Princess Anne's two engagement rings have this similarity - and how she influenced other royals to follow this trend

When Prince Anne isn't wearing gloves at royal engagements you may have noticed this one thing about her engagement ring - and her style has influenced other royals to copy her.

• The royal and sister to Prince Charles married her second husband in 1992 and chose a unique ring
• Her first engagement ring in 1973 had a similar stone and design - which was unlike other royal rings at the time
• In other royal news, these are Meghan Markle's words to describe Prince Harry after their first date

Princess Anne may be unstoppable when it comes to royal engagements, even through the heatwave - but when it comes to her jewellery choices she is very unique.

As both her engagement rings were made of sapphires - a stone which wasn't a tradition in the royal family - until Princess Anne changed it and other royals followed.

Anne, who recently also shared the Queen’s secrets for always looking good, married her first husband Captain Mark Phillips in 1973 and welcomed a sapphire and white diamond ring from him. At the time royal engagement rings had clear stones, so Anne and her husband's choice were breaking the mould of royal tradition. 

While the princess's next ring, when she became engaged to her current husband, Timothy Laurence, was also a sapphire ring. This one is a little different, however - the Cabochon sapphire is oval in shape, and also has diamonds, but a larger cluster than her previous ring.

And although Anne broke the mould of a colour-stoned engagement ring, other royals followed, with Kate Middleton receiving a gorgeous 12-carat sapphire ring with 14 solitaire diamonds on a white gold band, from Prince Willam - which he had inherited from his mother - the late Princess Diana. 

Ring specialist, Max Stone at Seven Stone (opens in new tab) said, "Blue sapphires are often linked to people who are respectful, loyal, hardworking, and honest, which only makes these rings even more special, and this perhaps could have meant something to Princess Anne."

While he also makes the point that Princess Diana went on to choose a blue sapphire ring. He added, "It's clear royal family are huge fans of sapphires, a stone which is traditionally believed to attract abundance and blessings. 

"Historically it has been used to protect against negative energies, as well as calm the mind, strengthen intuition, and invite spiritual clarity, so it's no wonder the royal ladies love them."