Grace Kelly’s Engagement Ring: Get The Look

Grace Kelly’s engagement ring is one of the most iconic pieces of jewellery in history- considered a symbol of timeless elegance much like Kelly herself. The Oscar-winning actress known for roles in Rear Window, To Catch a Thief, and The Country Girl, became the symbol of Hollywood glamour. Not only this but Kelly went from Hollywood royal to true royalty. This is because of her marriage to Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Her engagement ring is as legendary as her on screen presence.

The Royal Meeting

Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier first met during the Cannes Film Festival in the spring of 1955. Kelly was in France promoting To Catch a Thief. This is when Prince Rainier sneakily arranged a photoshoot at his palace to meet her. The two hit it off immediately, staying in touch through letters over the following months. Their romantic correspondence led to Rainier visiting Kelly’s hometown of Philadelphia that Christmas, where he proposed.

Grace Kelly’s First Engagement Ring

When the newly engaged couple held a press conference at Kelly’s family home, she debuted an elegant engagement ring. However, this wasn’t the famous diamond ring we associate with her today. The first engagement ring Rainier gave Kelly was an eternity band from Cartier, featuring rubies and diamonds. The design, made from family heirlooms, was a tribute to Monaco’s national flag, with the red and white stones representing its colours.

The Iconic Cartier Diamond Ring

The ring that would later become Grace Kelly’s most famous engagement ring didn’t make an appearance until she was filming High Society, her last movie before retiring. The film’s costume designer had planned to use a prop ring for Kelly’s character. But Prince Rainier decided to gift her a second engagement ring instead—one that was fit for (screen) royalty.

The 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond, designed by Cartier, was flanked by two baguette-cut diamonds on each side. This stunning piece became one of the most admired engagement rings in history, and its appearance in High Society cemented its place in pop culture. The ring’s dazzle would match its owner, and glimpses of it in the movie have captivated audiences for decades.

• Cartier: A Century of Timeless Elegance and Exquisite Craftsmanship
• A Guide to Mid-Century Jewellery
• The 14 Most Iconic Royal Engagement Rings

Get The Look

Grace Kelly’s Connection to Cartier

Grace Kelly’s relationship with Cartier extended beyond her engagement rings. She was introduced to the iconic jewellery house by film director Alfred Hitchcock. From that moment on, Kelly became a loyal fan. In fact, Cartier has dedicated an entire room in their New York mansion to the style icon, paying homage to her lasting influence.

A Legacy That Lives On

Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier enjoyed a 26-year marriage, raising three children: Stephanie, Caroline, and Albert II. Tragically, the icon passed away at the age of 52 following a stroke that caused a fatal car accident in 1982. However, Grace Kelly’s legacy endures through her films, her family, and her unforgettable engagement rings, both of which remain cherished pieces in the House of Grimaldi.

Grace Kelly’s engagement ring is more than just a piece of jewellery—it’s a symbol of her elegance, her love story with Prince Rainier, and her everlasting influence on both Hollywood and royalty.

Get The Look