10 Most Expensive Engagement Ring Worn by Celebrities
Celebrity weddings are known for their extravagance, where no expense is spared to create a truly unforgettable occasion. From stunning venues to designer wedding dresses, every aspect is meticulously planned, and this includes the jewellery. When it comes to their wedding jewellery, celebrities have a penchant for the finest and most luxurious pieces, often with a hefty price tag attached.
Here are the top 10 most expensive engagement rings worn by celebrities:
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Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis & Aristotle Onassis – $2.6 million
Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis received a remarkable diamond ring from Aristotle Onassis, a Greek shipping magnate, in 1968. This ring, known as the Lesotho III, features a 40.42-carat marquise-cut diamond, which is the third-largest gem cut from the renowned 601-carat Lesotho rough diamond. The Lesotho III possesses a VS2 clarity and L colour. Due to its significant size and value, Jackie reportedly wore the ring only twice before storing it in a secure location. It gained further prominence when it was sold at Jackie Kennedy's estate auction in 1996 for $2.6 million. This iconic piece stands as a testament to the timeless elegance and allure associated with the former First Lady. It is worth noting that this diamond would be valued significantly more today when considering inflation.
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Vanessa Bryant & Kobe Bryant – $4 million
In 2003, Kobe Bryant presented his wife, Vanessa Bryant, with an extraordinary engagement ring valued at $4 million. This purple-colored, 8-carat diamond ring was dubbed the "apology ring" given after Kobe's involvement in a high-profile criminal case. Despite their ups and downs, the couple's bond remained strong, showcasing the enduring power of their relationship.
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Grace Kelly & Prince Rainier II of Monaco – $4.06 million
The love story between actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier II of Monaco began at the 1955 Cannes Film Festival. Prince Rainier proposed to Grace Kelly with a stunning Cartier ring featuring a 10.47-carat emerald-cut diamond surrounded by two baguette diamonds. This engagement ring, worn by the style icon, made a memorable appearance in the movie "High Society."
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Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony – $4.1 million
While Jennifer Lopez's first 6-carat pink diamond ring from fiancé Ben Affleck garnered attention, Marc Anthony outshined it with an 8.5-carat blue diamond ring. Coloured diamonds, especially blue diamonds like this are exceptionally rare and valuable, blue is one of the most valuable diamond colours after red, making it a unique and incredibly valuable piece.
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Paris Hilton & Paris Latsis – $4.7 million
Although their engagement ended after four months, Paris Latsis gifted Paris Hilton a remarkable 24-carat diamond engagement ring worth $4.7 million. The sheer size of the ring was so significant that Hilton mentioned it caused discomfort when worn. In a philanthropic gesture, Hilton later auctioned off the ring to support the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
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Beyoncé & Jay-Z – $5 million
Jeweller Lorraine Schwartz crafted an 18-carat emerald-cut diamond ring for Jay-Z's proposal to Beyoncé. The couple tied the knot in a private ceremony in 2008. The impressive ring, with its split shank design, serves as a bold and striking statement piece.
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Kim Kardashian & Kanye West – $8 million
Kim Kardashian's engagement rings have garnered significant attention. Kanye West initially proposed to Kim with a 15-carat cushion-cut, D colour, flawless diamond ring from Lorraine Schwartz. He later gifted her a second diamond ring, which unfortunately fell victim to theft in 2016.
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Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton – $8.8 million
One of the most legendary diamonds on our list is Elizabeth Taylor's Krupp Diamond, a gift from Richard Burton in 1968. This asscher-cut diamond weighs an impressive 33.19 carats, boasts D colour, and features VS1 clarity. Taylor cherished the ring and frequently wore it in movies she starred in. The Krupp Diamond sold for a staggering $8.8 million at Taylor's estate auction in 2011, setting a new price per carat record. It is worth noting that this diamond would be valued significantly more today when considering inflation.
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Kim Kardashian & Kanye West – $10 million
In 2016, Kanye West upgraded Kim Kardashian's engagement ring with a 20-carat emerald-cut diamond ring designed by Lorraine Schwartz. The ring even featured the engraving "Adidas" on the inside to celebrate West's collaboration with the brand. Unfortunately, a few months later, the ring was stolen during a traumatic Paris robbery.
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Mariah Carey & James Packer – $10 million
The pinnacle of our list features Mariah Carey's extravagant 35-carat emerald-cut engagement ring, given to her by billionaire James Packer. Designed by jeweller Wilfredo Rosado, this remarkable ring symbolises opulence and grandeur. Although their relationship ended in 2016, this lavish engagement ring remains an epitome of luxury and style.
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How do celebrities choose their engagement rings?
When it comes to selecting their engagement rings, celebrities undergo a meticulous process to ensure they find the perfect symbol of love and luxury. Personal style, individual preferences, and the significance of the ring all play a role in their decision-making. Many celebrities collaborate with renowned jewellers to create custom-made designs that are truly one-of-a-kind and tailored to their taste. They often prioritise exceptional quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and rare gemstones to make a statement with their engagement rings.
The world of celebrity engagements is filled with awe-inspiring and extravagant engagement rings that leave us breathless. With record-breaking diamonds, these rings showcase the epitome of luxury and opulence.
Whether it's a simple yet elegant solitaire or a vintage-inspired masterpiece, the most important aspect of an engagement ring is the love and commitment it represents. It's not about the price tag but rather the sentimental value and the story it holds. Ultimately, the perfect engagement ring is one that reflects the unique bond between two individuals embarking on a lifelong journey together.
FAQs
Are celebrities the only ones who wear luxury engagement rings?
No, luxury engagement rings are not limited to celebrities. While these pieces may be more accessible to those with larger budgets, anyone can invest in high-quality, luxurious jewellery for their wedding day.
What makes these jewellery pieces so expensive?
The price of expensive wedding jewellery pieces can be attributed to a number of factors, including the quality of the materials used (such as rare gemstones), the reputation of the designer, and the overall complexity of the design.
Are celebrity engagement rings insured?
Yes, many celebrities choose to insure their engagement rings to protect them against loss or damage.
Who designs jewellery for celebrities?
Celebrities may work with a variety of designers and jewellers to create their wedding jewellery, depending on their personal preferences and the specific pieces they are interested in.
Can regular people purchase similar pieces or are they only available to celebrities?
While some celebrity engagement rings may be one-of-a-kind or custom-made, there are jewellery designers that offer bespoke services, allowing customers to create their own unique and luxurious pieces.