In the world of celebrity romance, some engagement rings have become legendary for their beauty and historical significance. Princess Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor, three of the most iconic actresses from the mid-20th century, each received engagement rings that are now worth millions and are treasured pieces of jewellery history. Their rings not only reflect their individual stories of love but also highlight the glamour of an era defined by these remarkable women.
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Grace Kelly’s engagement to Prince Rainier of Monaco is perhaps the most famed. The couple became engaged in Christmas 1955 at Kelly’s family home in East Falls, Pennsylvania. Prince Rainier proposed with an eternity band, embellished with heirloom red rubies and diamonds, representing the colours of the Monaco flag, according to reports from Vogue. This initial ring, however, was overshadowed by a later gift. When she was starring in the movie *High Society*, Prince Rainier bought her a stunning diamond ring crafted by Cartier. This ring, featuring a striking 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond and equipped with two tapered baguette side stones, was set on a platinum band. At the time, its estimated value was around $4 million, which translates to approximately $38.8 million today.
In contrast, Audrey Hepburn’s engagement ring was distinct and unconventional. When Hepburn became engaged to Mel Ferrer in August 1954, he chose not to present her with a single diamond ring, opting for a set of three stackable bands instead. This unique combination consisted of a yellow gold band, a rose gold band, and a 1.5-carat diamond baguette eternity band. The choice reflected Hepburn’s personal style, allowing her to mix and wear the bands interchangeably. Though the exact cost of the ring set in 1954 remains unknown, its estimated modern value is around £10,047.
Elizabeth Taylor’s engagement ring from her fifth husband, Richard Burton, stands out as one of the most extravagant. Over her lifetime, Taylor was engaged ten times, but the diamond bestowed by Burton is the crown jewel of her collection. Initially proposing with a Bulgari emerald brooch and teardrop earrings, Burton later gifted Taylor a diamond engagement ring in 1968. This ring featured the illustrious Krupp Diamond, a 33.19-carat centre stone flanked by two tapered baguette-cut side stones, all set within a platinum band. Originally owned by the German actress Vera Krupp before her death, the diamond was bought by Burton for an estimated $307,000. Following Taylor’s passing in 2011, the ring sold at auction for an impressive $8.8 million.
The remarkable diamonds of these iconic figures bring up a rather intriguing question: which of these legendary rings is the most valuable? Based on current estimations, Grace Kelly’s emerald-cut diamond ring tops the list at around $38.8 million. It not only signifies her enchanting legacy but also serves as a touchstone of the luxurious life she led as a princess. Following closely is Taylor’s dazzling diamond valued at $8.8 million, while Hepburn’s elegant trio of bands, charming in their own right, comes in as the most affordable option at approximately $10,047.
Today, the significance of these engagement rings extends beyond their monetary value; they are steeped in storytelling and an intimate glimpse into the lives of three remarkable women. After Grace Kelly’s passing in 1982, her engagement ring became a cherished possession of the House of Grimaldi, the ruling family of Monaco. The ring was even showcased at Cartier’s Fifth Avenue location in New York City in 2016, highlighting its historical importance.
As these rings are remembered and admired, they embody not only the love stories of their wearers but also a time in Hollywood history when glamour and romance captivated the world. The tales of Hepburn, Taylor, and Kelly, along with their extravagant engagement rings, continue to inspire and intrigue, ensuring that their legacies endure for future generations to appreciate.