Where Are Grace Kelly’s Engagement Rings Now?

Grace Kelly’s Legacy: The Story Behind Her Iconic Engagement Rings

Princess Grace of Monaco, formerly the celebrated actress Grace Kelly, captured hearts worldwide not only through her films but also with her stunning engagement rings, two of which are renowned in history. The second ring, a lavish three-stone piece, has become an enduring symbol of romance and wealth, and today, it holds a value that is nearly ten times greater than its original price when gifted in 1956.

Grace met Prince Rainier III during a photocall at his palace, marking the initial spark that would lead to their fairy-tale romance. Just a few months later, over Christmas 1955 at her family home in Philadelphia, Rainier proposed with a family heirloom—an elegant eternity band from Cartier, adorned with alternating red rubies and diamonds. This choice was not purely aesthetic; the red and white gemstones symbolically echoed the colours of the Monaco flag.

However, the eternity band soon faded from the public’s memory as Rainier presented Grace with a more lavish ring during the filming of her final movie, *High Society*. The iconic three-stone ring, a showstopper in its own right, was both a practical addition to the film and a genuine symbol of their love. It sparked widespread fascination and remains today one of the most significant engagement rings in celebrity history.

The renowned three-stone engagement ring features a breathtaking 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond set in platinum, flanked by two finely cut baguette stones. Its initial value in 1956 was approximately $4.06 million, but as time has passed, its worth has skyrocketed, currently estimated at a staggering $38.8 million. This increase showcases the ring’s extraordinary allure and influence; it has inspired many modern celebrity engagement rings, including those worn by the likes of Beyoncé and Elizabeth Taylor.

Following the tragic death of Princess Grace in a car accident in 1982, her two engagement rings passed into the custody of the House of Grimaldi, the ruling family of Monaco. The loss of the beloved princess at the young age of 52 left an indelible mark on the principality, where she had spent 26 years married to Rainier and raised three children.

Despite their personal loss, the Grimaldi family has ensured Grace’s legacy remains alive, particularly through her jewellery collection. In an act of homage to her enduring connection with Cartier, the royal family briefly loaned her first engagement ring, along with several other pieces, for public display at Cartier’s New York City mansion in 2016. This exhibition coincided with the refurbishment of the store and included a dedicated room to her exquisite collection, celebrating her lasting impact on the world of glamour and style.

The story of how the princess acquired her second engagement ring has since become the stuff of legends. While filming *High Society*, where she was required to wear a faux engagement ring, Rainier, upon hearing of this, decided to purchase genuine diamond jewellery for her, weaving romance into the fabric of a cinematic moment. Photographs exist of the couple peering into Cartier windows, reminiscent of their shared affection.

Today, the legacy of Grace Kelly and her two iconic engagement rings continues to captivate the imagination of admirers around the world. Their opulence and the love story behind them remind us that these pieces of jewellery are not merely accessories but vessels of history, romance, and heartbreak that contribute to the legacy of a beloved royal figure.

In both her life as an actress and her subsequent role as Princess of Monaco, Grace remains a symbol of elegance and grace. Her brilliant engagement rings serve as a testament to this captivating woman, forever etched in public consciousness as emblematic of love and royal prestige. As the world looks back on her remarkable journey, these jewels continue to shine brightly, a lasting reminder of the fairytale that captivated millions.