Franklin Dean
The world of luxury and extravagance is perhaps best exemplified by expensive wedding rings. The most expensive ring in the world is the CTF Pink, previously known as the Pink Star, which was purchased by Hong Kong-based jewelry company Chow Tai Fook for $71.2 million. The ring features a 59.60-carat oval-shaped, vivid pink, and rare Type IIa diamond. Other notable mentions include the Bleu Royal, which sold for $43.8 million, and celebrity engagement rings, such as Mariah Carey's 35-carat emerald-cut jewel, which was valued at $10 million.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the Ring | CTF Pink (formerly known as the Pink Star) |
| Weight | 59.60-carat |
| Shape | Oval-shaped |
| Colour | Vivid pink |
| Type | Type IIa diamond (rare category with no measurable impurities) |
| Setting | 18K rose and white gold |
| Price | $71.2 million |
| Buyer | Chow Tai Fook (Hong Kong-based jewellery company) |
| Purchase Date | April 2017 |
| Auction House | Sotheby's (Hong Kong) |
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What You'll Learn
Celebrities with expensive rings
When it comes to celebrity engagement rings, it's hard not to be envious of the dazzling rocks adorning the rich and famous's fingers. From those who opt for unique designs to those who can afford the best money can buy, here are some of the most expensive celebrity engagement rings.
Grace Kelly
Before Grace Kelly, the Hollywood actress, married Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956, she received a 10.47-10.48 carat emerald-cut diamond ring designed by Cartier. At the time, it was priced at $4.06 million, but today, it is worth a staggering $38.8 million, making it the priciest celebrity engagement ring.
Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey's engagement ring from her former fiancé, billionaire James Packer, is said to be the most expensive modern-day celebrity engagement ring. The 35-carat emerald-cut ring, designed by Wilfredo Rosado, cost $10 million. Mariah joked that the ring was so heavy that she struggled to lift her arm.
Beyoncé
Beyoncé's engagement ring from Jay-Z is a 24-carat custom creation featuring a flawless emerald-cut diamond. The ring, designed by Lorraine Schwartz, is said to have cost $5 million.
Kourtney Kardashian
Kourtney Kardashian's engagement ring from Travis Barker is estimated to be worth up to $1 million. The oval-shaped diamond with a pavé band features a colossal stone weighing between 10 and 12 carats.
Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez has received multiple exorbitantly priced engagement rings over the years. Her first engagement ring from Ben Affleck in 2002 was a 6.1-carat pink diamond ring by Harry Winston, estimated to be worth $2.5 million. In 2021, she received another ring from Affleck, this time featuring a rare green diamond. This ring is estimated to be worth $5 million. Prior to her engagement to Affleck, Lopez was engaged to Marc Anthony, who gave her an 8.5-carat blue diamond ring worth $4.1 million.
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton received a 24-carat, $4.7 million engagement ring from Paris Latsis. The ring was so large that Hilton reportedly said it hurt her finger. After their separation, she auctioned off the ring to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
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Rare diamonds
When it comes to wedding rings, diamonds are a popular choice, and rare diamonds can make for an especially valuable and coveted piece of jewellery. While colourless diamonds are already considered rare, coloured diamonds are even rarer and, consequently, more expensive. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) uses a complex colour-grading system to assess the nuances and intensity of colour in these precious gemstones.
One of the most famous rare diamonds is the Pink Star, a 59.60-carat oval-shaped diamond of a rare Type IIa category, which means it has no measurable impurities. It was graded by the GIA in 2016 as the largest Internally Flawless Fancy Vivid Pink diamond in the world. Only a minuscule percentage of diamonds are classified as fancy colour, and pink diamonds are incredibly scarce, making the Pink Star a highly prized gemstone. In 2017, the Pink Star was sold at a Sotheby's auction in Hong Kong for $71.2 million, becoming the world's most expensive ring at the time.
Another notable rare diamond is the Bleu Royal, a 17.61-carat internally flawless fancy vivid blue pear-shaped Type IIb diamond. Its unique colour and impeccable clarity make it a highly prized gemstone. The Bleu Royal sold for $43.8 million at a Christie's auction in Geneva in 2023, far surpassing its estimated selling price of $35 million.
In addition to pink and blue diamonds, green diamonds are also extremely rare. When actress and singer Jennifer Lopez received a rare 8.5-carat green diamond ring from actor Ben Affleck during their second engagement, it was valued at $5 million. This ring attracted much media attention, showcasing how rare and valuable coloured diamonds can be.
While the aforementioned diamonds are among the rarest and most expensive, there are other notable mentions in the realm of celebrity engagement rings. Mariah Carey received a 35-carat emerald-cut diamond from her former fiancé, James Packer, which was purchased for $10 million. Elizabeth Taylor's Krupp diamond, a 33.19-carat stone with an Asscher cut, is also renowned, selling for $8.8 million at a Christie's auction in 2011. These examples further highlight the exclusivity and high value associated with rare diamonds, especially those of significant size and exceptional colour.
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High carat weight
When it comes to wedding rings, carat weight plays a significant role in determining value. Higher carat weights often result in more expensive rings, especially when coupled with rare colours and flawless clarity. Here are some examples of expensive wedding rings with high carat weights:
The Pink Star Diamond ring boasts an impressive 59.60-carat weight. This oval-shaped diamond is a rare Type IIa diamond with no measurable impurities. It was purchased by Chow Tai Fook, a Hong Kong-based jewellery company, for $71.2 million at a Sotheby's auction in Hong Kong, making it one of the most expensive rings ever sold.
