Model and fashion designer Kalani Hilliker is now engaged! Kalani Hilliker’s engagement ring is a dazzling, large profile piece that captured her instant yes.
The star of Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition and Dance Moms said yes to her fiancé, Nathan Goldman, on August 17, 2024.
We spoke with Benjamin Khordipour, GIA-certified gemologist and jewelry specialist of NYC’s Estate Diamond Jewelry, for a proper assessment and valuation of the ring. Click here to see what he had to say.
All About Kalani Hilliker’s Engagement Ring
Kalani and Nathan were on vacation in Italy when they found themselves in front of the majestic Lake Como in Italy. Her beau got on one knee and proposed to her in a very memorable and adorable moment on August 17, 2024.
Nathan surprised his fiancée by proposing to her with a huge, 6.82-carat oval-cut diamond ring. It has a north-to-south setting and an underhalo studded with small round diamonds.
It’s a very high-quality diamond with an exceptional D-F color, near colorless in grade. Its VS2 clarity level means almost flawless clarity (Very Slightly Included 2).
Top jewelry creators, Brilliant Earth, designed Kalani Hilliker’s engagement ring. It has an 18K yellow gold band, using a very elegant Lumiere diamond ring style. It also has a classic prong setting, and a halo underneath that enhances the diamond’s brilliance and light admitting properties.
Kalani Hilliker’s Engagement Ring Cost
Our phone conversation with veteran jewelry specialist and GIA-certified gemologist, Benjamin Khordipour, from NYC’s Estate Diamond Jewelry, revealed hard facts and insights into the special ring. His professional appraisal places its value at a whopping $550,000.
The high quality of the almost 7-carat diamond, its 18k gold band, and Brilliant Earth’s masterful work all contribute to this sky-high price. When buying a similar ring and diamond of this level, and crafted by someone on the level of Brilliant Earth, the price range would be the same.
Nathan told PEOPLE about how they were choosing designs, “The oval just looked much better on her hand, and with something like a ring she will wear forever, I thought it was important to make it perfect. She was still indecisive on which band to choose with the oval, but I always loved the gold because of its contrast with the diamond. I also added in the hidden halo on the band because I knew she loved that.”
Kalani Hilliker and Nathan Goldman
Dancer and model Kalani Hilliker, born on September 23rd, 2000, in Mesa, Arizona, first dazzled her way into our consciousness in the reality TV shows Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition and Dance Moms. She soon found herself in acting and modeling roles
Kalani continues to champion the arts through dancing, modeling, and fashion endeavours. Her favorite dance songs are jazz funk, hip-hop, and lyrical styles. She is also a mental health advocate.
Kalani Hilliker’s fiancé is Nathan Goldman, a young electrical engineer who graduated from Ohio State University, captured her heart. They met in early 2024 and fell head over heels for each other.
We all know little of Nathan since he is a private person, only seeing minor details on LinkedIn and Instagram. He works as a protection and control engineer at Commonwealth Associates, Inc., and received his Engineer in Training (EIT) certification from the NCEEES in 2022.
However, the public now knows more about him due to his high-profile proposal to Kalani.
His adorable proposal melted the hearts of fans and press everywhere, set in the very scenic and enthralling Lake Como in Italy. It’s one of the most high-end places in Italy and Europe for celebrity engagements and weddings.
Kalani admitted to US Weekly about Goldman not knowing her career in reality TV before, being an engineer, and not having much current knowledge of showbiz and the entertainment industry.
Their Love Story
Despite being famous, Kalani and Nathan kept their relationship discreet from the press. They met in early 2024 and became official on Instagram in April when both were attending the Coachella music festival.
Their engagement on August 17, 2024, brought Nathan to intense public attention. Kalani’s fans accepted him, falling for his good looks and their charming relationship.
It proved somewhat tricky to set up everything without Kalani knowing what was to unfold. Their room had a visible view of the area.
“I truly didn’t think it would happen on this trip, and I didn’t even know he had the ring! He did give me a hint 30 minutes before because I wanted to be at the pool for the rest of the day, and he was acting weird. I said, ‘What’s wrong?’ That’s when he said it’s time to go put your white dress on… and I couldn’t believe it was happening! He knew there was a special dress I loved and was saving for the moment (whenever that was) for me to get engaged in, and he made sure I had it on.”
The proposal happened in front of the historic mansion by the lake. Audrey Wood Events organized the very romantic and heart-melting moment. Lake Como Florist provided one of the most gorgeous flower arrangements, setting up one of the most beautiful layouts full of white flowers, scattered petals, and glowing candles.
Hilliker gushed over the beautiful life moment, saying, “A lifetime of this. I can’t believe how lucky I am to call you my fiancé. I love you forever, Nathan🤍🦋.”
A Dream Wedding
After a year, the adorable couple got married. They had a legal wedding on August 21, 2025, in an intimate ceremony hosted by her dad in his backyard. Close family members attended, including Kalani’s grandparents as witnesses.
Then, on September 17, they had their formal wedding in the same lovely celebrity wedding spot in Lake Como, Italy. The gorgeous pastel theme added so much beauty and grandeur to their wedding.
Kalani was super pretty with her long-sleeved illusion lace-layer gown with a mock neckline and square neckline beneath. More lovely bridal and floral lace motifs adorn the dress, its trumpet silhouette, and long flowing Cathedral train, joined by its long Watteau veil and train. Nathan looked extra dapper and suave in a black bow tie tuxedo.
