Credits: nypost.com
You dear friends born in April, how lucky you are! Your birthstone is the most beloved among gems: the diamond!
Light is filling our days again and spring is finally approaching, so the brightness of diamonds seem to be truly a good omen.
Since we have already explained at length the importance of the 4Cs, of the cut and of the shapes, I have decided to do something different and offer you a little quiz to celebrate this wonderful gem. In this quiz you must guess who the lucky owners of some of the most famous diamond engagement rings in the world are.
Choosing these rings has been very difficult for me because there are just too many noteworthy bling-blings, which are forever linked to the history of jewelry.
The selection was not based exclusively on the notoriety of the jewels or of the lucky owners, but also on their originality, their history, the renewal they have brought to the jewellery world. So here below, you will find a selection of 10 of the most beautiful, innovative and iconic engagement rings, chosen at my unquestionable opinion 😊
Each photo will be accompanied by some brief information in order to give you a little help 😉
You can find the solutions at the end, but don’t cheat, please!
Come on my ring addicts, give it a go and let me know how you managed to get by!
Have fun!
RING no. 1
Credits: thebeaumonde.org
Credits: gioiellis.com
The fiancé: a charming prince with moustache.
The ring: the celebrity in question received two engagement rings, both by the jeweller Cartier. The first was an eternity band with rubies and diamonds. We are now checking the second ring, which, ehi, has suddenly entered into history of engagement rings! It’s such an icon than many celebrities have been gifted similar style engagement rings, like Jennifer Lopez, Amal Clooney, Kim Kardashian and so on.
The ring features a 10,47 cts central emerald cut diamond and two little baguette cut side diamonds on a platinum band.
The price: according to Jewellry Box, today this ring is worth an estimated $38.8 million… absolutely priceless!
The proposal: shortly after their first meeting in 1955 and after a deep and romantic correspondence, during the Christmas holidays, the prince flew to Philadelphia to propose with the first ring. The joyful lady immediately accepted and wore the eternity ring, which we still can see today in the black and white photos of the official announcement to the press.
The second ring was gifted a few months later, when the wonderful actress (oh yes, she was an heavenly actress) was working on her last movie.
The marriage: it took place on April 19th, 1956, and marked her definitive retirement from the cinematographic scene.
RING no. 2
Credits: ER Instagram
The fiancé: actor and producer Sebastian Bear-McClard.
The ring: it gave new impetus to the toi&moi style and it was designed by the couple who, after about fifty sketches, finally achieved the final result. The jewel feautures a pear-cut diamond of 3 cts and a princess cut diamond of 2 cts.
The fiancée once declared: “At one point it included a ruby as the second stone, [but] ultimately we loved the idea of the femininity of the pear contrasted with the architecture of the princess”.
Finally, Alison Chemla, friend of the couple and designer behind the Alison Lou brand (of which our star has also been an official testimonial), also contributed to the design of the ring.
The price: estimated $ 90,000.
The proposal: it took place in 2018 at the Minetta Tavern (in New York), but he popped the question without a ring, so she said: “Mmm, nah”. He didn’t give up and made a ring with the metal clip that held the bill sheets together. So romantic!
The marriage: they secretly tied the knot in a civil ceremony in New York, and shortly afterwards she gave the happy news on Instagram.
Sadly the two divorced in July 2022. Following divorce, she had her engagement ring disassembled and had the two diamonds mounted on two separate bands, named “the divorce rings”.
RING no.3
Credits: www.repubblica.it
Credits: www.hellomagazine.com
The fiancé: a wonderful actor who has been able to shine with his own light, despite being a son of art.
The ring: An antique ring from Fred Leighton featuring a 10 cts stone surrounded by 28 smaller diamonds. I think it was the first ring with an east-west setting I have ever seen and I’ve been impressed ever since!
The price: an estimated $1 million.
The proposal: When they met, he said: ” I just want to tell you I’m going to be the father of your children” and she promptly replied: “You know, I’ve heard a lot about you and I’ve seen a lot about you, and I think it’s time I say goodnight.”
He proposed in Aspen on 31st December 1999. They were both sick with flu and it appears at first she said no!
The marriage: they exchanged their forever love vows on 18th November 2000, a few months after welcoming their first baby. The wedding took place at New York’s Plaza Hotel in front of bright stars such as Sean Connery, Tom Jones, Anthony Hopkins, Russell Crowe, Danny De Vito, Whoopi Goldberg, Tom Hanks, Goldie Hawn, Jack Nicholson, Bonnie Tyler, Steven Spielberg, Christopher Reeves, Michael Caine and more.
