Famous Engagement Rings in History & Pop Culture

Engagement rings symbolise love, commitment, and status, and throughout history and pop culture, some engagement rings have become iconic symbols of romance and style. From royal family heirlooms to Hollywood glamour, these famous rings have influenced trends and shaped the public's perception of what an "ideal ring" looks like.

In this post, we’ll explore the most legendary engagement rings in history and pop culture, their designs, the stories behind them, and how you can achieve a similar look.

Related: Top 10 Engagement Ring Trends in 2025
Learn More: Solitaire Ring: History & Buying Guide

Iconic Royal Engagement Rings

1. Princess Diana & Kate Middleton’s Sapphire Ring

• Design: 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds.

• Setting: White gold halo setting.

• Cultural Impact: The halo setting soared in popularity after Kate wore this historic ring.

Related: What is a Halo Setting in a Ring? Pros and Cons

2. Meghan Markle’s Three-Stone Ring

• Design: Centre diamond from Botswana with two smaller diamonds from Princess Diana’s collection.

• Setting: Classic three-stone yellow gold band.

• Symbolism: Past, present, and future—a timeless design.

Hollywood Glamour Engagement Rings

3. Elizabeth Taylor’s Krupp Diamond

• Design: 33.19-carat Asscher-cut diamond.

• Giver: Richard Burton.

• Notable For: One of the largest and most expensive engagement rings in history.

4. Jennifer Lopez (Ben Affleck 2.0)

• Design: 6-carat natural green diamond.

• Trend Influence: Surge in popularity of colored diamonds and unique gemstones.

Related: Top 5 Alternatives to Diamonds for Unique Engagement Rings

5. Beyoncé’s Emerald-Cut Diamond

• Design: 24-carat emerald-cut diamond set in platinum.

• Style: Modern, bold, and sophisticated.

Modern Pop Culture Engagement Rings

6. Hailey Bieber’s Oval-Cut Diamond

• Design: 6 to 10-carat oval diamond on a simple band.

• Trend Influence: Oval-cut surged as one of the most requested styles in recent years.

Related: How to Choose the Perfect Diamond Shape

7. Ariana Grande’s Toi et Moi Ring

• Design: Diamond and pearl set side-by-side.

• Symbolism: Toi et Moi ("you and me") rings signify two souls becoming one.

Related: Matching Wedding Bands: Tips for Couples

8. Kourtney Kardashian’s Oval-Cut

• Design: 12-carat oval diamond on a pavé band.

• Trend Influence: Rise of pavé bands and larger statement stones.

What We Learn from These Iconic Rings

• Timeless shapes like ovals, emerald cuts, and halos remain favourites.

• Symbolism adds emotional depth, whether it's birthstones, heirlooms, or meaningful settings.

• Celebrity styles influence global trends, often leading to increased demand for similar designs.

Learn more: Why Cut is King: The Most Important of the 4Cs

Get the Look: Inspired by Legends

Love a celebrity-inspired style? Sparkling Carat offers designs that capture the glamour, elegance, and sentimentality of the world’s most famous engagement rings.

Explore:

• Oval-Cut Engagement Rings

• Halo Settings

Conclusion

From Princess Diana’s sapphire to Beyoncé’s emerald-cut masterpiece, these rings aren’t just beautiful, they tell unforgettable love stories. They inspire design trends and redefine what romance looks like through the lens of style and legacy. Whether you're a minimalist or a lover of bold statements, there's a world of design waiting to be explored, and Sparkling Carat is here to help you find your perfect ring.