If a repository of iconic engagement rings existed, the Grace Kelly engagement ring would secure a spot because it is nothing short of exquisite. Here we’ll cover everything you want to know about this iconic engagement ring and so much more.
Details on the Grace Kelly Engagement Ring
Prince Rainier III of Monaco gave Grace Kelly not one but two engagement rings. The first engagement ring was presented to her in 1955, during the Christmas holiday. The public first caught a glimpse of the ring when the two officially announced their engagement on January 5, 1956, at a Philadelphia country club. It was a minimalist yet impressive ring designed by Cartier from family heirlooms. The eternity band-style engagement ring was crafted with intertwining rubies and diamonds to pay homage to the colors of Monaco’s flag, which are red and white. However, as was revealed later, this ring was nothing more than a temporary stand-in for the real thing.
Grace Kelly’s second engagement ring was another stunning creation from Cartier. It featured a breathtaking 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond that was set in platinum and flanked by two baguette diamonds. The ring was specifically designed to suit Kelly’s preferences. Kelly loved the ring and she was often seen wearing it. As expected, the ring’s timeless design and unparalleled sophistication inspired countless imitations.
In fact, it has served as a source of inspiration for some of the most famous engagement rings over the years. Celebrities like Beyonce, Anne Hathaway, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez, Amal Clooney, and Elizabeth Taylor have all owned engagement rings clearly influenced by Kelly’s iconic ring. Presently, the piece belongs to the House of Grimaldi. And without a doubt, it continues to captivate individuals around the world even today.
Grace Kelly Engagement Ring Cost
We talked to Benjamin Khordipour, an antique jewelry expert and head gemologist at Estate Diamond Jewelry in New York City, who provided an estimated ring valuation. He based his analysis on photos of the ring, the rate of inflation, and public details of the ring.
In 1956, Prince Rainier III of Monaco paid $4,060,000 for the ring, one of the highest price tags even among royals and celebrities. Some notable engagement rings of the time, such as those belonging to Princess Diana, now valued at $550,000, and Jacqueline Kennedy, now valued at $2.6 million, are not nearly as valuable as Grace Kelly engagement ring. Khordipour estimates the ring’s value might be slightly over $44.9 million, due to inflation. Khordipour also notes that the Grace Kelly engagement ring is one of the most expensive ones in the world today.
History of the Proposal of the Grace Kelly Engagement Ring
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III of Monaco met during the Cannes Film Festival in the spring of 1955. Kelly was on tour to promote one of her latest movies, To Catch a Thief. When Prince Rainier noticed Kelly at the festival, as a clever means to introduce himself, he invited Kelly to a photo shoot at his residence, the Palace of Monaco.
During the photo shoot, Kelly wore a fashionable floral-print dress. The two hit it off and she reportedly commented on the Prince’s charm. They kept in touch for several months afterward, exchanging letters and building a romantic relationship. Rainier visited Kelly in her hometown of Philadelphia the Christmas of 1955 and popped the question with a simple ruby and diamond engagement ring.
After the proposal, Kelly was filming High Society, the last movie she would star in before retiring and committing herself to marriage. Her role was that of an elite and wealthy socialite engaged to an equally rich man. The costume designer was looking for a fake ring that would serve as a prop for the role the actress was playing. Upon learning that the designer intended to acquire a fake ring for Kelly’s character, Rainier proposed to purchase a genuine one as a second engagement ring instead. All parties accepted the offer, and Rainier purchased the famous 10.48-carat emerald-cut engagement ring from Cartier.
Some tabloids said that the Prince initially gave Kelly a less lavish engagement ring because they had just been dating for a few months, so he was unsure if she would accept his proposal. It’s easy to understand why the Prince had his doubts. The two were in a long-distance relationship, and the proposal was merely their second face-to-face meeting.
Other tabloids reported that the second engagement ring just happened by chance. Regardless, it was highly cherished by both Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier, and played an important role in the movie, High Society. Immediately after Kelly finished filming the movie, she traveled to Monaco to be with her fiancé.
Grace Kelly’s Wedding and Marriage Life
On April 18, 1956, the lovebirds tied the knot in a civil ceremony in the Palace Throne Room. The following day, they had a religious wedding ceremony that would be remembered as one of Europe’s most memorable events. It was held at Monaco’s St. Nicholas Cathedral and was attended by over 600 guests, including some of Hollywood’s big names like Ava Gardner and Cary Grant.
After the wedding, Kelly gave up her acting career to commit to her family and royal duties. The couple gave birth to three children: Princess Caroline, Prince Albert, and Princess Stephanie.
Kelly and Rainier’s marriage was not without its ups and downs. The couple was always under the media’s scrutiny, and they were even accused of having extramarital affairs on a few occasions. The negative media attention forced the two to try and keep the details of their personal lives private. However, the two certainly stayed true to their wedding vows and remained committed to one another for the rest of their lives.
Sadly, Grace Kelly died on September 14, 1982, at 52, after a tragic car accident. Prince Rainier never remarried. He died in 2005 from renal and heart failure.
