
The Australian-born royal has a small personal collection of aquamarine jewellery as it is a popular precious stone beloved by royalty.
Over the years, Mary has proudly worn pieces featuring the precious bluish green stone, including several different styles of aquamarine earrings, a distinctive aquamarine, pearl and sapphire choker and a pale aquamarine bracelet.
But the star attraction from Mary's collection is undoubtedly her vibrant aquamarine ring.
The oversized gem was reportedly gifted to Mary along with several other aquamarine pieces by her husband, formerly known as Crown Prince Frederik, around the time of their 2005 royal wedding.
In subsequent years, Queen Mary has busted out her statement aquamarine bling on multiple occasions, with one of the earliest sightings being at a 2006 gala on the island of Bornholm.
However, the surprise return of Mary's whopping aquamarine ring this past week left style pundits speculating over whether the sparkler may have also caught the attention of Meghan Markle.
The US-based wife of Prince Harry is the owner of several precious jewellery pieces that formerly belonged to Princess Diana – including an aquamarine ring that is comparable to the one owned by Queen Mary.
The late People's princess frequently wore the iconic aquamarine piece in the latter years of her life following the finalisation of her divorce from then Prince Charles in 1996.
The former Princess of Wales had a penchant for wearing the large jewel on the same finger that she'd previously worn her famous sapphire engagement ring, earning it the nickname of Diana's 'post-divorce ring'.
It was also frequently remarked that Diana's precious aquamarine gemstone ring perfectly 'matched her eyes'.
The large aquamarine centrepiece was reportedly a gift from Diana's friend, Lucia Flecha de Lima. It was then commissioned to be turned into a ring by famed jewellery designer Asprey, who set it within 24-carat gold.
Following Diana's untimely death in 1997 at the age of 36, many of her jewels – including the aquamarine ring – were inherited by her sons, Prince William and Prince Harry.
The recent sighting of Queen Mary's aquamarine ring prompted comparisons to a similar large aquamarine ring previously owned Princess Diana. Her son Prince Harry reportedly gifted it to Meghan Markle ahead of their 2018 wedding, and she wore it to their reception
In 2018, Diana's aquamarine statement ring resurfaced on the hand of Meghan Markle after her then fiancee Prince Harry reportedly gifted it to her ahead of their wedding day.
The Duchess of Sussex opted to wear the special and significant jewel at the royal couple's wedding reception. Experts at the time interpreted it as the Suits actress' 'something blue' item on her wedding day.
Meghan later wore the ring during the 2018 royal tour of Tonga and was more recently seen wearing it at a 2022 awards event in New York, which followed the couple's decision to step down as senior royals and relocate to California.
Royal style watchers have this week cheekily hinted that the re-emergence of Queen Mary's significantly larger aquamarine ring may have left the Montecito-based Duchess green with envy.
Meanwhile, Queen Mary's aquamarine ring is just one of a number of her preferred statement rings.
Since she entered the royal court in Copenhagen 20 years ago, the Tasmanian-born royal has amassed an impressive jewellery box filled with a dazzling array of rings.
The most significant of course is Mary's engagement ring, which Frederik presented to her in 2003.
The ring was originally made with a central emerald-cut diamond flanked by a pair of ruby baguettes – with the patriotic colours echoing those of the Denmark flag.
Crown Prince Frederik popped the question to Mary Donaldson in 2003 with a patriotic coloured diamond and ruby ring (left). Nowadays, Queen Mary proudly wears local Danish designer jewellery, including the diamond Georg Jensen statement ring on her right hand during a 2014 visit to Canada (right)
The ring was later altered with the addition of two diamonds. The five stones of the upgraded ring are said to represent Mary's husband Frederik, 56, along with their four children, Crown Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine.
Some other statement rings in Mary's regular rotation include a giant bright yellow cocktail ring that she's worn on several occasions.
She wore it only a few months ago in November 2024 while attending a concert event in Copenhagen. The same ring was also on full display during a gala dinner in June 2022, which she attended alongside other royals like Queen Maxima of the Netherlands.
Also among the royal's go-to statement rings is a large diamond created by Danish design house, Georg Jensen, which she was seen wearing during a September 2014 visit to Toronto.
Mary also has a deft hand when it comes to layering jewellery to create a unique look, which was exemplified by her decision to pair two Ole Lynggaard diamond rings together at a June 2021 engagement.
The Danish Queen is an advocate for local designers, including Danish jeweller Marianne Dulong.
Queen Mary has worn many items from the Dulong collection, and has a particular fondness for the brand's opulent statement pearl rings.
In 2007, Mary was seen wearing a Dulong pearl and diamond ring at a christening, and a decade later in 2017 she was seen wearing a different Dulong grey pearl ring while delivering an address at the OECD Forum.
As with most style moves Queen Mary makes, her passion for a well-chosen statement ring has inspired thousands to follow suit regardless of mainstream trends.
So it's safe to say this look is here to stay... for those who can afford it.
