Top 10 Biggest Diamond Engagement Rings

The Ultimate Guide to the Biggest Diamond Engagement Ring and Most Iconic Rings in History

Diamond engagement rings are often seen as symbols of love, commitment, and luxury. While many opt for more modest-sized stones, some celebrities, royals, and the ultra-wealthy have taken diamond engagement rings to the next level, sporting stones that are not only enormous in size but also breathtaking in quality and design. This guide explores some of the most significant diamond engagement rings ever made, their fascinating histories, and the stories behind their dazzling stones.

Table of Contents

Introduction to the World of Large Diamond Engagement Rings

What Makes a Diamond “Big”?

When it comes to diamond engagement rings, “big” generally refers to the carat weight of the stone. The carat weight measures the size of the diamond, and the larger the carat weight, the bigger the diamond. While the average diamond engagement ring in the U.S. is around 1 to 1.5 carats, the rings featured in this guide start from 10 carats and can go up to 35 carats or more.

Significance and Symbolism of Large Diamond Rings

Large diamond engagement rings are often associated with wealth, status, and luxury. They are seen as symbols of luxury and elaborate romantic gestures and are usually given by well-known people like celebrities, royals, or business moguls. These rings are often custom-made and designed to reflect the personal taste and style of the wearer.

Record-Breaking Diamond Engagement Rings

Elizabeth Taylor’s Krupp Diamond Ring

Carat Weight: 33.19 carats
Cut: Ascher
Value: Estimated over $8.8 million at auction

Elizabeth Taylor, known for her love of jewelry, famously wore the Krupp Diamond, given to her by Richard Burton in 1968. The diamond, later renamed the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, is an Ascher-cut diamond with a carat weight of 33.19. Its D-color and VS1 clarity make it one of the most flawless diamonds ever to grace an engagement ring.

Mariah Carey’s 35-Carat Diamond Ring

Carat Weight: 35 carats
Cut: Emerald
Value: Originally valued at $10 million

When billionaire James Packer proposed to Mariah Carey in 2016, he did so with a stunning 35-carat emerald-cut diamond ring. Wilfredo Rosado’s ring has a large center stone surrounded by two smaller diamonds. Even though Carey and Packer ended their engagement, the ring remains one of the largest and most costly in recent celebrity history.

Cartier Ring owned by Grace Kelly

Carat Weight: 10.48 carats
Cut: Emerald
Value: Priceless

Prince Rainier III of Monaco proposed to American actress Grace Kelly with a 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond ring by Cartier. This ring, which featured two baguette-cut diamonds on either side, became an icon of sophistication and timeless elegance, reflecting Kelly’s classic style.

Iconic Celebrity Engagement Rings

Beyoncé’s 24-Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring

Carat Weight: 24 carats
Cut: Emerald
Value: Estimated at $5 million

Beyoncé was given an amazing 24-carat emerald-cut diamond ring by Lorraine Schwartz by Jay-Z. The diamond is certified as flawless, with an exceptional clarity rating and color grade, making it one of the most impressive celebrity engagement rings.

Kim Kardashian’s 20-Carat Diamond Ring

Carat Weight: 20 carats
Cut: Emerald
Value: Estimated at $4.5 million

In 2013, Lorraine Schwartz created a 15-carat cushion-cut diamond ring that Kanye West proposed to Kim Kardashian with. Later, the ring was upgraded to a 20-carat emerald-cut diamond. Unfortunately, the second ring was famously stolen during a robbery in Paris in 2016, but it remains one of the most talked-about rings in recent years.

Paris Hilton’s 20-Carat Pear-Shaped Diamond Ring

Carat Weight: 20 carats
Cut: Pear
Value: Estimated at $2 million

Paris Hilton has had several notable engagement rings, but her 20-carat pear-shaped diamond ring from her engagement to actor Chris Zylka in 2018 stands out. The ring, which has two tiny triangular diamonds on either side of a large pear-shaped diamond, was also designed by Lorraine Schwartz.

The Royal Connection

Princess Diana’s Sapphire and Diamond Ring

Carat Weight: 14 diamonds encircle a 12-carat sapphire in the center.
Cut: Oval sapphire surrounded by round diamonds
Value: Estimated at $500,000 (current value as of 2023)

Princess Diana was the first to receive this ring from Prince Charles. It features 14 solitaire diamonds surrounding a stunning 12-carat blue sapphire. Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, is currently wearing one of the most famous engagement rings in the world, known for its distinctive style and royal connections.

