Engagement rings hold a special place in our hearts. They symbolise love, commitment, and, in some cases, a whole lot of luxury.

For some couples, an engagement ring is more than just a beautiful piece of jewellery—it’s a statement of wealth, status, and sometimes, even history. From royalty to celebrities, the most expensive diamond engagement rings tell fascinating stories about the people who wear them.

In this article, we’ll dive into the world’s most extravagant rings, each with a price tag that will leave you breathless. Whether you’re curious about celebrity engagements or just love stunning diamonds, you’ll enjoy reading about these iconic rings.

What Makes a Diamond Engagement Ring Expensive?

Before we explore the most expensive rings, it’s essential to understand what drives their sky-high prices.

Several factors contribute to the cost of a diamond engagement ring:

Carat: The bigger the diamond, the higher the price. But it’s not just about size; quality matters too. You can check out large diamond rings to see how carat size impacts cost.
Clarity, Colour, and Cut: These three C’s are key. The fewer flaws, the clearer and more brilliant the diamond will be. If you’re curious about different types of diamond cuts, explore some diamond engagement rings for a closer look at various designs.
Designer or Historical Significance: Famous designers or rings with rich histories (think royalty or Hollywood legends) always come with a premium.
Rare Diamond Colours: Pink, blue, and other rare colours often fetch the highest prices.

Grace Kelly’s Cartier Ring

When Prince Rainier III of Monaco proposed to Grace Kelly in 1956, he didn’t hold back.

He presented her with a stunning 10.47-carat emerald-cut diamond ring designed by Cartier. The dazzling ring, worth an estimated $38.8 million today, wasn’t just a symbol of their love—it was a statement of royalty.

Grace Kelly’s elegance and charm captivated the world, and her engagement ring became just as iconic.

With its impeccable craftsmanship and royal significance, it remains one of the most expensive and admired rings in history. You can find inspiration for your own engagement by checking out our stunning engagement rings collection.

Mariah Carey’s Emerald-Cut Diamond

Mariah Carey is known for her larger-than-life persona, so it’s no surprise that her engagement ring was equally extravagant.

When billionaire James Packer popped the question, he did so with a 35-carat emerald-cut diamond ring valued at $10 million.

Unfortunately, the engagement didn’t last, but the ring continues to make headlines. After the breakup, Mariah reportedly sold the ring for a fraction of its value—around $2.1 million. Even so, it’s still one of the most valuable rings ever owned by a celebrity.

Elizabeth Taylor’s Krupp Diamond Ring

Elizabeth Taylor, the queen of Hollywood glamour, was no stranger to luxurious jewels.

Her 33.19-carat Asscher-cut diamond ring, known as the Krupp Diamond, is perhaps her most famous piece. Richard Burton gifted the ring to Taylor, and it became a symbol of their passionate love story.

After her death, the ring was auctioned for a whopping $8.8 million. Its combination of size, clarity, and historical significance makes it one of the most sought-after diamonds in the world. If you love glamorous jewellery, check out our exquisite diamond pendants and necklaces for something equally timeless.

Beyoncé’s 24-Carat Diamond

When Jay-Z proposed to Beyoncé, he didn’t just give her a ring—he gave her a masterpiece.

The 24-carat emerald-cut diamond ring, designed by Lorraine Schwartz, is estimated to be worth $5 million. The flawless, sparkling gem perfectly matches Queen Bey’s timeless elegance.

The ring has become as iconic as Beyoncé herself, often spotted on her finger at high-profile events. It’s not just a ring—it’s a cultural moment. For your own iconic moment, explore our collection of lab-grown diamonds that offer brilliance and sustainability.

Explore our Beyoncé design engagement ring

Kim Kardashian’s Cushion-Cut Diamond

Kanye West proposed to Kim Kardashian in grand fashion with a 20-carat cushion-cut diamond ring.

The flawless diamond, designed by Lorraine Schwartz, was worth an estimated $4.5 million.

The ring, however, made headlines for more than its beauty. In 2016, during a robbery in Paris, the ring was stolen. The loss of this iconic piece left a void, but its story remains one of the most talked-about in celebrity jewellery.

Paris Hilton’s Pear-Shaped Diamond

Paris Hilton’s engagement to Chris Zylka may have ended, but the 24-carat pear-shaped diamond ring will always be unforgettable.

The $4.7 million ring was as glamorous as the hotel heiress herself.

After their breakup, Paris reportedly returned the ring. It’s unclear what happened to it afterward, but it remains one of the most extravagant engagement rings in recent history. For something as eye-catching, consider our dazzling eternity rings.

Jennifer Lopez’s Pink Diamond

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck’s relationship has had its ups and downs, but one thing that’s never been forgotten is her engagement ring.

Ben proposed to JLo with a 6.1-carat pink diamond, estimated to be worth $2.5 million.

Coloured diamonds, especially pink ones, are incredibly rare, which explains the hefty price tag. Although their engagement ended the first time around, the ring’s legacy lives on. If you’re inspired by rare stones, check out our collection of tennis bracelets for a unique and timeless look.

Jacqueline Kennedy’s Diamond and Emerald Ring

When John F. Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier, he did so with a 2.88-carat diamond paired with a 2.84-carat emerald, set in a stunning design by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Valued at $2.6 million, the ring is a symbol of one of the most famous couples in history.

The ring’s timeless beauty and connection to American royalty have only increased its value over the years.

Angelina Jolie’s Emerald-Cut Ring

Brad Pitt proposed to Angelina Jolie with a 16-carat emerald-cut diamond ring, reportedly worth $500,000.

But what made this ring so special wasn’t just its size—it was that Brad worked with the jeweller to create a custom design just for Angelina.

Though their relationship didn’t last, the ring remains a symbol of their Hollywood romance. Explore our Angelina Jolie Design engagement ring

Princess Diana’s Sapphire Ring

Arguably the most famous engagement ring in the world, Princess Diana’s sapphire ring has an estimated value of £400,000.

The 12-carat oval blue sapphire, surrounded by diamonds, was chosen by Diana herself from a Garrard catalogue.

After her tragic death, the ring was passed down to Kate Middleton, who now wears it as a part of her everyday life. Its historical significance and royal connections have made it priceless in the eyes of many.

Explore our Kate Middleton Design engagement ring

How Do Engagement Ring Prices Change Over Time?

Engagement ring prices can fluctuate based on several factors, including market demand, historical events, and changes in ownership.

Rings with celebrity or royal ties often increase in value, especially after major auctions. The rarity of the diamond, especially coloured diamonds, can also drive up the price as time goes on.

FAQs

What is the most expensive diamond engagement ring ever?
Grace Kelly’s Cartier ring, worth $38.8 million, is currently the most expensive engagement ring in history.

Do engagement rings increase in value?
Yes, engagement rings, especially those with historical or celebrity significance, often increase in value over time.

What is the rarest type of diamond?
Coloured diamonds, such as pink, blue, and green, are the rarest and most expensive diamonds in the world.

What makes an engagement ring valuable?
A combination of factors including carat size, diamond clarity, designer reputation, and historical or celebrity significance can greatly influence the value of an engagement ring.

Are all expensive engagement rings owned by celebrities?
While many of the world’s most expensive engagement rings are owned by celebrities or royalty, private collectors and historical figures also own valuable rings.