Throughout history, certain engagement rings have become a part of popular culture…from Princess Diana’s sapphire stunner, to Jackie Kennedy’s emerald and diamond confection…
If you’re curious about the most notorious and infamous diamond and gemstone engagement rings of all time, you’ll enjoy our list of unforgettable styles…
These charming designs take as much meaning from the history surrounding them as they do from their settings, precious metals, and precious stones…each offers a unique glimpse back in time:
1.) Princess Diana’s Sapphire Engagement Ring –
Now resting on Kate Middleton’s manicured hand, this beautiful, huge oval sapphire is surrounded by icy-white diamonds…
Prince Charles had this ring specially made for his fiancé, and he actually popped the question without any ring at all.
For Charles and Diana, marriage was a star-crossed affair, primarily due to the presence of Camilla Parker-Bowles, whose long-standing relationship with Charles muddied the waters for the prince and his new bride.
Innocent Diana was unprepared for the sophistry of the British royal court, where mistresses were often a reality. She balked at the presence of Camilla, whom she nicknamed, The Rottweiler. In time, Diana’s new marriage unravelled, despite the birth of two beautiful sons, Prince William and Prince Harry…
Diana’s tragic death in Paris was blamed on the paparazzi, who hounded the English rose every day until her demise. When she died, she was with another lover, and her engagement ring was no longer on her hand.
Recently, Prince William proposed to Kate Middleton with his mother’s ring…the public hopes for a happier, more stable union for this pair, who are long-time partners…the Royal Wedding will be held this spring…
Today, brides opt for designs such as these, to mimic the effect of the famous style owned by Princess Diana…
This gorgeous Celtic engagement ring design features traditional Trinity Knots in a white-gold setting.
Just like Diana’s (and now Kate’s) engagement ring, this design offers a circlet of fine diamonds, surrounding a beautiful, deep-blue oval sapphire…
For the modern bride, this reasonably-priced, handmade engagement ring brings a sense of romance that is truly timeless.
This dramatic cluster style can also be worn as a glamorous right-hand ring or cocktail ring.
2. Grace Kelly’s Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring
Weighing in at a huge 12 karats, Hollywood icon Grace Kelly’s emerald-cut diamond engagement ring signaled her entrée into true royalty.
When Prince Rainier of Monaco proposed to the patrician blond actress, who appeared in Hitchcock thrillers, as well as romps like High Society, her ring became a symbol of fairytale romance…
The stunning and lithe Grace Kelly, of Boston, USA, became Princess Grace of Monaco in 1956 – she died tragically in a car accident in 1982.
Modern brides-to-be who wish to capture the elegance and refinement of Grace Kelly on their wedding day often opt for sophisticated gowns, classic veils, and rings similar to this style:
The feminine princess-cut facets of this classic diamond Celtic engagement ring echo the lines of Grace’s own bridal jewelry.
Pretty, two-toned 14k gold offers versatility that will last a lifetime – however, the ring is also available in shimmering white gold.
Ornate Trinity Knot detailing symbolizes faith and love, and offers a touch of romantic beauty to this exquisite diamond ring.
In fact, Kelly’s own Irish lineage can be traced in every line of the Trinity Knot, which is an ancient Celtic symbol dating back to the sixth century…
3.) Jackie Kennedy’s Glamorous Emerald Confection…
Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis died a legend…her colorful life was filled with fashion, politics, tragedy, and wealth.
In her youth, her taste for chic pillbox hats and sheath dresses made her a style icon, and all of Paris cheered when she visited the City of Light with her esteemed husband, the handsome and charming American President, John F. Kennedy.
He famously described himself as “the man who accompanied Jackie Kennedy to Paris.”
Her marriage and career as First Lady would make her a symbol of American glamor, during a time of great change and upheaval. Her stunning emerald and diamond Celtic engagement ring (offered to her while her husband was still a Senator) was as striking and unusual as she was.
This confection combined diamonds and emeralds in a unique configuration – according to rumor, Jack’s controlling father, Joe, chose the ring for Jackie…
Nowadays, brides interested in evoking a little of Jackie’s legendary style often choose emerald Celtic engagement rings adorned with diamonds…
This style tones down a little of the excesses of Jackie Kennedy’s design, but still captures its essence.
The bright green shimmer of two genuine emerald gemstones highlight a central white diamond, adding glow and color to the refined, 3-stone setting…
Creativity and individuality come through in the lines of classic Celtic knot work. Each Trinity Knot engraving is a symbol of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit…
For modern brides, this twist on a classic solitaire engagement ring offers a little added style and visual impact…it’s a great way to express more of your personality through your bridal jewelry…
For more great engagement rings you’ll adore, visit our online Irish jewelry store today!
Great article – thanks. Apparently Diana soon discovered that her lot in life was going to be as a third wheel in not only the palace but also in her marriage. She alledgedly chose the sapphire engagement ring from a collection brought to the palace by Aspreys becuase the Queen didn’t like it much and it was the most expensive one there. Anyway, I had my engagement ring custom made by Atelier, a UK designer who specialises in bespoke engagement rings. It was a sapphire ring with diamonds but less traditional in style – and yes, it was quite a bit less than Aspreys would have charged and my mother in law loved it