The late Princess Grace of Monaco, formerly Hollywood actress Grace Kelly, was famed for her incredible poise and fashion sense. So it was only fitting that Prince Rainier III of Monaco proposed with a stunningly elegant ring in 1956. But Grace’s original engagement ring was swiftly replaced with the iconic diamond rock most associated with her today.
The first engagement ring Grace received from Prince Rainier was more like an “eternity band” according to a jewellery expert.
Jon White, Director of precious metals buyer www.gold-traders.co.uk, said: “A little-known fact about the late Princess of Monaco’s engagement is that she was actually given two rings by Prince Rainier III.
“Initially the Prince gave Grace Kelly a simpler, yet elegant, Cartier eternity band featuring rubies and diamonds intended to serve as a tribute to the Monaco flag.
“However, this piece was followed by a stunning and much more extravagant engagement ring, featuring a 10.5-carat emerald-cut diamond, accompanied by two baguettes.
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“The piece was also created by Cartier, a jewellery house Grace Kelly worked with closely throughout her life.
“The ring is undoubtedly one of the most iconic engagement rings, both in Hollywood and in the world of royal families.”
Some have suggested that Grace’s first ring was intended to be a placeholder and that a different ring would be purchased at a later occasion.
While Grace was appearing in the film High Society, her character was required to wear an enormous diamond ring.
And instead of wearing a fake, it is thought Prince Rainier purchased his bride-to-be the real thing, doubling up as a prop and her new engagement ring.
Princess Grace’s engagement ring is one of the most famous jewels in the world, and due to its provenance, it is likely worth a truly staggering value.
Mr White added: “In terms of its value, when the ring was originally created by Cartier in 1956, it was priced at just over £3.5million.
“However, over time its price has greatly increased, due to both inflation and the massive historical value of the piece.
Since Grace died in 1982, her engagement ring has remained the property of Monaco’s royal family.
In terms of its fame, only a few royal engagement rings can match the provenance of Grace’s iconic sparkler.
The late Princess Diana’s engagement ring is often cited as one of the most iconic in the world, and it now belongs to the future Queen Consort, Kate Middleton.
The 12-carat oval sapphire and diamond cluster ring was crafted by the royal jeweller Garrard and is now thought to be worth as much as £400,000.
