Grace Kelly’s two Cartier engagement rings from Prince Rainier III are among the most iconic celebrity jewelry pieces. They match her status as a Hollywood icon and a Princess of Monaco.
We’re here to discuss their details and history.
For a professional appraisal of this ring, we went on an EXCLUSIVE phone call with Benjamin Khordipour, G.D., and GIA GG, from New York’s Estate Diamond Jewelry. Proceed to this link for his expert evaluation.
History and Details of Grace Kelly’s Two Cartier Engagement Rings
Prince Rainier III of Monaco proposed to Grace Kelly once, but gave her engagement rings twice. The Prince proposed to Kelly on Christmas 1955 when he finally went to visit her in the US.
He already planned the proposal, presenting her with the first: an eternity band ring with alternating diamonds and rubies encircling it. The ring came from family heirlooms, worked on and designed by the renowned jewelry designer company Cartier. They announced their engagement in public on January 5, 1956
The ring was only a precursor to the actual main engagement ring. Her Prince had something more major prepared and created by the same expertise from Cartier.
This second ring features a 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond secured in four corner prongs and in an upright position. It has baguette diamonds on both sides with a simple platinum setting.
How Much is Grace Kelly’s Main Engagement Ring?
We talked to Benjamin Khordipour, resident jewelry authority and head gemologist at Estate Diamond Jewelry in New York City, to get his professional evaluation on her main engagement ring.
Khordipour estimates that the price value of it today is up to $45 million.
The biggest share of that price is from the 10-plus carat emerald-cut diamond. Diamonds of this size and quality are extremely rare and command a huge price. The ring’s surrounding baguette gems, prong setting on a platinum band, and Cartier craftsmanship further elevate its value and market price.
Both of Grace Kelly’s engagement rings are now historical and are off-market. The House of Grimaldi now owns both pieces of history.
Grace Kelly’s ring was as iconic as her final movie before getting married, “High Society”. After announcing their engagement in public in January 1956, the Prince gave her second proper engagement ring, which she wore on set and appeared in the movie.
Her ring accompanied her change in status from Hollywood icon to Princess of Monaco. It also became an iconic celebrity jewelry that inspired and influenced other celebrities to have elegant, iconic, and custom engagement rings, such as Beyoncé, Anne Hathaway, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Amal Clooney, and Elizabeth Taylor.
Grace and Prince Rainier’s Love Story
To trace the history of these two iconic engagement rings, we trace how Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco met. The pair met during the Cannes Film Festival in the spring of 1955. Kelly was there to promote her movie, To Catch a Thief.
British actress Olivia de Havilland, her husband Pierre Galante, and Paris Match editor-in-chief Gaston Bonheur were on the Le Train Blue from Paris to Cannes. They learned Grace was also on the same train, bound for Cannes, as well.
Olivia explained to PEOPLE, “It was an idea that struck [Pierre] for the first time while dining on the train after he learned Grace Kelly was a fellow passenger.”
“My husband had been born in Nice on the Côte d’Azur. He suggested the meeting between Grace and Rainier at dinner with Paris-Match editor-in-chief Gaston Bonheur, en route to Cannes, an idea immediately and enthusiastically accepted by Gaston,” she added.
Grace Kelly caught Prince Rainier’s eye, and he tried to meet her in person via an invite to a photoshoot at the renowned Palace of Monaco. There, they were properly introduced.
The Prince first gave her the first more simple engagement ring at Christmas in 1955, as he wasn’t sure Kelly would accept his proposal. After she accepted his proposal, the Prince commissioned a more luxurious engagement ring.
Grace Kelly and her real-life Prince Charming married on April 18, 1956, with a civil ceremony in the Palace Throne Room, followed by a religious wedding ceremony the next day at Monaco’s St. Nicholas Cathedral with over 600 high-profile guests. It was one of the most celebrated weddings that connected European royalty to Hollywood glamor.
Similar Rings
Grace Kelly’s engagement ring features a large, high-quality emerald-cut diamond. This cut is an elongated square or rectangle, made with precision work from Cartier.
Emerald cut gems create the “hall of mirrors” effect, found only on this specific cut. The cut enables light to reflect off its inner and outer shape reflections. This creates more intense sparkle that sets it apart from other cuts. These cuts often use higher grades of clear and colorless diamonds. These features increase their beauty and value.
