Shopping for an engagement ring is one of the most simultaneously exciting and stressful shopping prospects. It’s about finding a piece that symbolizes your love, and it should feel true to your partner’s style. One of the biggest mistakes you can make while choosing an engagement ring is not asking for input. Whether you want to ask your partner directly (and maybe even go shopping with them) or you’d prefer to connect with their closest friend or family member, make sure you check in on their sense of style and what they truly want in a jewel they’ll wear forever.
Armed with that intel, you can move forward with looking at some of the best and most expensive diamonds your preferred jeweler has to offer. The most expensive diamond in the world, it should be noted, isn’t simply the largest. Certainly, increasing the carat size can run up the price tag, but the clarity and quality of the stone are just as important. These high-priced engagement rings put quality at the forefront of their craft jewelry-making process. From the best fashion houses in the world to high-end retailers with intensely curated collections, this is a selection of the most expensive engagement rings you can buy in stores or online now:
Anna Sheffield Bea Ashara Ring
The five-stone ring holds no fewer than 10 carats and was recently displayed at Anna Sheffield’s anniversary party at their new New York home on Bleeker Street. With five scintillating east-west oval diamonds, each sitting in diamond-encircled shanks, Anna Sheffield’s artistry is on full display with this piece. One of the most coveted jewelers between N.Y.C. and L.A., Anna Sheffield’s work has recently been worn by Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and countless other big names.
To buy: Anna Sheffield, $162,000
Octavia Elizabeth Engagement Ring
Moda Operandi recently hired former marketing director at Town and Country Will Khan to head up the fine jewelry department—and their selection has been rapidly expanding since. The Octavia Elizabeth ring has a solitaire three-and-a-half carat cushion cut stone in a bezel setting. The 18K gold band has a subtly hammered finish so it looks mod and slightly imperfect.
To buy: Moda Operandi, $88,000
Tiffany & Co.'s Pave Diamond Band in Platinum
This is a high-end take on a classic Tiffany ring. The platinum band and shank are both lined with diamonds, all leading up to a crystal-clear one-and-a-half carat diamond. Of course, Tiffany’s can source a larger diamond depending on your needs, but again, an important takeaway for the most expensive diamonds in the world is that size isn’t the only thing that matters. The clarity, color, and cut are just as crucial. This one-and-a-half carat diamond, set in six prongs, has VVS2 clarity. The ring was made to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the classic, timeless original Tiffany setting.
To buy: Tiffany’ & Co., $55,000
Cartier’s High Jewelry 1895 Wedding Ring
Cartier sources the most expensive diamonds in the world—and they only want to work with the very best. Part of their signature 1895 diamond ring collection, this 1.85-carat piece has an overwhelming-level of clarity, truly making it a best-in-class gem. It features a classic round center stone surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds, all set in a platinum band. And it can be scaled up to a 4.99-carat diamond.
To buy: Cartier, $94,500
Incontro d’Amore Ring
Bulgari’s engagement ring line sources the most expensive diamonds and uses them in stunning-yet-refined settings. The Incontro d’Amore collection features a mounted round brilliant-cut center stone (1.77 carats) with side clusters of pave diamonds that draw further attention to the magnificent centerpiece. The color on this stone, one of their most expensive diamonds, is D with clarity IF.
To buy: Bulgari, $113,705
Ashoka Full Diamond Band
For the bride who doesn’t want a classic engagement ring, but still wants a regal piece, this full diamond band is a show stopper. Featuring 14 identical, vertically-set Ashoka diamonds, this ring showcases some of the world’s most expensive diamonds. The diamonds go all the way around the ring, in a new-age eternity style with old-world flair.
To buy: Marissa Collections, $156,000
Emerald-Cut Sapphire and Pear-Shaped Diamond Halo Ring
Featuring a rarely seen pear-shaped diamond halo, the sapphire Blue Nile ring connotes jewelry of a different time. It’s often forgotten that the most expensive diamonds don’t have to be white diamonds. Sapphires have always been a symbol of regal luxury, and that’s certainly how it comes off in this emerald-cut flanked by a stunning halo.
To buy: Blue Nile, $50,000
The Classic Winston Emerald Cut Engagement Ring
The House of Harry Winston is a revered name in jewelry, and their emerald-cut engagement ring with tapered baguette side stones exudes luxury. “The Classic Winston setting embodies Harry Winston’s timeless elegance and signature style,” according to the brand’s description. The center emerald-cut stone starts at one carat, but of course, can be scaled up.
To buy: Harry Winston, $23,000 (price to increase as center stone scales up)
