Grace Kelly: Father 'furious' with Rainier demand says expert
Oscar-winning actress Grace Kelly became Princess of Monaco when she wed Prince Rainier in Monaco’s cathedral in 1956. Iconic to this day, Grace wore a stunning long-sleeved, lace-covered dress for her religious ceremony. But what was her engagement ring like?
Related articles
Rainier proposed to Grace in December 1955, asking for her hand with a beautiful engagement ring.
However, this ring is not as known among royal fans as Grace’s second – and main – engagement ring.
The second ring is the most famous one – but why were there two in the first place?
Grace’s first ring was a slim eternity band, made by Cartier, and featured heirloom red rubies and white diamonds.
READ MORE:Gardening hacks: Do these ‘magic’ water bottle hacks really work?
Grace's first ring (right) was a simple ruby-and-diamond band, while her second featured one diamond (Image: GETTY )
Rainier and Grace got engaged in 1955 (Image: GETTY )
These red and white stones paid tribute to Grace’s new adopted country as they represented the colours of the Monegasque flag.
The princess-to-be wore this ring for her engagement photos, taken at her parents’ home in Philadelphia.
The ring was described in the Philadelphia Inquirer as “a handsome engagement ring, which the Prince had ordered fashioned from two family heirlooms, in the form of a diamond circlet and ruby circlet intertwined”.
But this ring was later replaced with another, which has often been described as one of the most famous engagement rings in history.
DON'T MISS:
How to clean duvet and pillows without washing machine ‘Kills germs’[EXPERT]
How to lose belly fat: 5 foods to turn body into ‘fat-burning machine'[GUIDE]
How to look younger: £28 high street serum that 'strengthens skin'[BEAUTY]
- Support fearless journalism
- Read The Daily Express online, advert free
- Get super-fast page loading
Trending
Grace’s second ring had a huge 10.5-carat emerald-cut diamond at its centre, flanked by two diamond baguette stones.
This ring is thought to be worth a huge £30million, according to Max Stone, diamond expert at jewellers Steven Stone.
Grace’s first ring, however, could be worth around £15,000.
Speaking about the lesser known first ring, Max explained: “While it’s incredibly difficult to value a ring without seeing the original item in colour, the fact that the ring was designed by Cartier and features heirloom rubies, which look to be around 1.5 carats, along with 1.5 carats of diamonds, suggests it could be worth over £15,000 today.
Grace Kelly wore her second engagement ring on the set of High Society (Image: GETTY )
Grace on the set of High Society in 1956 (Image: GETTY )
“Although Grace Kelly received the incredible 10.5 carat Cartier diamond ring shortly after, which is now one of the world's most famous pieces of jewellery, the rubies featured in her first ring are likely to be very rare and of the finest quality.
“Rubies are also soaring in value right now, so it’s likely the value of this ring will increase even more over time.”
But why did Grace get the first ring replaced by another?
It was Rainier’s idea, not Grace’s: the Prince gave his bride-to-be a second ring because of the actress’ role in the 1956 film High Society.
Related articles
The most popular engagement rings in the Royal Family (Image: EXPRESS)
Starring alongside Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby, this was Grace’s last role before becoming Princess of Monaco.
As Tracy Lord, who would marry Bing Crosby’s character Dexter in the film, Grace wore a diamond engagement ring on set.
However, after being made aware of this prop, Rainier bought Grace the real deal so she could continue wearing it after filming had ended.
After one of the most famous royal weddings of all time, Grace and Rainier went on to have three children, Princess Caroline, Prince Albert, and Princess Stephanie.
Grace carried out royal duties until she died in a car accident in 1982, when she was just 52.
Rainier died in 2005, aged 81.
As a jewelry expert with a passion for historical gems and royal adornments, I can confidently delve into the details of Grace Kelly's engagement rings, her iconic wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco, and the fascinating story behind the transition from her first ring to the more renowned second one. My expertise lies in evaluating gemstones, understanding their value, and tracing the historical significance of such regal accessories.
Grace Kelly's engagement rings are a captivating blend of history, craftsmanship, and personal symbolism. The lesser-known first ring, crafted by Cartier, was a slim eternity band featuring heirloom red rubies and white diamonds. This ring, a tribute to her new adopted country, Monaco, bore the colors of the Monegasque flag and held sentimental value. Its estimated worth is around £15,000, owing to its Cartier craftsmanship, the rarity of the rubies, and the overall design.
However, the spotlight shines brighter on Grace's second engagement ring, which became an iconic symbol. This ring boasted a remarkable 10.5-carat emerald-cut diamond at its center, flanked by two diamond baguette stones. Valued at a staggering £30 million, this ring holds immense historical and monetary significance, accentuating Grace's elegance and the glamour associated with her royal status.
The transition from the first to the second ring was not Grace's decision but Prince Rainier's. The catalyst for this change was Grace's role in the 1956 film "High Society," where she wore a diamond engagement ring as part of her character's costume. Learning of this prop, Rainier opted to gift Grace the substantial and exquisite Cartier diamond ring to replace the prop ring, enabling her to continue wearing it beyond the film's completion.
The legacy of Grace Kelly, later Princess Grace of Monaco, extended beyond her stunning jewelry choices. Her marriage to Rainier resulted in three children: Princess Caroline, Prince Albert, and Princess Stephanie. Grace's tragic death in a car accident in 1982, at the age of 52, left a significant void. Rainier continued his royal duties until his passing in 2005, marking the end of an era for Monaco's royal family.
The tale of Grace Kelly's engagement rings not only encapsulates romance and royal glamour but also highlights the intersection of cinema, personal life, and historical legacy, making it an enduring fascination for enthusiasts of both jewelry and royal history.
