An engagement ring is a token of affection. It’s a powerful symbol of love that represents the bond and commitment between two people who vow to love each other for better or for worse. It’s probably why men scour the earth for precious gemstones- in order to create exquisite rings for the women they love and adore.
Every couple has one of these gorgeous gem-laden creations, but not everyone can have the best. From the hands of aristocrats and royalties, to those of Hollywood royals and celebrities, here are some of the most iconic engagement rings in history.
The First Diamond Ring
Owner: Mary of Burgundy
When Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy in 1477, he gave her a ring with thin flat pieces of diamonds in the shape of an ‘M’ to mark the occasion. This sparked a trend among the members of the nobility until it became a tradition. Today, giving engagement rings is not just limited to royalties and aristocrats. Anyone can buy a stylish engagement ring adorned with precious gemstones, ranging from Argyle pink diamonds and emeralds to opals, rubies and quartz.
Garrard Blue Sapphire White Diamond Ring
Owners: Princess Diana and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge
The Duchess of Cambridge’s sapphire sparkler tops the list as one of the most famous engagement rings in the world. Created by master jeweller Garrard, this stunning piece of jewellery consists of 14 solitaire diamonds exquisitely surrounding a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire and set in 18-carat white gold. The late Princess Diana of Wales was the first owner of this glamorous ring, which was given to her by Prince Charles on their engagement in 1981.
Cartier Emerald-cut Diamond Ring
Owner: Grace née Kelly, Princess of Monaco
Prince Rainier III of Monaco originally proposed to Hollywood royalty, Grace Kelly, with a Cartier eternity band made with diamonds and rubies. But after a trip to Los Angeles, the Prince replaced the engagement ring with a gorgeous 10.47 emerald-cut diamond ring by Cartier.
Van Cleef & Arpel 2.88 Carat Diamond Ring
Owner: Jacqueline Lee (née Bouvier) Kennedy Onassis
US President John F. Kennedy proposed to Jacqueline Bouvier with an engagement ring made of a 2.88-carat diamond mounted next to a 2.84-carat emerald. Tapered baguettes surround the two large stones, making it a non-traditional ring that reflects the wearer’s elegance and beauty.
3-Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring
Owner: Queen Elizabeth II
The 3-carat diamond solitaire ring was presented to Queen Elizabeth II by Prince Philip of Greece and Denmark. This exquisite piece of jewellery that features five diamonds on the sides and set in platinum was crafted from the tiara of Prince Phillip’s mother. From its £28,000 value when they married in 1947, the engagement ring’s price has gone up by 900 per cent. Its current worth is estimated to be £100,000.
Asscher-cut Krupp Diamond Ring
Owner: Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor’s 33.19 carat ‘Krupp diamond’ ring is regarded as one of the most iconic jewellery pieces of all time. Although technically not an engagement ring since this was given to her by Richard Burton in the fourth year of their first marriage, the sparkler became a famous symbol of the Burton-Taylor romance. After the death of the famous movie star in 2011, the ‘Krupp Diamond’ was renamed the ‘Elizabeth Taylor Diamond’.
These are just some of the most iconic engagement rings in history. Crafted to perfection and made with love, these world-famous engagement rings have stood the test of time.
Every woman deserves to have a ring that reflects her unique personality. If you are looking for expert jewellers who can create majestic jewellery out of pink diamonds in Sydney or other precious stones, look no further than Volle Jewellery.
Whether it’s an engagement ring or a birthday gift you’re looking for, we can help you design stunning and elegant pieces of jewellery for your special someone.
Pearl jewellery, opals or diamonds, we have a collection of exquisite jewellery that will bring out the beauty of the wearer.