Iconic Engagement Rings

💍 The Most Iconic Engagement Rings of All Time

From royal heirlooms to Hollywood legends, these rings changed jewelry history.

Engagement rings are more than symbols of love — they’re statements of power, fashion, and identity. Some of the world’s most famous rings set design trends, broke auction records, and became cultural icons. From royal sapphires to rare pink diamonds, these dazzling pieces carry stories of passion, rebellion, and timeless beauty.

Let’s explore some of the most unforgettable engagement rings of all time — and the history, inspiration, and influence behind each one.

Elizabeth Taylor’s Krupp Diamond (1968)

• Stone: 33.19-carat Asscher-cut diamond

• Designer: Harry Winston

• Gifted by: Richard Burton

Elizabeth Taylor wasn’t just known for her acting — she was Hollywood’s ultimate jewelry muse. When Richard Burton gave her this jaw-dropping Asscher-cut diamond aboard their yacht in 1968, it instantly became legend.

This stone, originally owned by heiress Vera Krupp, was stolen in a violent 1959 burglary, recovered by the FBI, and later reset by Harry Winston. Taylor adored the ring so much she wore it everywhere — even to the grocery store.

In 2011, it sold at Christie’s for $8.8 million and was officially renamed The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond. Its bold, architectural cut inspired a shift toward statement diamonds over dainty solitaires.

Princess Diana’s Sapphire Halo Ring (1981)

• Stone: 12-carat Ceylon sapphire with 14 diamonds

• Designer: Garrard

• Gifted by: Prince Charles

One of the most recognizable engagement rings in the world, Diana’s oval sapphire broke royal tradition. Instead of a custom commission, she selected the ring herself from Garrard’s catalog — shocking the monarchy at the time.

The design pays homage to Queen Victoria’s 1840 sapphire brooch, which she wore on her wedding day. In 2010, Prince William gave the ring to Kate Middleton, sparking a global sapphire craze and making halo settings one of the most enduring trends in bridal jewelry.

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Meghan Markle’s Trilogy Ring (2017)

• Stone: Cushion-cut center diamond + two side stones

• Designer: Cleave & Company

• Gifted by: Prince Harry

Prince Harry personally designed Meghan’s ring with deep meaning. The center diamond came from Botswana, a place close to their hearts, while the two side stones belonged to Princess Diana.

The three-stone setting symbolizes past, present, and future — and its sentimental design reignited the popularity of trilogy engagement rings, now one of the most requested modern styles.

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Grace Kelly’s Cartier Emerald-Cut Diamond (1956)

• Stone: 10.47-carat emerald-cut diamond

• Designer: Cartier

• Gifted by: Prince Rainier III of Monaco

When Hollywood star Grace Kelly became Princess of Monaco, her engagement ring had to match the fairy tale. Rainier originally gave her a ruby-and-diamond band, but after seeing other actresses’ larger jewels, he upgraded to a Cartier masterpiece.

Grace even wore the ring in her film High Society, immortalizing its timeless glamour. Its clean emerald cut and understated elegance continue to inspire luxury jewelers and brides alike.

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Beyoncé’s Lorraine Schwartz Diamond (2008)

• Stone: 24-carat emerald-cut diamond

• Designer: Lorraine Schwartz

• Gifted by: Jay-Z

Beyoncé’s ring isn’t just jewelry — it’s an icon of modern celebrity culture. Designed by Lorraine Schwartz, the flawless emerald-cut diamond set on a platinum band is estimated at $5 million.

After Beyoncé debuted the ring, emerald-cut searches skyrocketed, influencing engagement ring trends throughout the 2010s and beyond.

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Jackie Kennedy’s Bypass Ring (1953)

• Stone: 2.88-carat diamond + 2.84-carat emerald

• Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels

• Gifted by: John F. Kennedy

Jackie Kennedy redefined elegance with her bypass-style ring, featuring two stones curving past each other — a diamond and an emerald — symbolizing the merging of two unique lives.

The Art Deco-inspired design sparked a wave of creative ring settings in the 1950s and continues to inspire modern brides seeking unconventional sophistication.

Jennifer Lopez’s Pink Diamond from Ben Affleck (2002)

• Stone: 6.1-carat pink diamond

• Designer: Harry Winston

• Gifted by: Ben Affleck

Before J.Lo, pink diamonds were rare and mostly unknown. Then came the “Bennifer” era — and her 6.1-carat blush-colored masterpiece became the talk of Hollywood. Demand for fancy-colored diamonds exploded overnight.

Fast forward to 2022: when Ben proposed again, he chose an 8.5-carat green diamond, J.Lo’s lucky color. Together, these rings cemented her as the queen of engagement ring trends.

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Wallis Simpson’s Emerald Ring (1937)

• Stone: 19.77-carat emerald

• Designer: Cartier

• Gifted by: King Edward VIII

One of the most romantic — and scandalous — rings in history. King Edward VIII abdicated the British throne to marry Wallis Simpson, an American divorcée, and gave her a bold Art Deco emerald engraved with “We are ours now.”

The ring symbolizes love’s power to defy convention and remains one of Cartier’s most historically significant creations.

Audrey Hepburn’s Stackable Bands (1954)

• Stones: Yellow, white, and rose gold bands

• Designer: Pierre Balmain

• Gifted by: Mel Ferrer

Audrey’s style was minimalist, chic, and ahead of its time. Instead of a flashy diamond, she opted for three stackable gold bands she could mix and match with her outfits.

Her unconventional choice anticipated the modern stacking trend that dominates jewelry today.

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Marilyn Monroe’s Diamond Eternity Band (1954)

• Stone: 35 baguette-cut diamonds

• Designer: Joe DiMaggio

• Gifted by: Joe DiMaggio

Marilyn’s understated eternity band symbolized eternal love over extravagance. With 35 baguette-cut diamonds, it helped launch the popularity of eternity rings, now a staple in modern bridal jewelry.

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Taylor Swift’s Vintage Mine Cut Ring (2025)

• Stone: Antique old mine cut diamond

• Designer: Custom

• Gifted by: Travis Kelce

Rumored to feature a century old mine cut diamond set in hand-engraved yellow gold, Taylor Swift’s engagement ring celebrates vintage romance.

Its soft sparkle and antique craftsmanship have already sparked renewed demand for old mine and antique cushion cuts, placing Taylor at the center of the next major engagement ring trend.

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The Pink Star Diamond (2017)

• Stone: 59.6-carat vivid pink diamond

• Auctioned at: Sotheby’s Hong Kong

• Price: $71.2 million

While not tied to a single celebrity, the Pink Star deserves its place on this list. At $71.2 million, it holds the world record for the most expensive gemstone ever sold.

Its sale fueled a global fascination with fancy-colored diamonds, forever changing the high jewelry market.

From Princess Diana’s royal sapphire to Beyoncé’s emerald-cut stunner, these iconic engagement rings tell stories of love, rebellion, heritage, and influence. They’ve shaped jewelry trends for decades and continue to inspire designers, collectors, and brides worldwide.

Whether you love vintage romance, bold emerald cuts, or statement halos, these rings prove one thing:
A great love story always comes with a little sparkle.