The biggest diamond ring has always been a symbol of ultimate luxury and status. From royal collections to Hollywood proposals, these massive gems capture our imagination with their size and brilliance. No matter if you're a jewelry enthusiast or just curious about extravagant displays of wealth, the biggest diamond ring stories never fail to impress. In this article, we'll dig in to the top 10 biggest diamond rings, including famous celebrity pieces and historical treasures that continue to dazzle us with their sheer size and value.
1. Jackie Kennedy's 40.42-Carat Marquise Diamond
Jackie Kennedy's second engagement ring from Aristotle Onassis remains one of the biggest diamond rings in history. The 40.42-carat marquise-cut diamond was cut from the famous Lesotho diamond and set in a Harry Winston design.
- Key details:
- Originally part of a 601-carat rough diamond.
- Only worn twice by Jackie Kennedy.
- Sold at auction for $2.6 million in 1996 (worth ~$20 million today).
Learn more about Jackie Kennedy's legendary jewelry collection.
2. The Pink Star - 59.60-Carat Vivid Pink Diamond
This oval-shaped fancy vivid pink diamond holds the record for the most expensive diamond ever sold at auction, fetching $71.2 million in 2017.
- Why it's special:
- Largest Internally Flawless Fancy Vivid Pink diamond graded by GIA.
- Type IIa category (extremely rare).
- Purchased by Hong Kong's Chow Tai Fook jewelry company.
See more about the world's most expensive diamond rings.
3. Mariah Carey's 35-Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond
Given by billionaire James Packer in 2016, this was one of the biggest diamond rings ever seen on a celebrity's finger.
- Interesting facts:
- Estimated value of $10 million at purchase.
- Designed by Wilfredo Rosado.
- Carey later sold it for $2.1 million after their breakup.
Read about more enormous celebrity engagement rings.
4. The Cullinan Diamond Ring - 530.20 Carats
Cut from the largest rough diamond ever found (3,106 carats), this pear-shaped beauty is part of the British Crown Jewels.
- Historical significance:
- Commissioned by King Edward VII.
- Cut by the House of Asscher.
- Currently the largest clear-cut diamond in the world.
Discover more about the world's largest diamond rings.
5. Elizabeth Taylor's 33.19-Carat Krupp Diamond
This Asscher-cut diamond given by Richard Burton in 1968 became one of the most famous celebrity rings.
- Fascinating details:
- Originally owned by actress Vera Krupp.
- Sold for $8.8 million at Taylor's 2011 jewelry auction.
- Now known as the Elizabeth Taylor Diamond.
Explore more priciest celebrity engagement rings.
6. The Golden Jubilee Diamond - 545.67 Carats
This brown diamond surpasses the Cullinan I in size and is currently the largest faceted diamond in the world.
- Unique aspects:
- Blessed by Pope John Paul II.
- Owned by the King of Thailand.
- Cut from a 755.5-carat rough stone.
Learn about more record-breaking diamonds.
7. The Cullinan Rough Diamond - 3,106 Carats
While not a ring, this remains the largest gem-quality rough diamond ever discovered (1905).
- Key facts:
- Found at South Africa's Premier Mine.
- Cut into 9 major stones and 96 smaller brilliants.
- Two largest pieces are in the British Crown Jewels.
Read about the largest diamonds in the world.
8. Beyoncé's 18-Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond
Jay-Z's $5 million engagement gift in 2007 remains one of the most iconic celebrity rings.
- Design details:
- Created by Lorraine Schwartz.
- Flawless clarity and D color grade.
- Now worth approximately $7.5 million.
Browse more exquisite big diamond jewelry.
9. The Graff Pink - 24.78-Carat Fancy Intense Pink
Laurence Graff purchased this emerald-cut beauty for $46 million at a 2010 Sotheby's auction.
- Special features:
- Originally owned by Harry Winston.
- Recut from 25 carats to improve clarity.
- One of the rarest pink diamonds in existence.
Find out what makes a diamond the biggest in its class.
10. Paris Hilton's 20-Carat Pear-Shaped Diamond
From ex-fiancé Chris Zylka (2018), this ring features a diamond halo and split-shank platinum band.
- Fun facts:
- Estimated value of $2 million.
- Designed by Michael Greene.
- Famously lost (and found) in a Miami nightclub ice bucket.
See what's considered a large diamond in today's market.
Final Thoughts
The biggest diamond ring continues to fascinate us with its combination of natural wonder and human craftsmanship. From royal treasures to celebrity splurges, these massive gems represent the pinnacle of jewelry artistry. While most of us will never own such extravagant pieces, we can still appreciate their beauty and the stories behind them. The next time you see a celebrity flashing a massive rock, you'll know exactly how it compares to history's most famous diamonds.