RING no. 4
Credits: vogue.it
This ring is the first of a very long series, perhaps to repay the fact that – so those in the know say – the lady in question has put aside her professional career for a long time to facilitate her husband’s. Wait and patience have served her well because not only did she fill her coffers with extraordinary jewels, but she also later embarked on a successful career in the fashion world.
The fiancé: footballer, model, sports manager and entrepreneur. Distinguishing marks: very handsome.
The ring: a very posh 3 ct marquise cut diamond set in a yellow gold band designed by Boodles. A curiosity: he also gave himself an engagement ring matching hers, with 96 small diamonds!
The price: estimated £ 100,000 each.
The proposal: In 1998, he popped the question during a romantic getaway at the Rookery Hall in Nantwich, Cheshire. Less than twenty-four hours later, they announced the engagement to the press.
The marriage: they tied the knot in Dublin, on July 04th 1999, just four months after welcoming their first baby boy.
RING no. 5
Credits: www.larsenjewellery.com.au
Credits: www.jaum
The fiancé: the legendary and 4 Grammy-award winning Seal, who we remember for “Crazy”, “Fly like an eagle” and “Kiss from a rose”.
The ring: designed by Lorraine Schwartz, it is one of the most beautiful rings I have ever seen. The 10 cts yellow diamond is so stunning that the only addition allowed is a light hammering on the gold band (yellow, obviously) in order to reflect the gem’s sparkle. The color is simply perfect, the cut is masterful.
No halo, no other surrounding diamonds, no filigree, no frills.
It’s perfect and I loved it from first sight. And you?
The price: estimated $ 150,000.
The proposal: on December 23, 2004, the couple arrived by helicopter on a glacier in the Whistler area of British Columbia, Canada. There an igloo had been specially commissioned and built for them and was equipped with all comforts: from champagne to food, from bed to candles, and rose petals everywhere… it was impossible to resist such a romantic proposal!
The marriage: the lovebirds got married the following year on a beach in Mexico, but in 2012 they announced their separation, which was finalized two years later.
RING no. 6
Credits: People Style_shop.kenanddanadesign.com
Credits: People Style_shop.kenanddanadesign.com
The fiancé: the director Charlie McDowell.
The ring: it shows an unconventional and very feminine beauty. The central stone (approximately 3 – 4 carats) is a delicate pink diamond, rose cut on a cushion shape. The gem is open-set and bezel-mounted on a satin yellow gold band. The designer who created this stunning jewel is the talented Irene Neuwirth.
As we have already explained here, the rose cut features a lower number of facets than the common brilliant cut. The result is a warmer and softer sparkle that fully satisfies the desire of those seeking style, personality and romance.
The price: allegedly $ 100,000.
The proposal: In July 2020, Charlie proposed to his lucky girlfriend while hiking in the mountains of New Mexico.
The marriage: it took place on September 4, 2021 in Colorado, and it was followed by a romantic honeymoon in Scandinavia.
Note: In May 2023, the engagement ring and wedding band were unfortunately stolen from the Los Angeles hotel where Mrs. McDowell was staying. I have not found any updates regarding the discovery of the jewels, but I can say that I have noticed that she is wearing a new jewel on her ring finger, which apparently features a square or cushion cut diamond, in a similar chevalier setting … To be continued…
RING no. 7
Credits: L G Instagram_www.vogue.it
Credits: L G Instagram
The fiancé: actor Tylor Kinney.
The ring: it features a very romantic 6 cts heart-shaped diamond, set with 5 prongs on a pavé diamond band. This treasure was created by the celebrities jeweler Lorraine Schwartz and hides the most romantic surprise on the back: instead of adding an inscription on the band, Taylor chose to include the writing “T(heart)S” spelled in pavé diamonds.
The price: estimated $ 100,000.
The proposal: in 2015, after celebrating Valentine’s Day in their favorite restaurant, Taylor popped the question with this breathtaking jewel.
The break-up: sadly, the couple called it quits in July 2016.
RING no. 8
Credits: www.repubblica.it
Credits: WireImage_www.dailymail.co.uk
The fiancé: actor B. A.
I will not write his name, otherwise you will guess right away! However, I can add that this couple was the first to receive a nickname mixing their names.
The ring: a magnificent jewel by Harry Winston that brought fancy diamonds back into fashion and sparked a love in the public that still continues today.
The ring is made up of a 6 cts pink diamond, held in place by double claws in pink gold, radiant cut and cushion shape, flanked by two trapezoidal diamonds on a platinum band. Simply breathtaking.
The price: an estimated $2.5 million at the time.
