The Story Behind Grace Kelly’s Two Engagement Rings and the Meaning of Her Second Gift from Prince Rainier
Grace Kelly shows off the engagement ring given by Prince Rainier III of Monaco as she arrives in Chicago.
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Bettmann/Getty
Grace Kelly, celebrated for her striking beauty and Academy Award-winning performances, also left an indelible mark with her engagement rings. The iconic actress transitioned into royalty in 1956 when she married Prince Rainier of Monaco, a relationship that began during a planned photocall at the Prince’s Palace, coinciding with her appearance at the Cannes Film Festival.
The couple announced their engagement on January 5, 1956, following Prince Rainier’s proposal over Christmas in 1955. The initial ring presented to Kelly was an eternity band, comprised of alternating heirloom red rubies and diamonds representing the colors of the Monaco flag. However, the ring that captured the public’s imagination was the Cartier emerald-cut diamond, recognized as one of the most expensive engagement rings in history and known to have influenced many modern designs.
“We have pictures of them peering in at the windows of the Cartier store on the Rue de la Paix,” noted Pierre Rainero, Cartier’s director of image, heritage, and style. He speculated on whether the couple was already engaged when they browsed the jewelry. Further documentation in the Cartier archives confirms the ring’s transfer from Paris to a Monaco boutique.
### Kelly’s Historic Engagement Rings
While the emerald-cut stone is most renowned, Grace Kelly received two engagement rings. According to sources, the first was an eternity band, but Rainier later gifted her the striking emerald-cut diamond with two bezel-set baguette side stones while she starred in “High Society,” a film marking her final acting role before adopting royal responsibilities.
Reportedly, concern over Kelly wearing a large fake engagement ring in the film prompted Rainier to present her with a more substantial piece instead. This three-stone ring became immensely popular, and Kelly opted to wear it frequently.
### The Proposal in Pennsylvania
Born in Philadelphia, Grace Kelly was proposed to in her family’s East Falls home during the 1955 Christmas holidays. Following their engagement announcement, the couple held a press conference at the Philadelphia Country Club.
### The Value of the Rings
The second engagement ring held a stunning 10.48-carat diamond, which was among the largest in the world at the time and continues to be historically significant. Reports indicate that the estimated cost of Kelly’s three-stone ring was approximately $4 million in 1956, with its current value approximated at $38.8 million.
### Marriage in Monaco
Grace Kelly’s marriage to Prince Rainier took place across two days, with a civil ceremony at the throne room of the Prince’s Palace on April 18, 1956, followed by a religious ceremony at Saint Nicholas Cathedral. Their union attracted extraordinary worldwide attention, drawing over 30 million viewers on live television.
“It was such an incredible affair, and it’s left such a mark on people,” stated Prince Albert, the couple’s only son, reflecting on the impact of their wedding.
Kelly’s wedding gown, designed by longtime collaborator Helen Rose, has inspired many contemporary bridal fashions.
### Current Status of the Engagement Rings
Following Grace Kelly’s passing in 1982 due to a stroke that resulted in a car accident, her engagement rings came into the possession of the House of Grimaldi. They have remained with the reigning family of the Principality of Monaco, apart from a notable loan for a 2016 exhibit at Cartier’s Fifth Avenue location in New York City.
