Princess Margaret's Grandson Proposes With a Tradition-Breaking Ring That "Feels Like an Authentic Choice," Says Jewelry Expert
Our take
The announcement of Sam Chatto’s engagement to Eleanor Ekserdjian, and the unveiling of his tradition-breaking ring, feels like a subtle but significant shift in the evolving narrative of royal style. It's a move away from the overt grandeur historically associated with royal engagements and toward a more personal, quietly considered aesthetic. This resonates powerfully with a contemporary audience increasingly drawn to understated elegance and authenticity. As jewelry expert Nilesh Rakholia notes, Princess Kate is in the "Early Stages" Princess Kate Is in the "Early Stages" of Building a Diana-Style Gemstone Legacy, Says Jewelry Expert of cultivating a gemstone legacy, a process he describes as "quiet, cumulative." The Chatto engagement, with its unconventional ring choice, seems to be another facet of this broader trend, one that prioritizes personal meaning over inherited spectacle. The story also echoes Princess Margaret's own spirit – a woman known for her creative spirit and love of the arts [Princess Margaret was known for her creative spirit and love of the arts, and her grandson, Sam Chatto, is following in the late royal’s footsteps], suggesting a generational continuation of a less formal, more individualistic approach to royal life.
The ring itself, described as a unique design featuring a central stone surrounded by smaller diamonds set on a yellow gold band, immediately signals a departure from the usual diamond-on-platinum formula. While tradition dictates certain expectations—the Cambridge Sapphire, for example—Sam’s choice feels decidedly *his*, reflecting his profession as a ceramic artist and, presumably, an appreciation for artisanal craftsmanship. This isn't about displaying inherited wealth or adhering to a rigid protocol; it's about expressing a personal connection and aesthetic sensibility. It’s a conscious decision to prioritize sentiment and design over convention, a move that speaks to a more modern understanding of luxury – one where value lies in uniqueness and intentionality rather than sheer size or pedigree. Further illustrating this shift, the emphasis is now on “authentic choice,” as the jewelry expert states, further solidifying the idea that royal engagement rings are moving away from mere symbols of status and towards declarations of individual style.
This development holds significant implications for how we perceive royal style and the broader jewelry landscape. The quiet confidence of this engagement—the lack of fanfare, the deliberate choice of a less conventional ring—mirrors a larger cultural shift towards valuing understated elegance and personal expression. It’s a rejection of the “look at me” mentality in favor of a more nuanced and introspective approach. The Chatto engagement functions as a subtle endorsement of the *slow* luxury movement, where craftsmanship, ethical sourcing, and personal meaning trump ostentatious displays of wealth. It subtly encourages a shift in consumer mindset: a move away from fleeting trends and towards enduring pieces that tell a story and reflect individual values. The quiet power of this choice speaks volumes, demonstrating that true style isn't about conforming to expectations but about authentically embodying oneself.
Looking forward, it will be fascinating to observe how this trend continues to evolve within the royal family and beyond. Will other younger royals follow suit, embracing unconventional designs and prioritizing personal meaning in their engagement rings? Or will this remain a singular expression of Sam and Eleanor’s individual style? The initial response to the Chatto engagement suggests a growing appetite for authenticity and a desire to move beyond established norms. The question isn’t whether tradition will disappear entirely, but rather how it will be reinterpreted and reimagined to reflect a more modern sensibility—a sensibility that values quiet confidence, intentionality, and, above all, a genuine expression of self.
Princess Margaret was known for her creative spirit and love of the arts, and her grandson, Sam Chatto, is following in the late royal’s footsteps. On Monday, July 13, the ceramic artist announced that he’d proposed to his girlfriend Eleanor Ekserdjian—and he made her unconventional engagement ring himself.
“I’m really delighted to say that Ellie and I are engaged. And we couldn’t be happier,” Chatto, 29, wrote on Instagram, adding, “I proposed with a porcelain ring which I made.”
Eleanor’s unusual ring is shown in a black-and-white snapshot, with the bride-to-be crossing her arms to show off the twisted design on a simple ceramic band. The handmade design is the first royal engagement ring not to feature gemstones, and Nilesh Rakholia, Founder of Abelini, tells Marie Claire that it’s a reminder that modern couples are looking beyond traditional symbols of luxury.
“An engagement ring is traditionally seen as a piece of jewelry chosen to represent commitment, but Sam Chatto’s porcelain ring takes that idea one step further by making the act of creation part of the proposal itself,” Rakholia says.
Sam, who specializes in ceramics and pottery, and Ekserdjian, an abstract artist, have connected through their creative sides, and Rakholia says that the ring “feels like a very authentic choice” for the two artists.
“Both Sam and Eleanor understand the importance of craftsmanship, creativity and the story behind an object, so a handmade ring becomes more than just something beautiful to wear, it becomes a piece of their shared history,” the jewelry pro says.
It’s possible Sam proposed with the porcelain ring and will give his fiancée another design for everyday use, as Rakholia points out that the material is extremely delicate.
“Unlike a diamond, which is valued for its durability and rarity, the beauty of porcelain comes from the skill involved in shaping and creating it,” he shares, noting that the ring “may not be designed for the same level of daily wear.” However, Rakholia says the “delicate nature” of Eleanor's ring “may make it feel even more like a treasured artwork rather than a conventional piece of jewelry.”
The couple sparked engagement rumors when Eleanor was invited to spend Christmas with the Royal Family in 2024, and she once again headed to Sandringham for the holiday festivities in December 2025. The soon-to-be royal bride also attended Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling's wedding on June 6.
As for Sam and Eleanor's big day, Buckingham Palace shared that a wedding will take place “next spring.” Senior members of the Royal Family such as King Charles—who a representative said is “very happy for them both”—are likely to attend the ceremony.
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