Let love ring out. When it comes to the most expensive engagement rings in the world, celebrities have topped the list.
Though some of the romances were fleeting and ended within a few months, the diamonds are forever.
These expensive engagement rings have been crafted in the finest metal and the world’s most valuable gemstones.
# | Ring | Price |
---|---|---|
1 | Grace Kelly | $46,1 million |
2 | Mariah Carey x James Packer | $13 million |
3 | Elizabeth Taylor | $12,2 million |
4 | Anna Kournikova | $7,9 million |
5 | Paris Hilton | $7,5 million |
6 | Beyoncé | $7,2 million |
7 | Vanessa Bryant | $6,8 million |
8 | Jennifer Lopez x Marc Anthony | $6,4 million |
9 | Jennifer Lopez x Alex Rodriguez | $6,1 million |
10 | Kim Kardashian | $5,3 million |
11 | Jennifer Lopez x Ben Affleck | $5,3 million |
12 | Jackie Kennedy Onassis | $5,2 million |
13 | Anna Kournikova | $4,1 million |
14 | Melania Trump | $4 million |
16 | Serena Williams | $3,8 million |
16 | Alexa Dell | $3,7 million |
17 | Mariah Carey x Nick Cannon | $3,6 million |
18 | Blake Lively | $2,7 million |
19 | Ciara | $2,6 million |
20 | Paris Hilton x Carter Reum | $2,3 million |
21 | Kate Upton | $1,9 million |
Prince Rainier III of Monaco initially proposed to Grace Kelly with a ring crafted from diamonds and rubies that made up Monaco’s crown jewels. Later on, the Prince commissioned Cartier to craft a 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond ring.
The center diamond is flanked by two baguette-cut side diamonds. Although the ring was purchased for $4 million in 1956, it is now estimated to be worth around $46.1 million in inflation-adjusted 2024 dollars. The ring is now part of the collection belonging to the House of Grimaldi.
While pricey, this isn’t even enough to match the most expensive diamonds in the world at the moment.
Gemstones: | White diamonds |
Cut: | Emerald-cut |
Carats: | 10.48 ct. |
Original price: | $4 million (1956) |
Estimated current value: | $46.1 million |
Mariah Carey’s engagement to Australian billionaire James Packer was a short-lived love story. But the platinum set ring is a timeless design by American jewelry designer Wilfredo Rosado.
This glittering bauble was later rumored to have been sold by Carey for $2.1 million in 2018. She let it go for a bargain, considering the engagement ring’s original price tag of $10 million ($13 million when adjusted for inflation).
Gemstone: | White diamond |
Cut: | Emerald-cut |
Carats: | 35 ct. |
Original price: | $10 million (2016) |
Estimated current value: | $13 million |
Elizabeth Taylor’s iconic engagement ring from Richard Burton features a 33-carat Krupp diamond, later named the Elizabeth Taylor diamond when she passed away in 2011. The record-breaking engagement ring sold for over $8.8 million ($265,697 per carat!) at Christie’s in December 2011.
The stone is said to be a rare type IIa diamond, with other famous examples of such diamonds being the Koh-i-Noor and Cullinan. This is truly one of the most unforgettable engagement rings of all time.
Gemstone: | White diamond |
Cut: | Asscher-cut |
Carats: | 33.19 ct. |
Last sold price: | $8,8 million (2011) |
Estimated current value: | $12,2 million |
In 2009, Tennis champion Anna Kournikova was spotted with an alluring yellow diamond ring from Latin music artist Enrique Iglesias. The couple never really confirmed if this was a second engagement ring or a wedding ring. Since the couple remains private about their personal lives, we have to keep guessing.
The ring is now valued at almost $7,9 million in inflation-adjusted 2024 dollars, ranking it among the most expensive engagement rings in the world.
Gemstone: | Yellow and white diamonds |
Cut: | Radiant-cut |
Carats: | 11 ct. |
Original price: | $ 5,4 million (2009) |
Estimated current value: | $7,9 million |
Paris might have gone through four engagement rings in total, but it was her second engagement with Greek shipping heir Paris Latsis that made our list. The two were engaged in 2005 after a whirlwind romance and unfortunately called off the engagement just a few months later.
Paris later auctioned off the 24-carat ring to support the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Gemstone: | White diamond |
Cut: | Emerald-cut |
Carats: | 24 ct. |
Original price: | $4,7 million (2005) |
Estimated current value: | $7,5 million |
When Jay-Z proposed to Queen Bey, he did so with a flashy emerald cut 18-carat diamond set on a split shank platinum band. Now that’s how you Put a Ring on It. Since their engagement in 2008, the Lorraine Schwartz diamond ring has increased in value to over $7 million today.
The stone is flawless and deemed to be premium and exceptional. It’s no wonder the ring is kept locked in a safe for the most part, and Beyoncé chooses to wear simpler alternatives when out.
