Georgina Rodríguez wore jewelry estimated to be worth $56 million to her intimate wedding with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The couple, aged 41 and 32 respectively, exchanged vows at their home in Portugal on the tenth anniversary of their first meeting. Ronaldo wore a simple T-shirt and suit jacket, while Rodríguez chose a Gucci shirt and skirt as a nod to the store where she worked as a shop assistant when they met.
Nilesh Rakholia, founder of jewelry brand Abelini, detailed the Chopard Garden of Kalahari jewels Rodríguez wore, estimating their value. The centerpiece of the collection was a 50-carat D-flawless brilliant-cut diamond on a necklace, accompanied by a matching bracelet, earrings, and ring.
"What she wore isn't simply a very expensive diamond necklace," Rakholia stated. "All of those major stones began life within the same extraordinary rough diamond, and that provenance is a huge part of what makes the collection so special."
Rodríguez was also seen wearing the bracelet from the set during a morning workout on the wedding day, indicating a comfort level with wearing significant jewelry. "That tells you just how comfortably she wears very serious jewellery," Rakholia commented.
The publicly disclosed diamond specifications for the full Garden of Kalahari suite exceed 300 carats. Rakholia noted the exceptional quality, with multiple D-Flawless stones over 20 carats originating from the same Type IIa rough, combined with Chopard's craftsmanship, contributing to its value.
Rodríguez explained to Vogue that the decision for an intimate ceremony at home was deliberate. "In 30 years' time I want the children to think, something wonderful happened at this table – the wedding vows of our parents," she said. "When I was a little girl I dreamt of the biggest castle, the biggest carriage, the longest dress, a crown full of diamonds. And now I'm saying: no. I want something intimate, with my partner and our children, at home."
They later had a blessing at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. The couple has returned to Saudi Arabia, where Ronaldo plays football, and will not be taking a honeymoon.
The couple married exactly one year after announcing their engagement. They signed a pre-nuptial agreement on August 10, a day before the ceremony, to keep their pre-nuptial assets separate. The wedding was a civil ceremony attended by their five children. Witnesses included Rodríguez's sister Ivana, Ronaldo's long-time friend Miguel Paixao, and two Spanish friends. Ronaldo's mother and siblings were reportedly not present at the ceremony, with some reports suggesting they were informed moments before.
"It will cause a lot of problems because the family wasn't present," Portuguese television presenter Cristina Ferreira claimed.
Despite the private nature of the wedding, Rodríguez's family has reportedly sent their blessings, with her sister Ivana and mother-in-law Dolores Aveiro posting heart emoticons on Cristiano's social media.
"He's not going to dress us up," Georgina explained regarding their choice to wear Gucci. "I didn't want us to go into a day that was so simple for us in costumes."
While the ceremony itself was understated, the jewelry was a focal point. "She essentially took all of the grandeur people expected from a Ronaldo wedding and concentrated it into the jewellery," Rakholia observed.