9 Famous Gemstone Engagement Rings

For some famous starlets and politicos, a traditional diamond engagement ring simply doesn’t cut it. When they need to find engagement rings as unique and captivating as their muses, high-profile beaus often choose colorful gemstones. Some of the most well-known women in pop culture have donned gemstones including rubies, emeralds and sapphires in place of conventional diamonds. Here is a countdown of 9 of the most famous gemstone engagement rings in Hollywood and beyond.

9. Penelope Cruz

Actor Javier Bardem gifted wife Penelope Cruz with a beautiful blue engagement ring. The 3-carat oval stone is a sapphire set in a flower-shaped, diamond halo. The vintage gem is estimated to cost more than $30,000.

8. Jessica Simpson

Celebrating her birthday on July 10, Jessica Simpson’s birthstone is the ruby. That’s also what she wears on her ring finger, thanks to now-husband Eric Johnson. The former NFL star proposed with a 5-carat ruby ring, flanked by two dazzling diamonds.

7. Elizabeth Hurley

Cricket player Shane Warne surprised actress Elizabeth Hurley with a jaw-dropping 9-carat sapphire engagement ring, which is an extremely popular gem among British royalty. Hurley’s ring also features two 2-carat trillion-cut diamonds on either side of the sapphire for a breathtaking effect. The ring is reportedly worth an estimated $100,000.

6. Halle Berry

Halle Berry’s husband, Olivier Martinez, commissioned her engagement ring from Parisian neighbor and jeweler, Robert Mazio. The 4-carat emerald stunner is hand-forged in yellow gold and is rumored to contain esoteric codes understood only by the couple.

5. Olivia Wilde

Although a circular diamond is the center of attention on Olivia Wilde’s ring, the halo of emeralds that surrounds it makes this gem truly mesmerizing. Comedian Jason Sudeikis proposed to Wilde in January 2013 with a 6-carat diamond ring encircled in emeralds. The story behind the ring makes it even more romantic: According to Sudeikis, the vintage emerald gem reminded him of Wilde’s eyes.

4. Ashlee Simpson

Even though Ashlee Simpson’s ruby and diamond encrusted ring is a modern nod to the Edwardian Era, according to jeweler and designer Neil Lane, it is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before. Actor Evan Ross hired Lane, who also designed sister Jessica Simpson’s sparkler, to create the one-of-a-kind 5-carat marquise-cut engagement ring.

3. Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham is a lucky woman. Soccer star husband David Beckham has gifted his fashion designer wife with not one, but 13 engagement rings throughout the course of their 17 years of marriage. Three have featured gemstones, including emerald, sapphire, and ruby stunners.

2. Jackie Kennedy

Image source: Glamour

We simply cannot talk about famous gemstone engagement rings without mentioning style icon Jackie Kennedy. John F. Kennedy proposed to the future First Lady in 1953 with an emerald and diamond sparkler. The unique 2-carat emerald and 2-carat diamond setting also features daintier baguette diamonds and a yellow gold setting. It is reportedly worth over $1,000,000.

1. Kate Middleton

In a truly moving and heartfelt gesture, Prince William proposed to the future Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, with his mother’s 18-carat sapphire ring. The gem, originally worn by the late Princess Diana, features a halo of 14 diamonds and is set in 18-carat white gold. It is now considered one of the most famous heirloom engagement rings in history.

These nine gemstone sparklers truly are as stunning and unique as the lucky women who wear them.