Meghan Markle's appearance alongside Prince Harry at the NBA All-Star Game in Inglewood, California, set off a fresh round of scrutiny after jewelry experts estimated a large pear-shaped diamond on her right hand could be worth as much as $250,000. The Duchess of Sussex's accessory-distinct from the engagement ring Prince Harry gave her in 2017-quickly became the focal point of online commentary, eclipsing the celebrity-filled arena spectacle.
RadarOnline reported that the ring first appeared in a black-and-white image on Markle's "As Ever" homepage in late January before resurfacing courtside on 15 February. The outlet cited two jewelry professionals-Universal Diamonds owner Ronnie Agami and La Joya Jewellery CEO Nishit Mehta-who estimated the stone at roughly 6 to 7 carats, suggesting a value that "could be worth as much as $250,000 depending on the stone's quality and cut."
People magazine, covering the same NBA outing, described the piece as a large pear-shaped diamond set on a gold band worn on the ring finger of Markle's right hand. That placement-rather than the traditional left-hand engagement finger-added to the online speculation, with some observers interpreting the choice as symbolic rather than purely stylistic.
RadarOnline framed the development more provocatively, asserting that the new stone is "more than double" the size of the original engagement ring. That original ring featured a 3-carat center stone sourced from Botswana and two smaller diamonds from jewelry belonging to Princess Diana, Prince Harry's late mother. The design was widely seen at the time as a deliberate nod to both the couple's early relationship and Harry's family history.
Online reaction was swift and divided. One X user quoted by RadarOnline wrote: "Looks like the Founder is giving herself the diamond ring she WISHED Harry gave her. She's been sporting this pear-shaped monstrosity for a minute." Another added: "Harry, being sentimental, designed the ring with his mother's two side diamonds, and she hated it. Now, Markle demands whatever she wants, and Harry abides."
The renewed attention has also revived discussion about previous changes to Markle's engagement ring. RadarOnline reported that in 2019 the original solid yellow-gold band was replaced with a micro-pavé diamond band, and that by 2022 additional diamonds were added around the main stone. The outlet further claimed that viewers noted what appeared to be a different center stone-shifting from the original cushion cut-after a trailer for the Netflix series With Love, Meghan appeared in February 2025.
No public statement from the Duke and Duchess of Sussex has addressed the speculation. Jewelry redesigns are common among high-profile figures, often reflecting evolving taste, durability concerns, or aesthetic preferences. Yet in the Sussexes' case, even routine stylistic decisions have repeatedly become flashpoints in a polarized media environment.
