The public has had a long fascination with celebrity diamond engagement rings, and who wouldn’t with engagement rings that hit the $1 million mark. The fascination lies in the true Hollywood love story and engagements that are a dream come true.Here are just a few of the most famous celebrity diamond engagement rings that caused worldwide attention.
John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier
When JFK proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier on July 4, 1953, the world anticipated catching a glance at the power couples engagement ring. JFK had the ring secretly designed in a stunning setting of an emerald center stone surrounded by 2.88 carats of diamonds designed by Van Cleef & Arpels.
The design of the ring was considered very modern and prompted an emerald engagement ring trend, making emeralds the most popular choice for engagement rings during the mid 1950s.
Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor
In 1968, Richard Burton purchased a modest (by his standards) 33 carat Krupp diamond as an engagement gift. The gem had formerly been part of the estate of Vera Krupp, second wife of the steel magnate Alfred Krupp.
Although not an engagement ring, the most famous diamond ring purchased by Richard Burton for Elizabeth Taylor was the 69.42-carat pear-shape diamond. The gem was cut from a rough diamond weighing over 240 carats.
Found in the Premier Mine in 1966, the diamond was purchased by the famous jeweler Harry Winston and then cut into other stones, one being the 69.42 gem. The diamond is so well known; it would eventually come to be known as the Taylor-Burton diamond.
Prince Rainier of Monaco and Grace Kelly
In 1955, one of the most iconic engagement rings made history. Prince Rainier chose a 12-carat emerald cut diamond engagement ring for Grace Kelly. In true fairy tale fashion, this diamond ring would become one of the most famous in the world and designers would copy the original Cartier ring for decades.
Before their formal engagement, Prince Rainier gave Grace Kelly a friendship ring of diamonds and rubies.
Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer
In the most televised event in history, the world watched Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer wed in St. Paul’s Cathedral. On August 28, 1981, over 600,000 people stood outside the cathedral while over 750 million people watched on television.
The famous engagement occurred in February 1980, when Prince Charles presented an 18 carat sapphire engagement ring surrounded by 14 carats of brilliant cut diamonds. The ring was valued at a reported £42,000.
When Prince Charles subsequently became engaged to Camilla Parker-Bowles in 2005, he presented her with an Art Deco inspired emerald-cut engagement ring formerly owned by the Queen Mother. The ring is a family heirloom and set in 1920’s platinum with a large square-cut central diamond flanked by six diamond baguettes.
Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe
Although the 3 carat diamond engagement ring Joe DiMaggio gave Marilyn Monroe is impressive on its own, the most impressive piece of the wedding ring set is the wedding band. Following their January 1954 wedding, Joe presented a beautiful platinum and diamond eternity ring featuring 35 baguette diamonds.
The infamous wedding band would later sell at auction for a reported $772,500 as part of Marilyn’s personal collection.
Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones
Proposing to Catherine Zeta-Jones on New Year’s Eve in 1999, Michael Douglas impressed her even more with an antique inspired diamond engagement ring. The massive center stone weighs in at 10 carats and is surrounded by 28 smaller stones. Although its actual value can only be speculated, it is estimated to be valued between $2 million and $3 million.
The public was stunned when the diamond engagement ring was viewed in early 2000 and reminded many of the ever so bold statement of jewelry given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez
As much of a fuss that Catherine Zeta-Jones’s engagement ring caused, the engagement ring that Jennifer Lopez received from Ben Affleck widened the eyes of the public as well. In 2002, a 6.1 rare pink diamond engagement ring was presented to Jennifer Lopez. Designed by Harry Winston, the center pink gem was flanked by two smaller white diamonds and valued over $2 million.
When the engagement was ended in 2004, Jennifer Lopez returned the ring to Ben Affleck, who eventually sold it back to Harry Winston for just over $1 million. The ring is now available for sale at a “price upon request” through the jeweler.
Some of the most famous celebrity engagement rings have been designed by top jewelry designers such as Cartier, Neil Lane, Tiffany and Harry Winston. With a reputation for quality diamonds and elegant designs, the most beautiful diamond engagement rings may come at a very high price.
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