The history of engagement rings can be traced all the way back to Ancient Egypt, where rings made from woven natural materials were exchanged between lovers as a symbol of commitment. Often, these rings were worn on the fourth finger of the left hand as people believed that this finger contained the “vena amoris,” or the vein of love, a vein that went directly to the heart. Later, the rings took on a slightly sinister undertone, as in Ancient Rome rings made of iron symbolised men’s ownership over their wives.
Diamond rings came along much later, in the fifteenth century. The earliest documented use of a diamond engagement ring is Archduke Maximilian of Austria’s proposal to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. This influenced other members of European nobility and popularised the use of diamonds in engagement rings.
However, in modern times, it was the De Beers diamond company that truly brought diamond engagement rings into the popular vernacular. In 1947, they coined the phrase “A Diamond is Forever,” which led to an increase in diamond sales as consumers began to associate diamonds with enduring and eternal love and commitment. Of course, the bigger the diamond, the bigger the commitment.
Today, engagement rings come in many different styles, with many different stones and gems. However, diamonds are still the most popular choice. Below, we list some of the most expensive engagement rings, diamonds and otherwise, and to whom they have been given.
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Grace Kelly, Cartier
Grace Kelly’s engagement ring, given to her by Prince Rainier III of Monaco, is one of the most famous in the world. The ring features a 10.48 carat emerald-cut diamond, with two baguette diamonds to either side set in platinum. Designed and created by Cartier, this ring is the epitome of style and sophistication. Apparently, Prince Rainier had originally proposed with a different ring featuring both rubies and diamonds, but when he realised how popular large diamond rings were in Hollywood, he upgraded to the fabulous Cartier ring. At the time, he paid $4,060,000 for the ring. Adjusted for inflation that is $38,866,738.
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Jackie Onassis, Harry Winston
Presented to Jackie Onassis in 1968 by Aristotle Onassis, this beautiful ring features a 40.42 carat Lesotho III diamond, sourced from a 601 carat rough diamond mined in the Lesotho region of southern Africa. The diamond was cut into a breathtaking pear shape by Harry Winston. Jackie wore the ring only sparingly, keeping it in a bank vault for many years, possibly to keep it safe. Aristotle paid $2,600,000 and today he would have paid around $19,454,276.
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Mariah Carey, Wilfredo Rosado
James Packer proposed to Mariah Carey in 2016 with this astonishing ring. Although their relationship was short-lived, the ring was a stunning expense. It features a 35 carat diamond designed by Wilfredo Rosado. It is an emerald cut flanked by tapered baguette diamonds, set in a platinum band. The ring was valued at around $10 million and is one of the largest and most expensive rings ever. The ring captures Carey’s penchant for glamour and extravagance, even if it does somewhat undermine De Beers’ iconic catchphrase – “A diamond is forever”.
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Beyoncé, Lorraine Schwarz
Beyoncé’s engagement ring, given to her by rapper Jay Z, is an exquisite and glamorous piece designed by Lorraine Schwarz. It features an 18 carat emerald cut diamond in the centre set in a split-shank platinum band. The diamond itself is held in place by a prong setting, which allows a maximum of light to pass through and emphasise the diamond’s sparkle. The ring cost around $5 million and is a symbol of the couple’s high profile and much talked about romance. Beyoncé is often seen wearing the ring at public events, even after public speculation on the state of her marriage.
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Paris Hilton, Jean Dousset
Paris Hilton was given this ring by Paris Latsis in 2005, and is it ever opulent! The ring features a 24 carat emerald cut diamond, with two trapezoid baguette diamonds on either side set in a platinum band. The ring was designed by Jean Dousset and its substantial size and brilliant clarity make it the perfect ring for someone glamorous like Hilton. The engagement between Hilton and Latsis was short-lived, but Latsis is rumoured to have spent $4,700,000 on the ring.
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Anna Kournikova, Argyle Jewellers
Anna Kournikova received an absolutely stunning ring from Enrique Iglesias in 2004. The ring features an 11 carat diamond in the centre, cut in a pear shape. The diamond itself is pink and is celebrated for its rarity and striking colour. The pink diamond is flanked by trapezoid shaped diamonds and smaller oval diamonds, making the ring brilliantly symmetrical. The stones are set in a platinum band that is sleek and modern so as not to overshadow the main diamond. The ring cost $5,400,000.
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Kim Kardashian, Lorraine Schwartz
Given to Kim Kardashian in 2013 by the rapper Kanye West, this ring is both elegant and modern and reflects West’s love of luxury and glamour. The ring features a 15 carat cushion cut diamond set in a pavé band. The diamond is a D colour grade, which means it is entirely colourless and incredibly brilliant. The diamond is also internally flawless. The pavé band setting features small diamonds set closely together, covering the band and adding additional brilliance and sparkle. West paid $4,000,000 for the ring and Kardashian often showcased it on social media.
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Jennifer Lopez, Harry Winston
Given to Jennifer Lopez in 2004, this beautiful ring features an 8.5 carat blue diamond. The blue colour is particularly rare and sets this ring apart from many other traditional engagement rings. The diamond is an emerald cut and is flanked by two trapezoid-shaped white diamonds. The stones are set in a platinum band and the stones are held in place by a prong setting. The ring is valued at approximately $4,000,000 and although the couple’s marriage did not last, it still serves as a symbol of exceptional beauty and extravagance in the celebrity engagement ring world.
The proposals that accompanied these exquisite engagements most definitely came with a big bill. It is certain that they will be remembered for generations and they will also go down in history as some of the most expensive questions ever asked.
