Iconic Engagement Rings of Princess Grace, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor
Princess Grace, Audrey Hepburn, and Elizabeth Taylor are renowned for receiving some of the most iconic engagement rings in history. These three actresses all got married around the same time, with Hepburn marrying Mel Ferrer in 1954, Grace marrying Prince Rainier of Monaco in 1956, and Taylor marrying Richard Burton in 1964. Their engagement rings were distinctive and became significant pieces in their jewelry collections. Grace and Taylor's well-known engagement rings were not the ones they were initially proposed to with, but rather the ones with center stones weighing over 10 carats.
Grace's engagement ring from Prince Rainier featured an eternity band with red rubies and diamonds, symbolizing the colors of the Monaco flag. However, Rainier later gifted her a more famous ring with a 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond center stone from Cartier, estimated to be worth $4 million at the time, equivalent to $38.8 million today. Hepburn received a unique trio of bands from Ferrer instead of a traditional diamond ring, including a 1.5-carat diamond baguette eternity band. The set is valued at $10,047 today.
Taylor's most famous engagement ring was from Burton, who initially proposed with an emerald brooch and earrings but later bought her a 33.19-carat diamond ring, known as the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond. Burton purchased the ring for $307,000, and after Taylor's passing, it was auctioned for $8.8 million. Grace's emerald-cut diamond ring is considered the most expensive, followed by Taylor's diamond ring and Hepburn's three-ring set.
Grace's engagement ring, now in the possession of the House of Grimaldi, is valued at $38.8 million today. Taylor's ring sold for $8.8 million at auction, while Hepburn's set is estimated to be worth $10,047. These iconic engagement rings continue to captivate jewelry enthusiasts and hold a special place in the history of these legendary actresses.