The Trilogy Diamond Ring on Meghan Markle

Weight in Carats: About six carats in total
Cut: Cushion-cut center diamond with side stones
Value: Estimated at $350,000

Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle with a custom-designed trilogy ring featuring a large cushion-cut diamond from Botswana and two smaller stones from Princess Diana’s personal collection. This ring symbolizes their love story and the merging of their two worlds.

Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Engagement Ring

Three-carat center stone with smaller diamonds on either side.
Cut: Round
Value: Priceless due to historical significance

Prince Philip designed Queen Elizabeth II’s engagement ring using diamonds from a tiara that belonged to his mother, Princess Alice of Battenberg. The ring features a 3-carat round-cut diamond with five smaller stones on each side, symbolizing elegance and understated luxury.

What Makes These Rings So Valuable?

The Four Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight

The Four Cs are what mostly define a diamond’s worth:

Cut: Refers to how well the diamond has been cut and shaped, affecting its brilliance and sparkle.

Color: Diamond color is graded from D (colorless) to Z (light color). The more colorless a diamond, the rarer and more valuable it is.

Clarity: Measures the presence of internal or external flaws (inclusions and blemishes). The fewer the imperfections, the higher the clarity grade and value.

Carat Weight: Refers to the size of the diamond. Larger diamonds are rarer and therefore more valuable.

Provenance and Historical Significance

The provenance of these rings frequently adds to their value in addition to the Four Cs. Historical rings—those worn by royalty or well-known individuals—are valued for their rarity because of their distinctive histories and the prestige of their former wearers.

Famous Diamond Cut Styles for Engagement Rings

Popular Cuts for Large Diamonds:

Round Brilliant Cut: The most popular and classic cut, known for its exceptional brilliance.

Emerald Cut: Features a rectangular shape with step cuts, known for its elegant and timeless appeal.

Oval Cut: Offers similar brilliance to the round cut but with an elongated shape.

Pear Cut: Combines the round and marquise shapes, often chosen for its unique and elegant appearance.

Cushion Cut: Known for its square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, offering a vintage feel.

How to Choose a Large Diamond Engagement Ring

Factors to Consider: Budget, Lifestyle, and Personal Taste

Budget: Determine how much you are willing to spend. Larger diamonds are more expensive, so setting a realistic budget is crucial.

Lifestyle: Consider the wearer’s lifestyle. For someone with an active lifestyle, a lower-set or bezel-set diamond might be more practical.

Personal Taste: The ring should reflect the personal style and preferences of the wearer, whether they prefer a classic solitaire or a more unique, customized design.

Tips for Selecting the Perfect Diamond Ring

Prioritize Cut Over Carat: A well-cut diamond will appear larger and more brilliant than a poorly cut stone of the same carat weight.

Consider the Setting: A halo setting or pavé band can enhance the appearance of a diamond, making it look bigger.

Think About the Shape: Certain shapes, like oval or marquise, tend to look larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the biggest diamond engagement ring in the world?

The largest diamond engagement ring ever given is often considered to be Mariah Carey’s 35-carat emerald-cut diamond ring, valued at around $10 million.

Q2: Who has the most expensive engagement ring?

The title for the most expensive engagement ring often fluctuates, but some of the top contenders include Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, and Elizabeth Taylor.

Q3: What is the average carat size for an engagement ring in the U.S.?

The average engagement ring in the U.S. is around 1 to 1.5 carats, significantly smaller than the rings featured in this guide.

Q4: Can large diamonds be ethically sourced?

Yes, a lot of big diamonds come from ethical sources. This is especially true for diamonds that have undergone conflict-free certification from respectable entities such as the Kimberley Process.

Q5: What is the best way to enlarge my engagement ring made of diamonds?

To make a diamond appear larger, consider a halo setting, choosing a slimmer band, or opting for certain diamond shapes like oval or marquise cuts.

Q6: Are large diamonds a good investment?

While some large diamonds can appreciate in value, especially those with unique histories or exceptional quality, not all diamonds are guaranteed to increase in value over time. It’s best to purchase a diamond primarily for its sentimental and aesthetic value rather than as an investment.

Conclusion

Large diamond engagement rings capture the imagination with their brilliance, size, and historical significance. Whether worn by royals, commoners, or celebrities, these rings represent the pinnacle of fashion, passion, and love. The fascinating stories that each piece of jewelry, from record-breaking stones to well-known celebrity rings, tells adds to the allure and fascination of these exquisite gems.