The proposal: he popped the question in 2002, at his parents’ house in Boston. She said that, upon opening the house door, she saw a quilt of rose petals scattered everywhere, vases with bouquets and candles. Then he read a love letter and asked her to marry him, showing the famous ring.
The break-up: the wedding was expected for September 14, 2003, but the couple could not stand the excessive attention and interference of the media, leading to the (first) breakup.
RING no. 9
Credits: www.parismatch.com
The fiancé: producer Jim Toth.
The ring: it is a spectacular jewel, composed of a 4 cts Ashoka-cut diamond. Only about 10% of rough diamonds can withstand the Ashoka technique, which counts 62 facets. The ring also features a magnificent pavé on the band and four small prongs to hold the diamond in its seat.
The price: An estimated $450,000.
The proposal: the couple got engaged in December 2010, but we don’t know how he popped the question. She stated that she accepted the marriage proposal immediately and without hesitation because she knew that he was the right one and addded that it was the right decision at the right time.
The marriage: The two married in Ojai, California, the following year in March. It was the second marriage for her.
The divorce: regretfully, in 2023.
RING no. 10
Credits: @PA_www.dailymail.co.uk
Credits: FameFlyNet_www.vougue.it
Credits: www.engagementringbible.com
The fiancé: James Matthews
The ring: it features a wonderful 3 cts diamond, bezel set, surrounded by a octagonal halo of smaller diamonds. The central diamond cut is Asscher, which means that the stone certainly has a very high clarity degree because this cut hardly hides any blemishes. It is in perfect Art-Decò style.
The price: An estimated $ 200,000.
The proposal: following tradition, it seems that James asked for his future father-in-law’s consent and only after obtaining it, in July 2016 he got down on one knee with the magnificent jewel in his hand and the Lake District rolling hills in the background.
The marriage: the following May, in front of royal guests. So far, the couple has had three children.
Solutions
Dear ring addicts, have you guessed who these magnificent jewels belong to?
You can compare your answers with the solutions below, but I’m sure you guessed them all!
RING no. 1: GRACE KELLY & PRINCE RAINIER
Credits: New York Daily News Archive_www.theknot.com
Credits: ringpagesix.com_vip.nypost.com
Credits: citymilano.com
RING no. 2: EMILY RATAJKOVSKI & SEBASTIAN BEAR-McCLARD
Credits: Emily Ratajkovski Instagram_www.marthastewart.com
Credits: Emily Ratajkovski Instagram_www.marthastewart.com
Credits: Emily Ratajkovski Instagram_pagesix.com
The divorce rings. Credits: Emily Ratajkovski Instagram
RING no. 3: CATHERINE ZETA-JONES & MICHAEL DOUGLAS
Credits: Catherine Zeta-Jones Instagram_www.dailiymail.co.uk
Credits: frankdarling.com
Credits: brainberries.co
RING no. 4: VICTORIA ADAMS & DAVID BECKHAM
Credits: friendlydiamonds.com
Credits: friendlydiamonds.com
RING no. 5: HEIDI KLUM & SEAL
Credits: www.onewed.com
Credits: Vince Bucci_www.hellomagazine.com
Credits: www.valentina.ie
RING no. 6: LILY COLLINS & CHARLIE McDOWELL
Credits: People Style_shop.kenanddanadesign.com
Credits: People Style_shop.kenanddanadesign.com
Credits: Lily Collins Instagram_hellomagazine.com
Credits: Lily Collins Instagram
RING no. 7: LADY GAGA & TAYLOR KINNEY
Credits: Lady Gaga Instagram_www.repubblica.it
Credits: gds.itfotomultimedia
Credits: www.amica.it
RING no. 8: JENNIFER LOPEZ & BEN AFFLECK
Credits: www.repubblica.it
Credits: www.repubblica.it
Credits: www.engagementringbible.com
RING no.9: REESE WITHERSPOON & JIM TOTH
Credits: Reese Whiterspoon Instagram_www.people.com
Credits: www.brit.co
Credits: Reese Witherspoon Instagram_www.engagementringbible.com
RING no.10: PIPPA MIDDLETON & JAMES MATTHEWS
Credits: www.engagementringbible.com
Credits: @SplashNews_www.vanity fair.it
Credits: www.engagementringbible.com
What is your favorite ring? Which ring would surely make you capitulate?
Write to me and let me know your opinions!
Sources:
www.vogue.com
www.vogue.it
www.theknot.com
www.brides.com
www.businessinsider.com
www-withclarity.com
www.people.com
www.theadventurine.com
www.hellomagazine.com
uk.news.yahoo.com