JEWELLERY

Famous Diamond Rings Through History

10 March 2025

Katherine Miller

Diamond rings have long been associated with love, status and celebration, but some examples have achieved something more lasting. Whether worn by royalty, gifted as symbols of devotion or sold for record-breaking sums at auction, certain diamond rings have left a lasting mark on jewellery history.

From royal engagement rings to exceptional gemstones that have passed through generations of collectors, these pieces continue to influence how diamond rings are designed, worn and valued today.

The Archduke Joseph Diamond Ring

Few diamond rings have achieved the auction fame of the Archduke Joseph Diamond. The remarkable cushion-shaped Golconda diamond, weighing 76.02 carats, belonged to the Hungarian branch of the Habsburg family before appearing at auction in the twenty-first century.

Golconda diamonds, mined in India centuries ago, are among the most coveted gemstones in the world. Their exceptional transparency and purity have made them synonymous with some of the finest diamonds ever discovered.

The Archduke Joseph Diamond demonstrated the importance of provenance. While its size and quality were extraordinary, its royal ownership added another layer of desirability for collectors.

Illustrated below: Unknown photographer (family photo, made available for the press). Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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Archduke Joseph August of Austria

The Man Behind the Diamond

Grace Kelly's Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring

When Prince Rainier III of Monaco proposed to Grace Kelly in 1956, he presented her with one of the most recognisable engagement rings of the twentieth century: a substantial emerald-cut diamond flanked by baguette-cut diamonds.

The ring appeared prominently in Kelly's final film, High Society, helping to cement its place in popular culture. More importantly, it established the emerald cut as a sophisticated alternative to the traditional round brilliant diamond.

Decades later, the style remains highly sought after by collectors and contemporary buyers alike.

Illustrated below: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons, Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, Hans Peters for Anefo, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons, MGM/Loew's Incorporated, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Elizabeth Taylor's Krupp Diamond

Few jewellery collectors are more closely associated with diamonds than Elizabeth Taylor. Among her celebrated collection was the Krupp Diamond, a 33.19-carat Asscher-cut stone gifted by Richard Burton in 1968.

Taylor wore the ring regularly and its bold, geometric design helped popularise large step-cut diamonds during the latter half of the twentieth century. Following her death, the ring achieved significant attention when it returned to the market, demonstrating the powerful relationship between celebrity provenance and value.

The Princess Diana Sapphire and Diamond Ring

Although not a diamond solitaire, the engagement ring chosen by Diana, Princess of Wales, remains one of the most influential rings ever created.

Its oval Ceylon sapphire surrounded by a cluster of diamonds challenged prevailing expectations of engagement ring design. The ring's influence has only grown since it was later presented by Prince William to Catherine, Princess of Wales.

The popularity of sapphire engagement rings today owes much to this single piece of jewellery.

The Williamson Pink Diamond Ring

Pink diamonds have become some of the most sought-after gemstones in the world, particularly following the closure of Australia's Argyle Mine.

The Williamson Pink Star, an internally flawless fancy vivid pink diamond weighing 11.15 carats, attracted worldwide attention when it achieved a record price at auction in 2022. Set as a ring, it demonstrated the extraordinary demand for rare coloured diamonds and highlighted the growing importance of coloured stones within the jewellery market.

Why Historic Rings Continue to Matter

The most famous diamond rings are remembered for more than their carat weight. Their significance often lies in the stories they tell: royal connections, remarkable gemstones, celebrated owners or designs that changed jewellery fashion.

Many of the features seen in today's diamond rings can be traced back to historic examples. Emerald cuts remain associated with Grace Kelly's timeless elegance, coloured gemstone engagement rings continue to evoke Princess Diana's influence, and Golconda diamonds remain the benchmark for rarity and prestige.

For collectors, these rings provide valuable insight into the qualities that continue to drive demand: exceptional gemstones, strong provenance, craftsmanship and flawless design.

Department

Jewellery

Buying Diamond Rings at Auction

Auction houses regularly handle diamond rings spanning more than two centuries of jewellery history. From antique diamond solitaires to signed examples by Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Van Cleef & Arpels, each piece reflects changing tastes, techniques and fashions.

While only a handful of rings achieve global fame, the same principles that make those examples desirable often apply more broadly. Quality gemstones, excellent craftsmanship and compelling provenance continue to underpin the market for diamond rings today.

Our Team

Katherine Miller

Sale Coordinator, Jewellery

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Diamond Rings at Auction