Whenever we get asked to design a ring that will remain timeless, we look to the past for iconic engagement rings that never go out of style. Some have been setting trends for over 50 years, proving that fashions fade and only true style remains the same.
Take a look at our favorite iconic engagement rings for inspiration below.
Marilyn Monroe
The ring: Joe DiMaggio slipped this gorgeous eternity band, featuring 35 baguette-cut diamonds onto Marilyn Monroe’s finger in 1954.
Marilyn Monroe’s Engagement Ring from Joe DiMaggio
Grace Kelly
The proposal: Grace and Rainier first met at the Cannes Film Festival in 1955. The Prince reportedly popped the question over Christmas in 1955 and the engagement was announced in early 1965.
The ring: Prince Rainier III originally proposed with a more modest Cartier eternity band of diamonds and rubies. When he saw what other leading ladies of Hollywood were wearing at the time, he quickly ordered this stunning 10.5-carat emerald cut diamond flanked by 2 baguettes from Cartier.
Princess Grace’s Engagement Ring from Prince Rainier III
Illustration of Princess Grace’s Engagement Ring by George Pragnell
Queen Elizabeth
The proposal: Prince Phillip proposed during a walk around Balmoral in 1946. She accepted on the spot but was made to keep the engagement a secret until after her 21st birthday the following year.
The ring: The iconic engagement ring given to Queen Elizabeth by Prince Phillip features a round 3 carat brilliant centre stone, flanked by smaller pavé set diamonds. All the stones in her engagement ring were taken from the tiara that had belonged to Prince Phillip’s mother, Princess Andrew of Greece.
Queen Elizabeth’s Engagement Ring from Prince Phillip
Illustration of Queen Elizabeth’s Engagement Ring by George Pragnell
Elizabeth Taylor
The engagement: Richard Burton
The ring: The famous Krupp Diamond is a 33,19-carat Harry Winston Asscher cut diamond. The diamond is now known as the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond.
Taylor wrote of the diamond: “When I look into it, the deep Asscher cuts- which are so complete and ravishing- are like steps that lead into eternity and beyond. With its sparks of red and white and blue and purple, and on and on, really, it sort of hums with its own beatific life. To me, the Krupp says, ‘I want to share my chemistry-my magic-with you.”
Sounds pretty magical to be honest.
Elizabeth Taylor’s engagement ring from Richard Burton
Princess Di
The ring: The beautiful 18 karat white gold ring featuring a 12 carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire stone surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds was handpicked by Diana herself. When Prince Charles proposed to Diana, he presented her with a selection of rings to choose from, and she opted for the now-legendary sapphire stunner.
Princess Di and now Princess Kate’s engagement ring
Jackie Kennedy
The proposal: there is some debate as to how JFK popped the question. Some say he did it over the phone and others claim it happened at an intimate tavern in Georgetown.
The ring: Jackie’s iconic engagement rings from John F. Kennedy sparkled with both a 2.88 carat diamond and a 2.84 carat emerald, originally created by French jewelers, Van Cleef & Arpels.
Jackie Kennedy’s Engagement Ring
Illustration of Jackie Kennedy’s Engagement Ring by George Pragnell
Audrey Hepburn
The proposal: Mel Ferrer proposed while holding Hepburn in his arms in a garden overlooking a lake in Switzerland.
The ring: Way ahead of it’s time, Mel gave Audrey a stack-able diamond eternity band and 2 wedding bands – one yellow and one rose gold – to mix and match the designs. What a guy.
Audrey Hepburn’s infinity engagement ring from Mel Ferrer
Illustration of Audrey Hepburn’s engagement rings by George Pargnell
Looking for more inspiration? Take a look through our selection of engagement rings or let us help you design your own custom-made engagement ring.
Contact the Diamond Girls at brigitte@infacet.co.za or janine@infacet.co.za