Gemstone: | White diamond |
Cut: | Emerald-cut |
Carats: | 18 ct. |
Original price: | $5 million (2008) |
Estimated current value: | $7,2 million |
This isn’t technically the couple’s engagement ring. However, it has been known as the upgraded version of the initial engagement ring Kobe gave to Vanessa. Although most have reported it to be an apology ring, that’s not something the couple got into at the time.
The custom-designed 8-carat Raffi ring is said to have increased in value since the passing of Kobe.
Gemstone: | Purple and white diamonds |
Cut: | Square-cut |
Carats: | 8 ct. |
Original price: | $4 million (2003) |
Estimated current value: | $6,8 million |
When J.Lo was engaged to singer Marc Anthony, she received a rare blue diamond ring, which is the most expensive of all her engagement rings (there have been SIX!). This stunning sparkler was designed by Harry Winston and stands out for its unique style and even more unique precious stone.
J.Lo was said to be selling off all the jewelry from her marriage to Anthony, but there are no reports on whether or not the blue diamond ring was among the items sold.
Gemstone: | Light blue and white diamonds |
Cut: | Emerald-cut |
Carats: | 8.5 ct. |
Original price: | $4 million (2004) |
Estimated current value: | $6,4 million |
Love Don’t Cost a Thing, but Jennifer Lopez’s engagement ring from former New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez definitely does. Around $5 million.
The enormous, estimated-to-be-15-carat, emerald-cut diamond caught the world’s attention in 2019 when the baseball star proposed to J-Lo during a romantic getaway in the Bahamas. Despite their high-profile engagement, the couple announced their split in 2021, and the current whereabouts of the dazzling sparkler are not publicly known.
Gemstone: | White diamond |
Cut: | Emerald-cut |
Carats: | 15 ct. |
Original price: | $5 million (2019) |
Estimated current value: | $6,1 million |
Ye (formerly Kanye West) presented Kim Kardashian with a Lorraine Schwartz sparkler for her dual 33rd birthday celebration and surprise proposal back in 2013. The gorgeous rock is set as a solitaire with micro-pavé diamonds on a thin platinum band.
In contrast to the very extravagant lives of Kim and Kanye, the ring is actually a simple design that allows the flawless diamond to take center stage. Kardashian’s 15-carat sparkler was stolen during Kim’s infamous Paris robbery in 2016. Kim and Kanye officially divorced in 2022.
Gemstone: | White diamond |
Cut: | Cushion-cut |
Carats: | 15 ct. |
Price: | $4 million (2013) |
Estimated current value: | $5,3 million |
Ben Affleck proposed to J.Lo in 2022 with a striking and rare 8.5-carat diamond ring in J.Lo’s lucky color–emerald green. We can’t help but remember a certain iconic green Versace dress that broke the internet and inspired the creation of Google Images.
Just like Bennifer’s renewed romance (they were previously engaged back in 2002), the green diamond engagement ring has sparked a lot of attention across the globe and is estimated to cost over $5 million.
Gemstone: | Green diamond |
Cut: | Emerald-cut |
Carats: | 8.5 ct. |
Original price: | $5 million (2022) |
Estimated current value: | $5,3 million |
Former US First Lady Jackie Kennedy’s storied engagement ring from Greek billionaire Aristotle Onassis sold for $2.6 million at a Sotheby’s auction in 1996 after her passing. This was Jackie O’s second engagement ring.
The 40-carat marquise-cut diamond formed part of the original 601-carat Lesotho III diamond and was 1 of only 18 stones cut from it. This remarkable engagement ring from Harry Winston will set you back up to $5.2 million in inflation-adjusted 2024 dollars.
Gemstone: | White diamond |
Cut: | Marquise-cut |
Carats: | 40 ct. |
Price: | $2,6 million (1996) |
Estimated current value: | $5,2 million |
Enrique Iglesias and Anna Kournikova have been together since 2002. The two have stated on many occasions that marriage is not something they want to conform to. However, he has gifted her with “engagement” rings in two instances.
This 11-carat ring was spotted on her ring finger in 2004. It holds a spectacular diamond from the Argyle mines in West Australia.
Gemstone: | Pink diamond |
Cut: | Pear-shaped |
Carats: | 11 ct. |
Original price: | 2.5 million (2004) |
Estimated current value: | $4,1 million |
Donald Trump proposed to Melania in 2004 with a 15-carat Graff diamond worth an estimated $2 million. The ring features a remarkable D-flawless diamond with two smaller side diamonds.
In 2015, she was given an upgraded ring with a 25-carat diamond also from Graff and incredibly similar to the original ring. This ring is estimated to be worth $3 million ($3.97 million in inflation-adjusted 2024 dollars).
Gemstone: | White diamond |
Cut: | Emerald-cut |
Carat: | 25 ct. |
Original price: | $3 million (2015) |
Estimated current value: | $4 million |
Tech entrepreneur and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian proposed to tennis champion Serena Williams with a stunning emerald-cut 17-carat diamond ring.
