Meghan Markle has prompted fresh speculation after appearing to debut what some believe is an “engagement ring upgrade” over Valentine’s Day weekend while attending the NBA All-Star Game with Prince Harry. Jewellery specialists say the piece could hold symbolic significance.
The Duchess, 44, joined Harry, 41, courtside on Sunday, where the couple were photographed sharing affectionate exchanges and smiling for cameras.
A Stylish Courtside Appearance
For the event, Meghan wore a polished look comprising a $600 navy cashmere sweater by Brochu Walker, $350 indigo flared jeans and $750 stiletto ankle boots from Veronica Beard.
Known for her love of Cartier, she completed the ensemble with her Juste un Clou Torque necklace and ‘Love’ bracelet, valued at approximately $29,500 and $9,900 respectively.
However, it was the ring on her right hand — believed to be a new engagement-style piece — that drew the most attention from royal observers.
Experts Weigh In
Jewellery designer Trang Do told the Daily Mail that the ring may “signal an upgrade of her engagement ring story”, particularly following longstanding rumours that Meghan has modified elements of her original 2.5-carat ring from Harry on several occasions.
Trang noted that wearing the ring on her right hand could be meaningful, explaining it “often symbolises independence, self-love, and personal power.”
“It could also point to an upgrade or evolution of her engagement ring story,” she said.
“Many clients today are choosing to refresh their rings to mark milestones, whether an anniversary, a personal achievement or a new chapter, rather than waiting for a traditional proposal moment.”
The Original Engagement Ring
Meghan’s original engagement ring was presented in 2017 when Harry proposed with a bespoke design created in collaboration with royal jeweller Cleave & Company.
Harry later told PEOPLE that the centre cushion-cut diamond was ethically sourced from Botswana, the setting of the couple’s third date.
The two side diamonds came from a bracelet that belonged to the late Princess Diana, with Prince William reportedly giving his consent for their inclusion.
The ring, estimated at approximately 3.8 carats in total, was initially set on a yellow gold band — Meghan’s preferred metal — and is believed to have had a retail value between USD $300,000 and $350,000 (around AUD $490,000). Due to its connection to Diana’s jewellery, some experts have described it as priceless.
Following their engagement, Meghan said it was “important” for her to know that Harry’s late mother was “a part of this with us”.
Ongoing Changes Over the Years
Less than two years later, the ring appeared to be altered, with Meghan debuting a slimmer pavé diamond band at Trooping the Colour in 2019.
Speculation resurfaced in 2022 at the Invictus Games in The Hague, where observers suggested more diamonds had been added around the centre stone.
Further discussion emerged last year after the central diamond appeared more emerald-cut than cushion-cut in a trailer for her Netflix series, With Love, Meghan. While some believed the ring had been redesigned once again, others speculated a replica may have been used to prevent damage during filming.
Regarding the Duchess’s latest ring, Trang observed that the stone appears warmer in tone.
“If it is a diamond, I would expect it to sit within a lower colour range, which is actually very on-trend at the moment,” she said.
Despite its notable size — estimated between four and six carats — she suggested the vintage-inspired setting ensures the piece feels “elegant rather than ostentatious.”
“If confirmed natural and self-purchased, this could subtly signal a shift in personal narrative or a new chapter she’s choosing to mark independently,” she added.
Body Language Under the Spotlight
Beyond the jewellery, Meghan’s “enthusiastic” demeanour at the NBA game also attracted attention.
In footage displayed on the arena’s Jumbotron, Meghan smiled broadly and waved animatedly at the crowd while Harry appeared focused on the game.
In an effort to catch his attention, the former Suits actress gently rubbed his arm and gestured toward the camera. His initially subdued expression transformed into a grin as he waved and said “Hi”.
Body language expert Judi James later analysed the clip, claiming Harry seemed “uncomfortable” posing for the cameras, whereas Meghan appeared “delighted by the attention”.
