Wedding rings symbolize love, commitment, and eternal devotion. For the ultra-wealthy, these symbols of love often come with a hefty price tag, featuring some of the world’s rarest diamonds and most luxurious designs. Over the years, celebrities, royals, and billionaires have spent millions on wedding rings that have gone down in history as the most expensive ever.
In this article, we will explore the top X most expensive wedding rings in history, their prices, owners, and what makes them so extraordinary.
I. Why Are Some Wedding Rings So Expensive?
Before diving into the most expensive wedding rings ever, let’s explore what makes some of these rings worth millions.
1. Rare and Large Diamonds
The larger and rarer the diamond, the higher its value. Rings featuring Flawless, Fancy Vivid, or Type IIa diamonds can fetch astronomical prices.
2. Unique and Historic Designs
Some rings hold historical significance or are custom-designed by legendary jewelers such as Harry Winston, Cartier, and Tiffany & Co.
3. Celebrity and Royal Ownership
When a ring is worn by a celebrity or royal, its value skyrockets due to historical importance and collector interest.
4. Precious Metal Settings
Most expensive wedding rings are crafted from platinum or 18K+ gold, sometimes encrusted with additional diamonds or rare gemstones.
Now, let’s look at history’s most expensive wedding rings and the iconic figures who wore them.
II. Top 10 Most Expensive Wedding Rings in History
1. Grace Kelly’s Cartier Ring – $4.06 Million
- Owner: Grace Kelly
- Given by: Prince Rainier III of Monaco
- Design: 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond set in platinum, flanked by baguette diamonds
- Why It’s Special: This ring, designed by Cartier, was gifted by Prince Rainier III during his engagement to Hollywood actress-turned-princess Grace Kelly in 1956. Its elegant emerald-cut diamond remains one of the most famous royal wedding rings in history.
2. Kim Kardashian’s Lorraine Schwartz Ring – $4.5 Million
- Owner: Kim Kardashian
- Given by: Kanye West
- Design: 15-carat Type IIa cushion-cut diamond on a simple platinum band
- Why It’s Special: Given by rapper Kanye West in 2013, this flawless diamond ring was designed by Lorraine Schwartz, a jeweler known for working with A-list celebrities. The ring was stolen during the infamous Paris robbery in 2016, making it one of the most talked-about wedding rings ever.
3. Jennifer Lopez’s Green Diamond Ring – $5 Million
- Owner: Jennifer Lopez
- Given by: Ben Affleck (2022)
- Design: Rare 8.5-carat natural green diamond set in platinum with white diamond side stones
- Why It’s Special: This extremely rare green diamond is one of the most unique engagement rings in history. Given to J.Lo by Ben Affleck during their second engagement, it’s a symbol of their rekindled love after 20 years apart.
4. Beyoncé’s Lorraine Schwartz Ring – $5 Million
- Owner: Beyoncé
- Given by: Jay-Z
- Design: 18-carat flawless emerald-cut diamond on a split platinum band
- Why It’s Special: Known for its simple yet extravagant design, this flawless diamond ring by Lorraine Schwartz is certified as an exceptional stone and remains one of the most expensive celebrity engagement rings to date.
5. Paris Hilton’s $5 Million Diamond Ring
- Owner: Paris Hilton
- Given by: Paris Latsis
- Design: 24-carat emerald-cut diamond ring
- Why It’s Special: This massive diamond ring was gifted by Greek billionaire Paris Latsis in 2005. However, after their engagement ended, Paris Hilton auctioned the ring for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.
6. Elizabeth Taylor’s Krupp Diamond Ring – $8.8 Million
- Owner: Elizabeth Taylor
- Given by: Richard Burton
- Design: 33.19-carat Asscher-cut Krupp diamond set in platinum
- Why It’s Special: One of the largest and most famous diamonds in the world, this Type IIa diamond is of exceptional clarity and brilliance. Given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton, it was later renamed the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond and remains one of the most iconic jewelry pieces ever.
7. Blue Diamond Ring – $10 Million
- Owner: Unknown (Purchased at Auction)
- Given by: Private Buyer
- Design: 5.4-carat Fancy Vivid blue diamond ring
- Why It’s Special: Blue diamonds are among the rarest gems in the world. This Fancy Vivid blue diamond ring was sold at auction for $10 million, setting records as one of the most expensive wedding rings in history.
8. Mariah Carey’s $10 Million Diamond Ring
- Owner: Mariah Carey
- Given by: James Packer
- Design: 35-carat emerald-cut diamond set in platinum
- Why It’s Special: This massive diamond ring was given to Mariah Carey by billionaire James Packer. After their breakup, Mariah reportedly sold the ring for $2.1 million, significantly less than its original price.
9. Jackie Kennedy’s Lesotho III Diamond Ring – $20 Million
- Owner: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
- Given by: Aristotle Onassis
- Design: 40.42-carat marquise-cut Lesotho III diamond
- Why It’s Special: This rare diamond was originally cut from the Lesotho diamond, a famous 601-carat stone. Given by Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, this ring remains one of the rarest and most valuable engagement rings ever.
10. The Pink Star Diamond Ring – $71.2 Million
- Owner: Purchased at Auction
- Given by: Private Buyer (Hong Kong)
- Design: 59.6-carat Fancy Vivid Pink diamond set in platinum
- Why It’s Special: The Pink Star Diamond is the most expensive diamond ring ever sold at auction, breaking records at $71.2 million in 2017. This internally flawless pink diamond remains the most valuable engagement ring in history.
III. Conclusion: What Makes a Wedding Ring Priceless?
The wedding rings on this list are more than just jewelry; they are pieces of history, symbols of love, and extraordinary works of art. Whether worn by Hollywood royalty, real-life royals, or billionaires, these rings showcase the ultimate luxury and craftsmanship.
From Grace Kelly’s timeless Cartier ring to the record-breaking Pink Star diamond, these rings continue to captivate the world with their beauty, rarity, and staggering price tags.
Would you ever spend millions on a wedding ring? Let us know in the comments!
