At a Glance
- Grace Kelly received two engagement rings from Prince Rainier III in 1955
- The famous 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond ring is now valued at $38.8 million
- Both rings remain in the House of Grimaldi collection after her 1982 death
- Why it matters: These historic jewels shaped modern engagement ring trends for celebrities like Beyoncé and Amal Clooney
Grace Kelly’s 1956 wedding to Prince Rainier III created two legendary engagement rings that still influence celebrity jewelry today. The Oscar-winning actress first accepted an eternity band, then later received the iconic 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond that became one of history’s most expensive engagement rings.
The Two Rings That Started a Legacy
Grace Kelly actually received two separate engagement rings from Prince Rainier during their 1955 engagement.
**The first ring was an eternity band featuring:
- Alternating red rubies and diamonds from Rainier’s family
- Colors chosen to represent the Monaco flag (white and red)
- Presented when Rainier proposed over the Christmas holidays in 1955
The second ring, the famous emerald-cut diamond, entered the picture during Grace’s filming of High Society. Prince Rainier reportedly offered the additional ring after learning Grace would wear a large fake engagement ring in the film.
The Iconic Emerald-Cut Diamond
The second engagement ring featured:
- 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond center stone
- Two bezel-set baguette side stones in a three-stone design
- Created by Cartier, with archives documenting its transfer from Paris to Monaco
Pierre Rainero, Cartier’s director of image, heritage and style, told Vogue: “We have pictures of them peering in at the windows of the Cartier store on the Rue de la Paix [in Paris]. I don’t know if they were already married or engaged, but perhaps they were choosing this ring.”
Record-Breaking Value
The ring’s value has increased dramatically since 1956:
| Year | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| 1956 | $4 million |
| 2026 | $38.8 million |
This makes Grace’s ring one of the most expensive engagement rings in history, influencing choices for celebrities including Beyoncé and Amal Clooney.
The Philadelphia Proposal
Prince Rainier proposed to Grace Kelly at her family home in East Falls, Pennsylvania, during the Christmas holidays in 1955. The couple announced their engagement on January 5, 1956, through a press conference at the Philadelphia Country Club.
Royal Wedding and Global Impact
The couple married in Monaco City over two days:
- April 18, 1956: Civil ceremony in the Prince’s Palace throne room
- April 19, 1956: Religious ceremony at Saint Nicholas Cathedral
The wedding drew:
- Over 600 guests in attendance
- More than 30 million viewers on live television
Prince Albert told News Of Los Angeles in 2017: “It was such an incredible affair, and it’s left such a mark on people. What it has meant for people has been incredible. For us, it was – and you’ll have to ask my sisters [Princess Caroline and Princess Stephanie] – for us, it was our parents getting married. But what it’s meant for Monaco, for people around the world, and, how their story continues to fascinate people, that’s something unimaginable.”
Where the Rings Are Today
After Grace Kelly’s death in 1982 from a stroke that led to a car crash, her engagement rings passed into the possession of the House of Grimaldi, Monaco’s reigning family. The rings have remained in their care except for a 2016 loan to Cartier’s Fifth Avenue mansion in New York City for temporary display.
Lasting Influence on Modern Jewelry
Grace Kelly’s emerald-cut engagement ring established trends that continue today. The three-stone design with side baguettes became a template for luxury engagement rings, with celebrities and collectors seeking similar vintage-inspired designs.
The ring’s combination of exceptional size, royal provenance, and Hollywood glamour created a jewelry legacy that extends far beyond Monaco’s borders, cementing its place as one of the most influential engagement rings ever created.
