Famous Engagement Rings in History: From Royals to Hollywood Stars

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Engagement rings have long been symbols of love, commitment, and status, especially among royals and Hollywood’s elite. Over the decades, some engagement rings have become legendary, capturing the public’s imagination with their dazzling designs, historical significance, and star-studded owners.

From Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire ring to Elizabeth Taylor’s jaw-dropping diamond, this blog explores the most famous engagement rings in history. Discover the stories behind these legendary rings, the trends they set, and how they continue to inspire modern-day jewelry lovers.

Royal Engagement Rings: A Tradition of Elegance

When it comes to engagement rings, royal families have set the bar high with timeless designs and rare gemstones. Here are some of the most famous royal engagement rings in history:

Princess Diana & Kate Middleton’s Sapphire Ring

  • One of the most recognizable engagement rings in history, this stunning 12-carat oval sapphire is surrounded by 14 diamonds and set in white gold.
  • Originally chosen by Princess Diana in 1981, the ring was unconventional at the time because it was available in a catalog rather than being custom-made.
  • After Diana’s passing, Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with the same ring in 2010, making it a cherished heirloom and an enduring symbol of royal romance.

Queen Elizabeth II’s Solitaire Diamond Ring

  • Designed by Prince Philip, this elegant ring features a 3-carat solitaire diamond flanked by smaller diamonds.
  • The diamonds were sourced from a tiara belonging to Prince Philip’s mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg.
  • Its timeless simplicity continues to influence engagement ring trends today.

Meghan Markle’s Three-Stone Ring

  • Prince Harry designed Meghan Markle’s engagement ring himself, incorporating a large cushion-cut diamond from Botswana and two smaller diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection.
  • The three-stone design symbolizes the couple’s past, present, and future together.
  • The ring has inspired a resurgence in customized and sentimental engagement ring designs.
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Hollywood’s Most Iconic Engagement Rings

Hollywood is no stranger to extravagant and headline-making engagement rings. From massive diamonds to unique designs, here are some of the most famous rings that have graced celebrity fingers:

Elizabeth Taylor’s 33.19-Carat Krupp Diamond

  • Given to her by Richard Burton, this breathtaking Asscher-cut diamond ring remains one of the most famous in history.
  • The diamond, later renamed the “Elizabeth Taylor Diamond,” is known for its exceptional clarity and size.
  • Even decades later, this ring continues to set the standard for opulence in celebrity engagements.

Jacqueline Kennedy’s Two-Stone Ring

  • When John F. Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier, he presented her with a unique Art Deco-inspired ring featuring a 2.88-carat emerald and a 2.84-carat diamond.
  • The combination of emerald and diamond was rare for engagement rings at the time, making it an iconic piece of jewelry history.

Beyoncé’s 24-Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond

  • Jay-Z proposed to Beyoncé with a striking 24-carat emerald-cut diamond set in a split shank platinum band.
  • The ring’s flawless clarity and minimalist elegance have made emerald-cut diamonds a popular choice among modern brides.

Kim Kardashian’s 15-Carat Cushion-Cut Diamond

  • Kanye West’s proposal to Kim Kardashian came with a dazzling 15-carat cushion-cut diamond ring, designed by celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz.
  • The ring’s understated elegance and sheer size made it one of the most talked-about celebrity engagement rings of the decade.
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Engagement Rings That Started Trends

Some engagement rings not only made headlines but also sparked global trends in jewelry design.

Grace Kelly’s Cartier Diamond Ring

  • Prince Rainier III of Monaco originally proposed to Grace Kelly with a ruby and diamond eternity band.
  • Later, he upgraded the ring to a 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond set by Cartier.
  • The ring’s sophisticated elegance inspired countless brides and remains one of the most sought-after engagement ring styles.

Audrey Hepburn’s Trio of Rings

  • Mel Ferrer proposed to Audrey Hepburn with a set of three rings: a white gold band, a rose gold band, and a yellow gold band.
  • This unique and versatile concept allowed Audrey to mix and match her rings based on her outfit and occasion.
  • The idea of stackable and interchangeable rings has since become a popular trend in modern engagement jewelry.

Modern Heirlooms: Engagement Rings with Deep Meaning

In recent years, engagement rings have taken on more sentimental value, blending history with personal meaning.

Prince Harry & Meghan Markle’s Updated Ring

  • Meghan Markle’s engagement ring underwent a redesign in 2019, with the plain gold band being replaced with a delicate pavé diamond band.
  • The redesign added a modern twist while preserving the sentimental elements of Princess Diana’s diamonds.

Jennifer Lopez’s Green Diamond Ring

  • When Ben Affleck proposed (again) to Jennifer Lopez in 2022, he presented her with a rare 8.5-carat green diamond ring.
  • Green diamonds are among the rarest in the world, making J.Lo’s ring one of the most unique engagement rings in Hollywood history.

Conclusion

Engagement rings are more than just dazzling pieces of jewelry; they tell stories of love, legacy, and timeless fashion. From royal heirlooms to Hollywood showstoppers, these famous rings continue to inspire generations of couples in their search for the perfect symbol of commitment.

Which of these iconic engagement rings is your favorite? Let us know in the comments, and don’t forget to pin this post on Pinterest for inspiration!

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