The engagement ring quickly made headlines for its admittedly jaw-dropping price tag but also because it is said to have been purchased with Ohanian’s crypto fortune.
Gemstone: | White diamonds |
Cut: | Emerald-cut |
Carats: | 17 ct. |
Original price: | $3 million (2017) |
Estimated current value: | $3,8 million |
Alexa, the daughter of Dell Technologies founder Michael Dell, flaunted her sparkly 12-carat engagement ring in 2017 when her fiance, Harrison Refoua, proposed. Alexa is a billionaire heiress and businesswoman, and her fiance is a real estate investor.
The ring’s center diamond is surrounded by smaller diamonds and set on a thin band encrusted with, you guessed it…even more diamonds!
Gemstone: | White diamonds |
Cut: | Emerald-cut |
Carats: | 12 ct. |
Original price: | $3 million (2017) |
Estimated current value: | $3,7 million |
Rumor has it that actor and rapper Nick Cannon proposed to Mariah Carey in 2008 with a playful gesture, using a Ring Pop wrapper before presenting her with a 17-carat diamond engagement ring. The emerald-cut stone, sourced from Jacob & Co., is flanked by 58 pink diamonds and two half-moon-cut stones, making it exceptionally unique.
Cannon’s romantic proposal took place on the rooftop of Carey’s Manhattan apartment. Although the couple married shortly after the proposal, they divorced in 2016.
Gemstone: | Pink diamonds |
Cut: | Emerald-cut |
Carats: | 17 ct. |
Original price: | $2,5 million (2008) |
Estimated current value: | $3,6 million |
When Ryan Reynolds proposed to Blake in 2012, he did so with a specially designed piece from celebrity jewelry designer Lorraine Schwartz. The ring’s band is made up of rose gold with pave diamonds and elegantly complements the pink diamond stone.
This 12-carat piece is especially treasured by Blake since Ryan played a major part in helping design the ring with Lorraine without any input from Blake.
Gemstone: | Light pink and white diamonds |
Cut: | Oval-cut |
Carats: | 12 ct. |
Original price: | $2 million (2012) |
Estimated current value: | $2,7 million |
When American football star Russell Wilson got down on one knee to propose to Grammy-winning singer Ciara, he made sure to outshine her former fiancé’s engagement ring.
Wilson proposed in March 2016 during their stay at an exclusive North Island resort in the Seychelles with a rare 16-carat round brilliant-cut diamond, accentuated by pear and trapezoid-shaped diamonds on either side.
Wilson and Ciara are still happily married, and the highly publicized diamond is frequently seen adorning the singer-songwriter’s finger.
Gemstone: | White Diamonds |
Cut: | Round brilliant-cut |
Carats: | 16 ct. |
Original price: | $2 million (2016) |
Estimated current value: | $2,6 million |
Paris Hilton’s 20-carat three-stone engagement ring from entrepreneur and American author Carter Reum was designed by Jean Dousset, the great-great-grandson of Louis Cartier.
The ring, named “Paris,” features a large central diamond flanked by two baguette diamonds on the side and numerous smaller diamonds, all set in a platinum band. Inspired by the architecture of the Grand Palais in Paris, the design maximizes light reflection and showcases exceptional craftsmanship.
Carter proposed to Paris in a fairytale moment, on a private island in February 2021, just before her 40th birthday. The couple married in November 2021 and are still happily together with two children.
Gemstone: | White Diamonds |
Cut: | Emerald-cut |
Carats: | 20 ct. |
Original price: | $2 million (2021) |
Estimated current value: | $2,3 million |
Custom-designed by Verlander in collaboration with jeweler Anita Ko, Kate Upton’s engagement engagement ring features an impressive eight-carat round diamond, set in a band encrusted with pavé diamonds.
Verlander proposed right before the baseball season started in 2016, but the couple kept their engagement private until Upton debuted the ring at the Met Gala later that year. The couple married in a romantic ceremony in Tuscany in November 2017 and remain together, with the iconic ring still dazzling on Upton’s finger.
Gemstone: | White Diamonds |
Cut: | Round-cut |
Carats: | 8 ct. |
Original price: | $1,5 million (2016) |
Estimated current value: | $1,9 million |
The most expensive engagement ring is the Cartier ring, once owned by Grace Kelly. The $46.1 million (in inflation-adjusted 2024 dollars) ring now belongs to the House of Grimaldi of the Principality of Monaco and is considered the most expensive engagement ring in the world.
The Pink Star ring is the most expensive (non engagement) ring in the world, sold at a mind-blowing $71.2 million at Sotheby’s auction in 2017. It features a stunning 59.60-carat oval-shaped fancy vivid pink Type IIa diamond.
The most commonly used gemstones for engagement rings are precious diamonds. Diamonds are the most durable stones and come in a variety of colors. Other precious gemstones used for engagement rings include sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.