Engagement rings symbolise love, commitment, and sometimes status.
Here we share some of the most famous engagement rings in the world, ones that have garnered global attention throughout history due to their extravagance, unique design, or association with celebrities and royalty. These iconic rings have set trends and have become legendary in the jewellery world …
Princess Diana’s 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire
The most recognisable engagement ring on our list is Princess Diana’s iconic sapphire engagement ring. The then Lady Diana chose her ring from the first official Crown Jeweller - Garrard - in 1981.
Featuring a 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire in a deep, vibrant blue, the sapphire is beautifully framed by a halo of 14 solitaire diamonds and set in an 18-carat white gold band.
Known for her impeccable taste, Princess Diana's ring quickly became a global sensation when she wore it to announce her engagement to Prince Charles, perfectly matching her blue outfit and instantly captivating the world with its stunning design.
In 2010, the ring passed to Catherine Middleton when Prince William proposed to her, continuing its legacy.
Elizabeth Taylor’s 33-carat Krupp diamond
Elizabeth Taylor, known for her love of diamonds, received one of history's most famous and valuable rings. While not really an engagement ring (it was given to her by Richard Burton in 1968 during their first marriage), we had to mention it!
The 33-carat Asscher-cut Krupp diamond (later renamed the Elizabeth Taylor diamond) was one of her most treasured pieces. The ring is set in a simple platinum band, allowing the flawless, massive diamond to be the focal point. It was so large and eye-catching that it became one of her signature jewels. After her death, the ring was auctioned off for $8.8m (around £6.6m) in 2011.
Jennifer Lopez’s two diamond engagement rings from Ben Affleck
Jennifer Lopez has had several notable engagement rings, but the stunning 8.5-carat green diamond set on a platinum band given to her by Ben Affleck during their second engagement in 2022 really stands out.
Green diamonds are exceptionally rare, and the ring, which features two trapezoid-shaped diamonds flanking the central stone and two elongated baguette diamonds, is valued at around £2.7m (as of the time of writing).
For their first engagement, Ben gave Jennifer a jaw dropping pink diamond ring. This ring also set on a platinum band features a 6 carat radiant cut pink with trapezoid accent diamonds. Its current value is estimated to be around £2.5m.
Marilyn Monroe’s platinum eternity band
Unlike Marilyn Monroe’s usual glamorous style, her engagement ring from baseball legend Joe DiMaggio was notably understated. The simple but stunning platinum eternity band was set with 36 baguette cut diamonds, emphasising simplicity over extravagance.
However, it is speculated that Monroe wore a different ring during their 1954 courthouse wedding. According to some sources, the original engagement ring may have been a DiMaggio family heirloom used as a placeholder.
In 1999, the eternity band sold for an impressive $772,500 (just under £600,000) at a Christie’s auction.
Katie Holmes’ 5-carat oval diamond
When Tom Cruise proposed to Katie Holmes, he did so with a timeless 5 carat Edwardian cut, oval shaped diamond as the focal point of her engagement ring. Set in gleaming platinum with elegant rose gold accents, the shanks are adorned with pavé diamonds, and a halo enhances the overall design.
The ring, estimated to have cost $1.5m (around £1.2m) in 2005, became a media sensation, given Cruise’s highly publicised romance with Holmes. Although the couple later divorced, the ring remains one of the most famous pieces of jewellery from the early 2000s.
Beyoncé’s 18-carat emerald-cut diamond
In 2008, rapper Jay-Z proposed to pop icon Beyoncé with a stunning 18-carat emerald-cut diamond ring.
According to reports, Beyoncé's engagement ring features a rare type IIa diamond, known for its exceptional quality and purity. This central diamond is secured with prongs in a pavé split shank setting, with additional pavé diamonds along the band for extra sparkle and sophistication. Set in platinum, the ring's thin band highlights the diamonds, adding to its striking appearance.
Estimated with a value of $5m (around £3.9m) at the time of the engagement, this ring reflects the couple’s status as a power duo in the entertainment world.
Empress Joséphine Bonaparte’s “toi et moi” engagement ring
In 1796, Napoleon Bonaparte proposed to Joséphine with a ring featuring two pear-shaped stones, a diamond and a sapphire situated side by side to symbolise the union of two lovers. It featured interlocking 18 carat white gold thorn bands.
The “toi and moi” (meaning “you and me”) ring remained in the Bonaparte family for two centuries. In 2013, it was auctioned by the French auction house Osenat, fetching nearly $950,000 (around £730,000 at the time).
Audrey Hepburn’s trio of rings
Audrey Hepburn, known for her impeccable style and elegance, received not one but three engagement rings from her first husband, Mel Ferrer. In 1954, Ferrer gave her rings in white gold, rose gold, and yellow gold, each with a small diamond, to be worn stacked together or individually.
Hepburn’s rings became iconic for their minimalist design, reflecting the star’s timeless style. This innovative "stacking" style was ahead of its time and remains a popular trend today.
Mariah Carey’s 35-carat emerald-cut diamond
In 2016, businessman James Packer proposed to singer Mariah Carey with one of the most significant engagement rings ever, a massive 35-carat emerald cut diamond.
Valued at a rumoured $7m-$10m (£5.3m-£7.7m) at the time, the ring featured a platinum split-shank band. Despite the ending of the engagement, the ring remains a symbol of Carey's extravagant lifestyle and is among the most prolific celebrity engagement rings.
Don’t forget your insurance
We hope you’ve enjoyed this snapshot of some of the world's most famous engagement rings!
And remember, when you receive your engagement ring, it’s important to make sure it is covered by suitable engagement ring insurance This type of policy will give you peace of mind that if something unexpected happens to your jewellery, you'll be able to have it quickly repaired or replaced.