You too can have the same type of lovely, iconic diamond with these selections of similar rings that bring the vibe of Hollywood and European royalty like hers, without busting through your budget.
The Sanremo Ring
The most similar make and appearance in Kelly’s precious ring is this platinum engagement ring by San Remo. It has a GIA-certified 5.05-carat emerald cut diamond cradled in a four-prong setup. The gem is I color and has VS1 clarity. It also has the same style of baguette-cut diamonds on a platinum band. It’s a high-class ring with the same look, but with a lower price.
Cartier Destinée Solitaire Ring
Only a Cartier can match a Cartier since both rings also came from them and their expertise. This Cartier solitaire ring has the same center stone emerald-cut diamond, with a 2 to 3.99 carat range.
Around it are smaller diamonds along its paved outer ring. It is in an east-west position, with a diamond on a 950/1000 platinum band that makes it look like a bigger gem. Cartier continues to create similar pieces without the same price tag.
5.10-carat Harry Winston Ring
A close look-alike of the Grace Kelly original is this emerald-cut diamond engagement ring by Harry Winston. It looks like Ms. Kelly’s legendary ring, but with a wider band and smaller trapezoid diamonds along its rim.
The central stone is a GIA-certified 5.10-carat emerald-cut diamond. It has a high D color rating and VS2-level clarity. On each side are baguette-cut diamonds weighing a total of 2.40 carats, with a D-F color range and VS1 clarity ratings. It retains the sparkle quality of the original, with added light from its wide band diamonds around it.
Tiffany & Co.’s Emerald-cut Diamond Engagement Ring
This variation ring from Tiffany & Co. is another option that has the same look as Grace Kelly’s engagement ring. It has the same prong design, with a simpler ring profile, but doesn’t have the side baguette diamonds of the original, opting for a solitaire style.
It features a 2-carat emerald-cut diamond and a simple platinum band. This configuration focuses on the diamond more, becoming a singular design.
Tiffany Novo® Emerald-cut Engagement Ring
This emerald-cut engagement ring from Tiffany & Co. is another masterpiece that closely resembles the Grace Kelly engagement ring. The center stone is an emerald-cut diamond that is set in four prongs.
The diamond sits on a platinum mount on a slender band adorned with micro-pavé-set diamonds, which sets it apart from Grace’s ring. This gives it a romantic, modern charm while retaining the simple elegance of Grace Kelly’s ring.
1stDibs Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Jewelry maker 1stDibs presents a visually similar offering to Grace Kelly’s engagement ring. Its GIA-certified 6.03-carat emerald-cut diamond has an F color grade and SI-1 clarity. It also has tapered-baguette side diamonds, only wider, featuring double-stacked ones weighing .80 carats on each side, on a platinum ring that ties them together.
1-1/3 CT. T.W. Emerald-Cut and Trapeze-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
The east-west placement of this Noah James Jewelry alternate version of the Grace Kelly ring makes it a unique luxury piece, inspired by the original. This engagement ring features a 1-carat emerald-cut diamond, with two big trapezoid diamonds in an upright position.
It’s a more unique style using the same design elements. The three-stoned format gives it a wider and tapered reach along its platinum band.
Solitaire Diamond Gallery Engagement Ring
Grace Kelly’s engagement ring has customized variations that build upon the original design, such as this Ritani Callista emerald-cut diamond engagement ring. The diamond is customizable, allowing the buyer options on its carat size and placement.
. The solitaire setting with no side diamonds solely focuses on the center stone, with a simple, elegant, and sleek platinum band. This ring comes with an undergallery halo of smaller diamonds to complement and add sparkle to its simple design
Important Buyer Tips
To get the same quality jewelry as Grace Kelly’s engagement ring, check prospective rings using industry standards. Work with diamond specialists and follow their expert tips to help you find the right emerald-cut diamond ring. These steps will help maximize your purchase and avoid scams.
First, make sure the ring has certification from a gemology authority, such as the Gemological Institute of America. It’s a guarantee that it’s a real diamond, and you have its actual specifications.
Next, inspect the diamond for any visible inconsistencies or defects. This is why many people go to physical stores to see it in person and also talk to jewelry experts. However, for convenience, you can trust online jewel specialist stores that already have a track record online.
The Grace Kelly ring has a centerpiece emerald-cut diamond in a 3-stone setting. Similar styles with side baguettes, halos, or other styles also work without taking away from its central focus. Look for styles that speak to your personality and are within your budget.
