The News
Meghan’s Mysterious Pinky Ring Sparks Controversy Again
In a recent outing that caught the public's eye, Meghan Markle was spotted wearing a striking pinky ring during a date night with Prince Harry at the exclusive San Vicente Bungalows in West Hollywood.
The ring, designed by celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz, boasts a square-shaped diamond and is valued at approximately $62,000.
However, it's not just its price tag that has folks talking; it's the ring's controversial backstory that has reignited discussions.
Since its debut on Meghan's finger back in October 2020, the origin of this pinky ring has been shrouded in mystery.
In 2021, the couple faced scrutiny over claims that the diamond was gifted to them by an anonymous donor from the Middle East.
They initially denied these allegations, stating that the ring was sourced directly from the designer for a photoshoot.
Yet, in a puzzling twist, they later clarified that their denial referred to a different piece of jewelry, leaving many to wonder about the true source of this particular diamond.
The intrigue deepens when considering the timeline of events.
If the diamonds indeed originated from the Middle East, questions arise about when Meghan received the ring.
Was it a gift while she was still fulfilling her royal duties, or did it come after she stepped down from her official role in March 2020?
Although Meghan never officially visited the region, speculation persists about a potential private trip during which she may have acquired the ring.
Adding to the complexity, Buckingham Palace maintains a strict policy regarding the disclosure of gifts received by royals.
While gifts accepted during official engagements are documented, those received outside of such contexts remain undisclosed.
This means there's no public record confirming whether Meghan received any diamonds from a mysterious benefactor.
Interestingly, Meghan was also given loose diamonds around the same time she received the pinky ring.
When she first donned the ring, it generated quite a buzz due to its association with Lorraine Schwartz.
However, the designer has since expressed concern over the diamond's origins, particularly after learning it might be linked to Saudi interests.
This revelation has led to speculation about why Meghan has not acquired any further pieces from Schwartz since then.
The controversy surrounding the ring intensified in light of Meghan's previous choice to wear jewelry associated with troubling events.
Notably, she wore the Lorraine Schwartz ring to a state dinner in Fiji just weeks after the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an act that sparked widespread outrage given the circumstances.
A U.S. intelligence report implicated Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the incident, adding layers of political tension to her fashion choices.
According to reports, a senior aide raised concerns about Meghan's demands and the potential implications of her jewelry choices.
Allegedly, Harry was taken aback when he learned that people were aware of the ring's controversial background.
Sources indicate that the atmosphere within the royal household became increasingly fraught, with some aides reportedly feeling overwhelmed by Meghan's behavior.
Despite the swirling rumors and allegations, Meghan has firmly denied any wrongdoing.