The Most Expensive Engagement Rings in History: When Love Meets Legendary Luxury
From Elizabeth Taylor's iconic collection to modern-day record-breakers that redefine extravagance
The world's most celebrated couples have given us more than just romantic tales, their magnificent engagement rings have become enduring symbols of their love and icons in their own right.
Let's explore the most expensive engagement rings ever created, from Hollywood's golden age to today's record-breaking proposals.
The Reigning Champion:
(image: Instagram - @georginagio)
Cristiano Ronaldo & Georgina Rodríguez (2025) - £3.6 to £9.5 Million
Making headlines worldwide, football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo's recent proposal to Georgina Rodríguez may have just set a new benchmark for engagement ring extravagance. After eight years together, Ronaldo presented his beloved with what experts are calling one of the most expensive engagement rings in modern history.
Ring Details:
- Centre Stone: 40-carat oval-cut diamond
- Designer: Rumoured to be Cartier
- Estimated Value: £3.6-£9.5 million
- Setting: Classic oval cut solitaire with diamond set band
This extraordinary piece not only represents Ronaldo's love but also showcases how modern celebrity engagement rings continue to push the boundaries of luxury and size.
The Hollywood Icon:
Elizabeth Taylor's Legendary Collection
No discussion of expensive engagement rings is complete without honouring Elizabeth Taylor, the actress who turned engagement rings into an art form through her ten engagements and eight marriages.
(Taylor-Burton Diamond Ring image: Cartier)
The Taylor-Burton Diamond - £6.5 Million (Modern Value)
The Taylor–Burton Diamond, weighing 68 carats, became famous in 1969 when it was purchased by Richard Burton for Elizabeth Taylor. Originally sold at auction for $1,050,000, setting a record price for a publicly sold jewel at the time.
Ring Details:
- Weight: 68-carats
- Cut: Pear-shaped
- Original Cost: £780,000 (1969)
- Modern Value: Approximately £6.5 million
- Notable Appearances: Princess Grace of Monaco's 40th birthday and the 42nd Academy Awards
(Krupp Diamond - image: Christies Images Ld 2011)
The Krupp Diamond (Elizabeth Taylor Diamond) - £6.5 Million
Before actor Richard Burton slipped the infamous “Taylor- Burton Pear Cut” on to Elizabeth’s finger, he first proposed with a not so small 33.19ct Asscher cut, known as the Krupp Diamond. This magnificent diamond became so associated with Taylor that it was eventually renamed in her honour.
Ring Details:
- Weight: 33.19 carats
- Cut: Asscher
- Original Name: The Krupp Diamond
- Current Name: The Elizabeth Taylor Diamond
- Estimated Value: £6.5 million
Modern Record-Breakers: Contemporary Luxury
(image: hellomag)
Beyoncé's Iconic Ring - £3.5 - £6.7 Million
It's reported that Beyonce's husband Jay-Z paid $4.7 million (£3.5m) for the ring and that it is now valued at over $9 million (£6.7m). The 18-carat emerald-cut diamond is said to be internally flawless and sits upon a sleek platinum split shoulder band, allowing the stone to wow, it has now become one of the most recognisable engagement rings in modern pop culture.
Ring Details:
- Centre Stone: 18-carat emerald-cut diamond
- Designer: Lorraine Schwartz
- Original Cost: £3.5 million
- Current Value: Over £6.7 million
-
Notable Feature: Flawless clarity grade
Mariah Carey's Record-Breaking Diamond - £9.4 Million
(image: thejewelryblog)
Mariah Carey's most famous engagement ring, from her engagement to James Packer, features a massive 35-carat emerald-cut diamond set in platinum. Designed by Wilfredo Rosado, it's considered one of the most expensive celebrity engagement rings, valued at around £9.4 million (approximately $11.4 million). While the engagement ended, Mariah Carey retained the ring and later sold it.
Ring Details:
- Center Stone: 35-carat Emerald Cut
- Surrounding Stones: Tapering baguettes
- Designer: Wilfredo Roado
- Original Cost: £9.4 million
Kim Kardashian's Epic Engagement - £5.8 Million
(image: brides.com)
Kim Kardashian's engagement ring from Kanye West featured a stunning 15-carat cushion-cut diamond that became one of the most talked-about celebrity engagement rings of the 2010s.
Ring Details:
- Center Stone: 15-carat cushion-cut diamond
- Designer: Lorraine Schwartz
- Estimated Value: £5.8 million
- Notable Feature: D colour, flawless clarity
- Status: Unfortunately stolen in 2016
Historical Royalty: Timeless Treasures
(image: Cartier)
Grace Kelly's Cartier Masterpiece - £3 Million (Modern Value)
When Prince Rainier III of Monaco proposed to actress Grace Kelly, he presented her with a stunning 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond ring from Cartier.
Ring Details:
- Center Stone: 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond
- Designer: Cartier
- Year: 1956
- Modern Estimated Value: £3 million
- Legacy: Became the template for royal engagement rings
Jackie Kennedy's Van Cleef & Arpels showstopper - £2 Million (Modern Value)
(image: vogue.co.uk)
Jacqueline Kennedy's original engagement ring from John F. Kennedy was a classic Van Cleef & Arpels design featuring a 2.88-carat diamond with a 2.84-carat emerald. A true trend setter, making way for the modern contemporary Moi et Toi.
Ring Details:
- Center Stones: 2.88-carat diamond and 2.84-carat emerald
- Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels
- Style: Twin-stone design
- Modern Estimated Value: £2 million
From Elizabeth Taylor's storied gem collection to Cristiano Ronaldo's newest record-setting ring, history's most expensive engagement pieces show us the beautiful ways people choose to honour their love. These rings may represent ultimate luxury, but their true significance lies in the meaningful stories they tell and the incredible skill they demonstrate.
At FANCI Fine Jewellery, we create rings worthy of every love story. Whether you're inspired by timeless celebrity glamour or modern sophistication, we'll design an engagement ring that perfectly represents your bond, crafted with the same superior quality and attention to detail that makes these remarkable pieces so unforgettable.
Ready to create your own legendary engagement ring? Explore our collection of exceptional diamonds and custom design services to craft a ring worthy of your love story.