Buy Similar Rings
The Grace Kelly engagement ring is one of the world’s most luxurious and admired rings. If you’re looking for something similar, you’re in luck! Emerald-cut diamonds have a unique ability to appear larger than their carat weight, and their precise facets give them a reflective, mirror-like appearance. To help inspire your search, we’ve compiled a list of engagement rings that closely resemble the Grace Kelly engagement ring. Each ring features an emerald-cut diamond as the centerpiece, and they all have varying weight, clarity, and color to suit different preferences and budgets.
Sanremo Ring
This breathtaking platinum engagement ring is the closest thing you’ll find to the Grace Kelly engagement ring. It features a prong-set GIA-certified 5.05-carat emerald cut diamond graded as I color and VS1 clarity. The ring’s shoulders are adorned with calibrated baguette cut diamonds for added brilliance and radiance.
Cartier Destinée Solitaire Ring
Both of Grace Kelly’s rings were expertly crafted by Cartier, so when you choose this stunning solitaire ring, you can have confidence in its exceptional quality. The center stone is an emerald cut diamond surrounded by a sparkling halo of additional diamonds. The weight of the center diamond ranges between 2 and 5.99 carats. The diamonds are set on a shank adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds.
5.10ct Harry Winston Ring
This emerald cut diamond engagement ring resembles Kelly’s famous piece. It boasts an impressive GIA-certified 5.10-carat emerald cut diamond with D color and VS2 clarity. This ring is enhanced with calibrated baguette cut diamonds that gracefully taper down the shoulders, perfectly complementing the elegance of the center stone. The baguettes, which weigh a total of 2.40 carats, boast D-F color and VS1 clarity, adding to the sophistication of this luxurious piece. This stunning combination of diamonds radiates beauty from every angle.
Tiffany & Co Emerald-cut Diamond Engagement
This ring is one of the best choices for a minimalist and modern emerald cut diamond engagement ring. The solitaire features a radiant 2-carat emerald cut diamond. The platinum band is beautiful but sleek so all eyes will be on the diamond. You can customize this ring to match your preferences and budget.
Tiffany Novo® Emerald-cut Engagement Ring
This Emerald-cut engagement ring is another masterpiece that resembles the Grace Kelly engagement ring. The center stone is an emerald cut diamond that is set in four prongs. The diamond is secured to a slender band that’s adorned with micro-pavé-set diamonds, giving the ring a romantic and modern charm.
1stDibs Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
This captivating engagement ring centers on a remarkable 6-carat emerald cut diamond that is graded as F color and SI-1 clarity. This diamond boasts exceptional clarity and stunning whiteness. What makes it truly impressive is the clear-cut and timeless craftsmanship, resulting in a level of clarity that few diamonds can boast. The ring also showcases exquisite baguette side stones, evoking a sense of royalty reminiscent of the Princess of Monaco herself. With its incredible brilliance and sparkle, this ring will captivate anyone who sees it.
1-1/3 CT. T.W. Emerald-Cut and Trapeze-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
This shimmering engagement ring features a 1-carat emerald cut diamond. A trapezoid-cut diamond flanks each side of the center stone. The three diamonds harmoniously work together to create a mesmerizing masterpiece that will appeal to any woman’s style. The diamonds are securely set on a sleek platinum shank for maximum comfort.
Solitaire Diamond Gallery Engagement Ring
This is another impressive emerald cut diamond engagement ring that resembles Grace Kelly’s. The elegant white-gold band perfectly showcases the center stone. Additional diamonds adorn the base of the prong-set solitaire.
Simply Tacori Emerald Solitaire Engagement Ring
This chic, delightful ring centers an emerald cut diamond set in an east-west direction, creating a unique and eye-catching look. A diamond-tipped frame further accentuates the center stone, adding to its radiance and beauty. The ring sits gracefully on a polished band that is pavé set with crescent silhouette detailing. With its stunning design and exquisite craftsmanship your future bride will never tire of admiring the beauty and elegance of this ring.
Vera Emerald-cut Moissanite Solitaire Engagement Ring
This ring is an impressive choice for a confident, beautiful woman who loves simple elegance. It features a solitaire diamond in a striking, sleek basket setting that rests on a minimalist yellow gold band. The ring can be stacked with other bands for an elaborate look. It was designed to stack closely with most wedding band styles. This impressive level of detail and sophistication will undoubtedly make her feel stylish and loved.
Tips for Buying Emerald-cut Diamond Engagement Rings
Shopping for a diamond engagement ring can be quite a challenge, especially if you’re a beginner. So, here are a few tips and tricks that will make the process a bit easier:
- Ensure the ring is certified by at least one gemology institution, such as GIA. This way, you can be certain that the diamond is authentic and high-quality.
- Avoid rings with visible blemishes.
- Visit the physical store to see the actual ring in person. If you have to order online, ensure the jeweler provides you with high-definition images and videos.
- Choose a setting that complements the diamond without taking attention away from it. A few settings that work nicely with emerald cut engagement rings include halo and solitaire.
- Go for a ring that embodies your intended’s style and preference.
Talk to an Expert Jewelry Shopper
If you’re looking for an engagement ring similar to the one Prince Rainier III of Monaco presented to Grace Kelly, we hope you’ll find one from the list above. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact an expert jeweler. They have years of experience behind them, so they are well-positioned to answer all your questions. They can also help you choose the perfect engagement ring and even give you ideas on how to customize it. So, fill out the form below to contact a Wedding Scoop jewelry expert, and a team member will get back to you as soon as possible.
