Engagement rings are not only symbols of love and commitment but also carry with them deep histories that intertwine with the stories of the individuals who wore them. Over the years, several iconic rings have become legendary, often tied to significant figures in history, culture, and the world of royalty. These rings have transcended their original purpose as tokens of engagement, becoming symbols of love, power, and even tragedy. This article explores some of the most famous engagement rings in history and the captivating stories behind them.
One of the most well-known engagement rings such as rings by Lily Arkwright in history is the one given to Princess Diana by Prince Charles. In 1981, Charles proposed to Diana with a stunning 12-carat sapphire ring surrounded by 14 diamonds. The ring was chosen from a selection of options by Diana herself, and it is said that she picked it because of its classic design. The striking blue sapphire, which is reminiscent of the royal family’s colors, quickly became a symbol of Diana’s association with British royalty. Following Diana’s tragic death in 1997, the ring was passed down to her son, Prince William, who later gave it to his fiancée, Kate Middleton, in 2010. Today, Kate’s sapphire engagement ring is one of the most iconic pieces of jewelry in the world, admired for its deep symbolism and connection to Diana’s legacy.
Another famous engagement ring that has captured the public’s imagination is the one worn by Elizabeth Taylor. Taylor was married eight times, and each of her marriages was marked by extravagant jewelry, but none more so than her engagement rings. The most famous of all was the 33-carat diamond ring given to her by Richard Burton in 1969. The ring, which is estimated to be worth millions today, was one of the largest diamonds ever given as an engagement ring. Known for her love of grandeur, Taylor’s ring was a symbol of her passionate relationship with Burton, and the ring’s size and beauty made it a statement piece. Elizabeth Taylor’s rings became legendary, and her love of diamonds further cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s most glamorous figures.
The engagement ring of Grace Kelly, the American actress who became the Princess of Monaco, is another piece of jewelry that is recognized around the world. In 1956, Prince Rainier III of Monaco proposed to Grace Kelly with a stunning 12-carat emerald-cut diamond ring. The ring was designed by Cartier, and its simple yet elegant design reflected Grace’s own sense of style. It became a symbol of the fairy-tale romance between the Hollywood star and the European prince, and it remains one of the most famous engagement rings in history. After Grace Kelly’s untimely death in 1982, the ring passed into the hands of her daughter, Princess Caroline of Monaco, who has since worn it on special occasions, keeping the memory of her mother alive.
While royal engagement rings have always garnered attention, some famous engagement rings have emerged from the world of Hollywood as well. One such example is the engagement ring given to Marilyn Monroe by baseball legend Joe DiMaggio in 1954. The ring, which featured a 2.5-carat diamond, was relatively modest compared to the more extravagant pieces worn by other celebrities, but its story has only added to its allure. Despite their short marriage, DiMaggio’s proposal to Monroe with this ring became an iconic moment in Hollywood history. Monroe’s relationship with DiMaggio was a whirlwind romance that ended in divorce, but the ring has continued to symbolize the tumultuous nature of Monroe’s love life and the obsession with celebrity culture that surrounded her.
One of the more recent and widely publicized engagement rings is the one given to Meghan Markle by Prince Harry in 2017. The ring, designed by Prince Harry himself, features a large central diamond sourced from Botswana, with two smaller diamonds from Princess Diana’s personal collection on either side. The ring’s design not only holds sentimental value for Harry but also signifies the couple’s connection to Africa, a place of great significance in their relationship. Meghan’s ring has become iconic in its own right, representing the new wave of royal engagement rings that blend traditional elements with modern personalization.
Lastly, we cannot forget the engagement ring given to Jacqueline Kennedy by John F. Kennedy in 1953. The ring featured a 2.88-carat diamond and a 2.84-carat emerald, set in an elegant and unique design created by French jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels. The striking combination of diamonds and emeralds made the ring a standout piece, and it became a symbol of the couple’s deep bond. Jacqueline Kennedy’s ring was emblematic of the glamour and sophistication that marked the Kennedy family, and it remains one of the most talked-about rings in American history.
Engagement rings, in all their splendor and beauty, have the power to capture not only the love of the couple but also the imagination of the public. From the royal families of Europe to Hollywood icons and modern-day celebrities, these rings have become much more than just symbols of engagement—they are pieces of history. Whether through their stunning designs, the emotional connections they represent, or the stories of the people who wore them, these rings continue to captivate the world and will likely remain a part of cultural history for generations to come.