Mariah Carey received a 35-carat emerald-cut diamond ring from her ex-fiancé, James Packer. The Australian billionaire purchased the ring, designed by Wilfredo Rosado, for $10 million in 2016. Despite their split a few months later, Carey continued to wear the ring.
Gucci Mane demonstrated extravagance when he proposed to Keyshia Ka'oir with a 25-carat diamond ring in 2016. However, he outdid himself on Valentine's Day three years later by upgrading the ring to a 60-carat, oval-cut diamond. This substantial increase in carat weight showcases the impact on value and expense.
The Krupp Diamond, a 33.19-carat stone with an Asscher cut, was given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton. While he initially paid $305,000 for the ring, it sold for $8.8 million at a Christie's auction in 2011, reflecting the enduring value of high-carat weight diamonds.
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Famous auction houses
When it comes to wedding rings, famous auction houses such as Sotheby's, Christie's, Bonhams, and Phillips are renowned for offering a wide range of options, including vintage, antique, and contemporary designs. These auction houses are known for their record-breaking diamond sales, with Sotheby's selling the world's most expensive ring, the "CTF Pink" or "Pink Star," for $71.2 million.
Sotheby's has a well-established reputation in the jewellery auction world. With specialists like Paul Redmayne, who brings decades of experience from esteemed jewellery houses, Sotheby's offers a bespoke service. They can source diamonds, design and execute unique pieces, working closely with jewellers and artisans to create settings for loose stones and manufacture jewellery to clients' specifications.
Christie's, another famous auction house, has also handled notable diamond sales, including the Krupp diamond, which sold for $8.8 million, and the Bleu Royal, a rare 17.61-carat blue diamond that sold for $43.8 million in 2023.
Bonhams, a well-known auction house, provides a personalised experience through consultations with Caroline Morrisey, Head of New York Jewels. Bonhams holds 15 annual jewellery auctions, with engagement-style rings comprising 20-30% of the items and prices ranging from $500 to $1 million.
Phillips, another renowned auction house, employs specialists like Paul Redmayne, who previously headed private jewellery sales. Phillips is dedicated to helping clients find the perfect diamond engagement ring, leveraging its global network and expertise.
In addition to these famous auction houses, online platforms like Bidsquare offer antique and vintage wedding and engagement rings. Bidsquare features designs from renowned jewellers such as Tiffany & Co., Cartier, and Giovanni Ferraris, providing a diverse selection for those seeking unique and valuable wedding rings.
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Most expensive rings of all time
Some of the most expensive rings of all time have been engagement rings. These rings are often adorned with large, rare diamonds, and their prices can increase over time due to inflation. Here are some of the most expensive rings ever sold or exchanged:
The Pink Star
The Pink Star diamond ring is one of the most expensive rings ever sold. In April 2017, it was purchased by Chow Tai Fook, a Hong Kong-based jewellery company, for $71.2 million at a Sotheby's auction in Hong Kong. The ring features a 59.60-carat oval-shaped, vivid pink, and rare Type IIa diamond, which is set into a solitaire ring. Type IIa diamonds are extremely rare, with less than one per cent of the world's diamonds classified as fancy colours, and only a handful of them being pink.
Grace Kelly's Engagement Ring
When Hollywood actress Grace Kelly became engaged to Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1956, her ring was valued at $4 million, which was an extravagant purchase at the time. Today, the 10.47-carat emerald-cut diamond ring, designed by Cartier, is estimated to be worth up to $45 million, making it one of the most expensive celebrity engagement rings ever.
Elizabeth Taylor's Krupp Diamond Ring
Elizabeth Taylor's engagement ring from Richard Burton featured a 33-carat Krupp diamond, which sold for $8.8 million at auction in 2011, setting a record price per carat. This rare Type IIa diamond is comparable to world-famous stones like the Koh-i-Noor and Cullinan.
Jennifer Lopez's Blue Diamond Ring
In 2004, Jennifer Lopez received an 8.5-carat blue diamond ring from Marc Anthony, designed by Harry Winston. While the current whereabouts of the ring are unknown, it was reportedly worth $5 million and sparked a trend for coloured diamonds.
Anna Kournikova's Canary Yellow Diamond Ring
Tennis star Anna Kournikova received an 11-carat canary yellow diamond ring from singer Enrique Iglesias. Valued at $5.4 million when it was revealed in 2009, it is estimated to be worth almost $7.7 million today.
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Frequently asked questions
The most expensive wedding ring ever sold is the CTF Pink, formerly known as the Pink Star. This 59.60-carat oval-shaped, fancy vivid pink, and rare Type IIa diamond was purchased by Hong Kong-based jewelry company Chow Tai Fook for $71.2 million at a Sotheby's auction in Hong Kong in April 2017.
The most expensive celebrity wedding ring is Mariah Carey's 35-carat emerald-cut diamond from ex-fiancé James Packer. The Australian billionaire bought the ring, which was designed by Wilfredo Rosado, for $10 million in 2016.
The most expensive royal wedding ring is part of the House of Grimaldi royal collection. It is a 17.61-carat, internally flawless, fancy vivid blue, pear-shaped Type IIb diamond with a platinum and 18K rose gold setting. This ring sold for $43.8 million at a Christie's auction in Geneva in November 2023.
While there may be men's wedding rings that have sold for high prices, specific examples are not publicly known. However, it is worth mentioning that former NBA star Dwayne Wade proposed to Gabrielle Union with an 8.5-carat, cushion-cut engagement ring in 2013.
