What are the Most Expensive Engagement Rings in History?

Is there any moment more iconic than the one where a woman shows off her new engagement ring to her friends and family? The shared "squee" over a shiny new engagement ring is just as big a part of modern marriage culture as the cake, the dress, and the family dancing to "Love Shack" during the reception. That's why engagement rings, be they vintage, estate, or new, are universally shiny, bright, and eye-catching!

There's a feeling about engagement rings that "bigger is better," and you will often hear about the biggest, most impressive engagement rings if you follow entertainment, society, or royal news.

THE MOST EXPENSIVE ENGAGEMENT RINGS IN HISTORY

#1 Elizabeth Taylor from Richard Burton

At the end of the day, however, Old Hollywood will always get the last word. The most expensive engagement ring on our list was given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton and features the Asscher-cut Krupp Diamond, which is over 33 carats. This diamond is one of the most chemically pure types of diamond, and is exceptionally transparent. It is valued at almost $9 million and currently in the possession of an unnamed Asian collector.

#2 Mariah Carey from James Packer

Mariah Carey’s engagement ring from billionaire James Packer is a 35-carat diamond and platinum ring. Although that’s 2 carats more than the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond, we’re guessing that Mariah’s gem isn’t quite the same quality (just because it’s so rare for a large gem to be both D-color and potentially flawless.) Still, 35 carats! That’s bigger than Beyonce’s engagement ring. And Kim Kardashian’s engagement ring. Combined. It’s likely to be worth $6-8 million.

#3 Beyoncé and Jay-Z

Beyonce’s engagement ring took Hollywood by surprise when she and Jay-Z wed in secret in April of 2008. Like many celebrity engagement rings, it features an enormous center diamond worthy of Beyonce’s star status; an 18 carat flawless diamond valued at over $5 million dollars by jeweler Lorraine Schwartz. It’s among the world’s most expensive engagement rings, and it’s also one of the most famous.

#4 Kim Kardashian from Kanye West

Kim’s engagement ring from Kanye has a 15-carat cushion-cut diamond by Lorraine Schwartz. The value of this ring is over $5 million dollars.

#5 Paris Hilton from Paris Latsis

This ring was a massive 24-carat white gold ring with a centerpiece rectangular diamond, flanked by two triangle cut baguettes. It is estimated to be worth $5 million dollars. After they split she auctioned it for Katrina hurricane victims for about half of the value.

#6 Grace Kelley's from Prince Rainer III

The ring was the legendary Cartier 10.47 carat emerald-cut center, flanked by two stylish diamond baguettes. This engagement ring is valued at over $4 million dollars.

#7 Jennifer Lopez from Mark Anthony

Jennifer Lopez's engagement ring from Mark Anthony had an 8.5-carat center diamond set into a ring valued at $4 million dollars.

#8 Melania Knauss from Donald Trump

The ring was a 15-carat emerald-cut diamond ring on a platinum basket setting, bought from the expensive House of Graff in London. It is estimated to be worth $3 million dollars.

#9 Catharine Zeta Jones from Michael Douglass

The ring Michael Douglass gave to Catharine Zeta Jones featured a ten-carat marquise-shaped diamond. The ring has a vintage 1920s vibe, with 28 smaller stones sparkling around the large diamond and was valued at $2.5 million dollars!

#10 Anna Kournikova from Enrique Iglesias

The ring was a pink pear-cut diamond at the center, with two Trillian stones on the side. The value of this ring is estimated to be $2.5 million dollars.

FINDING THE PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING FOR YOU

These rings may all be amazing to gawk at, but the truth of the matter is that your local jewelry store will carry engagement rings that will be sure to make her feel like a princess or a Hollywood star or a hip-hop diva. So if you're looking for engagement rings in Kansas City, come to Noe's. We have a wide variety of exceptionally beautiful engagement rings at a range of prices. Engagement rings are beautiful, and we pride ourselves on having an assortment sure to please anyone, but the important thing is to remember that you're the one giving it to her, and that's what's really going to make her squeal with joy.

Visit Noe's online or in person at our Raymore, Missouri jewelry store. Our selection of engagement rings will dazzle you, and will definitely dazzle her!