Grace Kelly is synonymous with elegance, both on the silver screen and as Princess of Monaco. Beyond her Oscar-winning performances, she became a symbol of the unique intersection between Hollywood glamour and royal sophistication. Among the many elements that defined her life, one piece of jewelry stands out for its legendary status: her Cartier engagement ring.
In 1955, during a photoshoot at the Palace of Monaco, Prince Rainier III fell deeply in love with the Hollywood actress. Just seven months later, he crossed the Atlantic to Philadelphia to propose at the Kelly family home during Christmas.
The engagement ring he presented was a breathtaking 10.48-carat emerald-cut diamond set in platinum, flanked by two tapered baguette diamonds. At the time, it was one of the most expensive and eye-catching celebrity jewels in existence.
Nearly seventy years later, it remains an iconic piece of jewelry, having inspired countless engagement rings for celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Beyoncé, Amal Clooney, and Anne Hathaway. Initially priced at $4.06 million in 1956, today it is valued at an astonishing $38.8 million, making it arguably the most expensive celebrity engagement ring of all time.
Less well-known is the fact that Grace Kelly actually received two rings from Prince Rainier. In addition to the dazzling diamond, she also wore a more understated Cartier ring composed of diamonds and rubies in an eternity band design.
Reportedly crafted from family heirlooms, the ring’s red-and-white pattern symbolized the colors of Monaco’s flag. This second ring was first revealed to the public at a family press conference, serving as a symbolic placeholder that represented both love and commitment.
The prince’s thoughtfulness extended into Kelly’s professional life. Shortly after the engagement, she began filming High Society, her final movie before marrying the prince. Her character in the film originally wore a fake diamond ring, but upon learning this, Prince Rainier insisted on purchasing a real diamond for her to use on screen—a gesture that effectively created her second engagement ring.
In the film, the ring became a subtle “co-star,” with fellow actors commenting on its size while Kelly’s own scenes included moments where she admired the gem. This intersection of cinema and romance highlighted the prince’s devotion and Kelly’s embodiment of grace and sophistication.
The diamond itself may have originated in Cartier’s Paris store on Rue de la Paix. According to Pierre Rainero, Cartier’s Director of Image, Heritage, and Style, archival photos show the couple peering into the boutique’s windows, possibly selecting the ring there. Records indicate that the diamond was later transferred from Paris to Cartier’s Monaco store, further embedding it in the narrative of Kelly’s journey from Hollywood icon to princess.
Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier shared 26 years of marriage and three children: Stéphanie, Caroline, and Albert II. Throughout her life in the royal family, she maintained a refined taste in art, fashion, and jewelry. Following her tragic death at age 52 due to a stroke-induced car accident, both of her engagement rings were returned to the House of Grimaldi, where they remain in the royal family’s care.
Yet these jewels have not been hidden from the public eye. As a devoted Cartier patron, Kelly’s collection has been displayed multiple times. In 2016, after a two-and-a-half-year renovation of Cartier’s Fifth Avenue flagship in New York City, the royal family lent her jewelry for a month-long exhibition. A special room dedicated entirely to Kelly showcased her most iconic pieces, allowing visitors to appreciate the intersection of royalty, cinema, and Cartier craftsmanship.
The story of Grace Kelly and Cartier is more than a tale of jewelry—it is a testament to the meeting of Hollywood glamour and royal elegance. Cartier has long been celebrated for its meticulous craftsmanship, timeless designs, and respect for heritage. Kelly’s rings exemplify this ethos, embodying both opulence and personal significance. The 10.48-carat diamond in particular is not just a jewel; it is a historic artifact, a symbol of love, and a cultural icon.
Cartier’s influence extends across fashion, film, and royal traditions worldwide. Kelly’s engagement rings inspired generations of celebrities, including Elizabeth Taylor, Beyoncé, and Anne Hathaway. Whether adorning a red carpet or crafted for a private engagement, Cartier continues to excel through attention to detail, historical awareness, and an understanding of personal sentiment. Kelly’s rings illustrate how jewelry transcends mere aesthetics, becoming a vessel for stories, emotions, and history.
Today, Grace Kelly’s legacy shines through her Cartier collection. Visitors to Cartier exhibitions can glimpse her elegance and charm while witnessing the deep cultural resonance of these jewels. These pieces capture the passage of time, bridging Hollywood and Monaco, history and modernity. The rings remain as luminous today as when first worn, preserving the narrative of a princess’s love and a jeweler’s artistry.
Cartier’s work continues to shape global jewelry trends, fusing history, art, and fashion. Kelly’s engagement rings stand as enduring symbols of luxury and refinement, offering inspiration for generations. Each diamond and every sparkle reflects a story, a moment, and a legacy, ensuring that Grace Kelly’s Cartier jewelry remains timeless, iconic, and unforgettable.