In the realm of celebrity engagements, the engagement ring has evolved from a symbol of commitment to a statement piece, with many opting for unconventional designs that push the boundaries of traditional jewelry. This trend was recently highlighted when Princess Margaret's grandson, Samuel Chatto, proposed to fellow artist Eleanor Ekserdjian with a handmade porcelain ring.
Chatto, a ceramicist, crafted the simple, cream-colored band himself. While the gesture was praised for its sentimentality and craftsmanship, some questioned the practicality of porcelain for everyday wear, with critics deeming it 'breakable'. Similar reactions have met other celebrities who have chosen unusual rings.
Singer Rita Ora's engagement ring from filmmaker Taika Waititi features a distinctive square-shaped Colombian emerald set in a diamond pavé-set bezel with a yellow gold band. Despite its estimated value, some online commentators compared it to a novelty toy ring. The ring was a 2022 engagement.
Scottish model Emma Louise Connolly received an octagon-shaped ring from 'Made In Chelsea' star Oliver Proudlock in 2018. The ring, designed by Proudlock, incorporated a diamond from his grandmother's ring and was surrounded by black and white diamonds and green gemstones. While some found its unique design striking, others criticized its chunky setting.
Princess Marie of Denmark's engagement ring, presented by Prince Joachim in 2007, features a central diamond flanked by a ruby and a sapphire. The £30,000 design incorporates red, white, and blue stones to honor Marie's French heritage. However, the colorful and wide gold band design drew criticism, with some suggesting it was less than elegant.
Perhaps one of the most talked-about unconventional rings was rapper Machine Gun Kelly's proposal to Megan Fox in 2022. The bespoke $400,000 toi et moi ring featured pear-shaped emeralds and diamonds, each representing one half of the couple. The bands were lined with hidden thorns, designed to cause pain if Fox attempted to remove the ring. While some admired the symbolism, many found the design unsettling and a 'red flag'. The couple reportedly split in March 2025.
Actress Scarlett Johansson received an 11-carat elongated yellow-brown diamond ring from Colin Jost in 2019. The stone is mounted on a dark, sculptural, curved ceramic band by Taffin, valued at approximately $450,000. The modern design, while noted for its unique diamond, received mixed reactions for its band.
Ariana Grande's 2014 engagement ring from then-fiancé Dalton Gomez featured a large oval-cut diamond paired with an off-center pearl. The pearl was reportedly taken from her late grandfather's tie pin, a detail Grande shared on X, stating it was intended to protect her. While the sentimental meaning was widely appreciated, the practicality of a pearl, which ranks low on the Mohs scale for hardness, for daily wear was questioned.
In 2018, Paris Hilton received a 20-carat pear-shaped diamond ring from Chris Zylka, estimated to be worth $2 million. The ring, set on a diamond-encrusted platinum band, later made headlines when Hilton briefly lost it in a nightclub, prompting jokes about the impracticality of such a lavish piece.
Katy Perry received a unique, cluster-set ring shaped like a blooming flower from Orlando Bloom on Valentine's Day in 2019. The ring, rumored to be worth nearly £4 million, featured a large oval pink gemstone surrounded by white diamonds. This floral design was heavily criticized online, with many deeming it 'childish' and 'ugly'. The couple separated in 2025.
These examples illustrate a growing trend among celebrities to move away from traditional diamond solitaires and opt for pieces that reflect personality, sentimentality, or a desire for uniqueness, often sparking widespread discussion about taste, practicality, and the evolving nature of engagement traditions.