Ariarne Titmus' Engagement Ring Valued Up To $250,000
A jeweller estimates the value of the Olympic swimmer's unique sparkler, given to her on her 26th birthday.
Olympic swimmer Ariarne Titmus recently announced her engagement to finance executive Mac Powell, with the significant ring she received drawing considerable attention. The custom piece, presented on September 7, Titmus' 26th birthday, features an oval-cut centre diamond set in a raised claw setting.
Flanking the main stone are two pear-cut side stones that taper outwards, with sweeping, diamond-set shoulders in yellow gold. Wedding and engagement ring expert Nilesh Rakholia, founder of Abelini, estimates that the centre diamond alone could weigh up to five carats. He suggests the complete ring could be valued as high as $250,000, depending on the specific characteristics of the stones.
Rakholia described the ring as a "distinctive" and "architectural piece," noting that the three-stone structure with embellished shoulders gives it a sense of movement. He highlighted the choice of an oval-cut centre stone, explaining that it elongates the finger and often appears larger than a round brilliant of the same weight. The pear-shaped side stones further enhance this effect, creating an elongated line across the hand.
Based on the proportions visible in photographs, Rakholia estimates the centre stone is between three and five carats, with additional carat weight from the side stones. If the diamonds are natural, the ring's value could range from $90,000 to $250,000, contingent on the stones' colour, clarity, and certification.
This engagement marks a new chapter for Titmus, who earlier this year announced her retirement from competitive swimming to focus on her personal life. She and Powell, who works in finance, relocated to Melbourne after her decision to step away from the sport. Titmus has previously spoken about how a health scare involving the removal of benign tumours from an ovary had altered her perspective on life. The couple met on a blind date, and Titmus has credited Powell's lack of recognition of her as a swimming star for allowing their relationship to develop organically.