Associate Editor Lauren McLemore headed out West for a visit to Potentate Mining’s operation hosted by gemstone wholesaler Parlé Gems.
Princess Beatrice Taps Shaun Leane for Engagement Ring
The British royal’s husband-to-be collaborated with the famed independent jeweler on a classic style.

London—Another millennial British royal has gotten engaged, and she marked the occasion with a ring by one of the most celebrated contemporary British jewelers.
Princess Beatrice of York, granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, became engaged earlier this month to Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. Mozzi enlisted independent jewelry designer Shaun Leane to create the princess’ diamond and platinum engagement ring.
The ring is a combination of Art Deco and Victorian styles, the designer explained.
“I am so honored Edoardo chose to work with me to design the engagement ring for Princess Beatrice and to have been involved in this special moment in their lives,” Leane said in a statement.
“The bespoke experience was a beautiful journey; from imagining the design with Edoardo to the crafting of the finished rings. Being able to incorporate both Edoardo and Princess Beatrice’s characters into the design has resulted in a unique ring that represents their love and lives entwining.”
Unlike sister Princess Eugenie, who opted for a cluster-style padparadscha sapphire engagement ring, or cousin-in-law Duchess of Cambridge, who wears her late mother-in-law Princess Diana’s blue sapphire engagement ring, Princess Beatrice’s style features a classic round-brilliant cut diamond set in platinum.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Princess Eugenie (@princesseugenie) on Sep 26, 2019 at 3:10am PDT
Leane told People the center stone is approximately 2.5 carats. It’s flanked by smaller round brilliants and two tapered baguette-cut diamonds totaling 0.75 carats. All stones were ethically sourced from Botswana, he said.
The designer is one of Great Britain’s most celebrated contemporary jewelry talents. Leane got his starting training at the bench in London’s Hatton Garden jewelry district.
In 1999 he launched his eponymous label, garnering praise for his edgy styles and going on to collaborate with Alexander McQueen, Givenchy and Boucheron.
Today, his work can be found in the permanent collections of the V&A Museum in London and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Leane said he also designed two matching bands for Princess Beatrice, which weren’t pictured in the engagement photos released on various royals’ Instagram accounts.
The Latest

Gilbertson has worked as a researcher, jeweler, lapidary artist, appraiser, and business owner throughout his decades in the industry.

A decision likely won’t come until January 2026 at the earliest, and the tariffs remain in effect until then.

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

Located in the revamped jewelry hall at the retailer’s New York City flagship, this opening is Tabayer’s first shop-in-shop.


The new, free app offers accessible educational content, like games and podcasts, for U.S. retailers.

As the gold price rises, the manufacturer is offering a 100 percent payout through Sept. 30 for gold clean scrap.

Jewelers of America is leading the charge to protect the industry amidst rising economic threats.

Jacob & Co. partnered with the German technology company on two pairs of headphones, one set with diamonds and the other with sapphires.

The Waldorf Astoria New York’s grand reopening this past summer means a homecoming for the industry group’s annual event.

Anglo plans to merge with Teck Resources Ltd. to form Anglo Teck. The deal changes nothing about its plans to offload De Beers.

The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue diamond, which set two world auction records at Sotheby’s in 2014, is estimated to fetch up to $30 million.

The industry veteran joins the auction house as it looks to solidify its footprint in the jewelry market.

The nonprofit awarded four students pursuing a professional career in jewelry making and design with $2,250 each.

The Texas-based jeweler has also undergone a brand refresh, debuting a new website and logo.

The two organizations have finalized and signed the affiliation agreement announced in May.

The single-owner sale will headline Sotheby's inaugural jewelry auction at the Breuer building, its new global headquarters, this December.

From sunrise yoga to tariffs talks, these are some events to check out at the upcoming inaugural event.

Smith recalls a bit of wisdom the industry leader, who died last week, shared at a diamond conference years ago.

The “Victoria” necklace features a labradorite hugged by diamond accents in 18-karat yellow gold.

Two lower courts have moved to block the import taxes, which will remain in place as the legal battle continues.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback shares Hublot’s dedication to pursuing greatness, the Swiss watchmaker said.

The Type IIa stone, recovered from Botswana’s Karowe diamond mine last month, features unique coloration.

Breitling is now the NFL’s official timepiece partner, a move that puts the brand in front of the millions of Americans who watch football.

NYCJAOS is set for Nov. 21-23 in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood.

U.S.-based investment company SMG Capital LLC is the new owner of the luxury brand.