When it comes to diamond rings, if it’s not good enough for Grace Kelly, it’s not good enough for us.
That’s how we like to think of engagement ring shopping, anyway.
During your proposal, you have the opportunity to give your partner a symbol of your love and devotion. Sure, you’ll have a well-written speech with kind words that she’ll cherish for a lifetime. But you also plan to give her an engagement ring that speaks for itself.
The silver screen offers us many examples of fashionable and statement-worthy rings. In fact, celebrities have been driving style and jewelry trends for over a century. Let’s dive into the top 5 most iconic movie engagement rings, and how you can create one of your own.
Our Top 5 Classic Movie Engagement Rings (And How You Can Create Yours)
It’s no coincidence that our favorite romantic movies feature breathtaking engagement rings. From the classics of the 1950s to modern-day favorites, films have changed the way we dress, the way we talk, and yes, even how we propose. Many of the rings on our list inspired fine jewelry trends that are still popular today.
Honorable mentions include Allie’s emerald-cut diamond engagement ring in The Notebook, and the trendsetting pear-shaped diamond ring worn by Marilyn Monroe in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.
Whether your partner prefers colorful gemstones or classic diamond engagement rings, we’re confident that there’s a ring or style here she’ll love:
Daisy’s Diamond Engagement Ring in The Great Gatsby
Tragic and deeply romantic, The Great Gatsby is famous for its symbolic jewelry. Jay Gatsby famously wears a signet ring with a daisy motif — alluding to his undying love of Daisy Buchanon.
But it’s undoubtedly Daisy’s jewelry that steals the spotlight. In the film, she wears an enchanting cushion-cut diamond ring with halo diamonds and a pavé band. This ring is part of a bridal set, along with a matching platinum band with pavé diamonds.
Inspired by the Art Deco styles of the Roaring ‘20s, Daisy’s engagement ring is designed with her character in mind. She’s a fashion icon who loves to draw attention to her perfect outfits with statement jewelry.
If you want an engagement ring inspired by The Great Gatsby:
1. Look for bridal sets in diamond and platinum
2. Choose a pavé set diamond band (which is a modern popular trend)
3. Prioritize antique settings with bold, geometric designs
Elle’s Pink Sapphire Engagement Ring in Legally Blonde 2
In Legally Blonde 2, Elle’s fiancé gives her an iconic colorful gemstone engagement ring. It features a 5-carat pink sapphire that’s set in platinum and features two triangular accent diamonds. While this isn’t a typical engagement ring, it’s special to Elle Wood’s story because it captures her personality.
Throughout both Legally Blonde films, Elle Woods is unapologetically herself. She’s bold, kind, enthusiastic, and has a deep love for bright pink. And the beautiful thing about her engagement ring is how it makes a statement. Her fiancé gets her and loves her for her quirks.
If you want an engagement ring inspired by Legally Blonde:
1. Go for a large-carat colorful gemstone (preferably, pink!)
2. Choose a high-quality gemstone that’s cut to optimize sparkle (cushion, oval, emerald, or round cut)
3. Purchase a high-quality platinum band
Rachel’s Vintage Emerald Engagement Ring in Crazy Rich Asians
Of the five films on our list, Crazy Rich Asians has our favorite proposal scene. When Rachel’s boyfriend Nick drops onto one knee in the middle of a crowded plane, he presents her with his mother’s vintage emerald engagement ring. The emerald is not only breathtaking, but it’s a symbol of his family’s approval of Rachel.
The ring used in the movie (a 20 carat emerald) is actually from the personal jewelry collection of Crazy Rich Asians star Michelle Yeoh.
If you want an engagement ring inspired by Crazy Rich Asians:
1. Don’t be afraid to make a statement with a large carat gemstone
2. Purchase a timeless design that can be passed on for generations
3. Choose an iconic gemstone, like emerald, that matches her fashion sense
Carrie Bradshaw’s Black Diamond Engagement Ring in Sex and the City 2
“Because you’re not like anyone else.”
That’s what Mr. Big said when he gave Carrie Bradshaw her iconic black diamond engagement ring in Sex and the City 2. This alluring and sophisticated ring showcases a massive round-cut black diamond in a platinum band, with a hidden halo of small colorless diamonds.
Black diamond rings are perfect for women who love gothic styles — or who just want to be totally unique. For Carrie, this gem appealed to her extravagant fashion sense and individual personality.
If you want an engagement ring inspired by Sex and the City:
1. Look for an elegant ring with a round-cut gemstone and a thin band
2. Choose a unique gemstone, like a black diamond, blue diamond, or ruby
3. Complement your center stone with the popular hidden halo
Tracy Lord’s Jaw-Dropping Diamond Engagement Ring in High Society
In High Society, Tracy Lord (Grace Kelly) wears an unforgettable three-stone diamond engagement ring. It features a staggering 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond at the center, with two bezel-set baguette diamonds.
Even more unbelievable than Tracy’s diamond is the story behind it. The breathtaking ring was Grace Kelly’s real-life engagement ring. Worth $4 million in 1955 ($38 million today), it was given to her by her fiancé, Prince Rainier III of Monaco, before she became Princess Grace Kelly.
If you want an engagement ring inspired by High Society:
1. Choose a three-stone ring with an emerald-cut diamond as the center stone
2. Buy the absolute biggest high-quality diamond you can afford (don’t shy away from lab diamonds)
3. Look for vintage-inspired gemstones fit for a princess
Make Your Love Story Worthy of the Silver Screen
All of these engagement rings have something in common: They’re customized to the woman’s individual personality and sense of style. The intentionality and motive behind the ring is what makes it worthy of the silver screen — and worthy of your own love story.
If you can’t find an engagement ring online that fits your partner’s style, consider creating your own. Many jewelers will work with you to create a custom ring design. And, for added symbolism, you can include a nod to her favorite film in the design.
