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Cristiano Ronaldo’s engagement ring for Georgina Rodríguez has captivated worldwide attention.

Estimated to weigh around 37 carats, this flawless oval-cut diamond ring ranks among the largest and most expensive ever publicly revealed, sparking discussion about the value and meaning of such extravagant displays.

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The Ring’s Details: Size, Quality and Craftsmanship 💎

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Rodríguez’s ring centers on a massive oval-cut diamond estimated between 22 and 30 carats, accompanied by two smaller oval diamonds of about one carat each, bringing the total to approximately 37 carats. The diamond boasts a D color grade (the highest possible, meaning completely colorless) and is classified as flawless or near-flawless in clarity, indicating it has virtually no internal imperfections visible even under high magnification.

Set in a sleek platinum three-stone setting, the ring is designed to maximize brilliance without distracting from the extraordinary stones. Luxury experts estimate its value anywhere from $2 million to $5 million, with some speculating the price could be higher depending on the exact carat weight and provenance.

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Celebrity Comparisons: Beyoncé and Mariah Carey ⭐

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To put Rodríguez’s ring in perspective, consider two other iconic celebrity engagement rings:

• Beyoncé’s Ring: Given by Jay-Z, Beyoncé’s ring is an 18-carat emerald-cut diamond of flawless quality, designed by Lorraine Schwartz. Valued at around $5 million, it’s celebrated for its timeless elegance and precision-cut shape, demonstrating that immense beauty can come from refined design rather than sheer size
• Mariah Carey’s Ring: James Packer gifted Carey a staggering 35-carat emerald-cut diamond ring, reportedly worth about $10 million. This ring is renowned for its opulence and sheer size, rivaling Ronaldo’s for wow factor but differing in cut and overall style

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The History of Engagement Rings: From Symbolism to Spectacle 🏛️💍

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The engagement ring’s journey began in ancient Rome, where rings symbolized contractual bonds rather than love. The diamond engagement ring tradition traces back to 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy a diamond ring - the first recorded use of diamonds in this context.

Diamonds skyrocketed in cultural importance in the 20th century, largely thanks to the famous marketing slogan: “A Diamond is Forever” (1947). Copywriter Frances Gerety of the Philadelphia-based agency NW Ayer came up with this iconic medley of words when De Beers charged the agency with the task of developing an ad campaign that would help boost sales of diamonds, which had fallen during the Great Depression. This campaign successfully linked diamonds to eternal love, creating widespread social expectation around diamond engagement rings. Since then, rings have evolved from intimate symbols of commitment to markers of wealth and status, especially in celebrity culture.

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Elizabeth Taylor and Royal Rings: The Power of History and Meaning 👑✨

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When comparing Ronaldo’s modern bling to historical icons, Elizabeth Taylor’s rings stand out. Her famous 33-carat Krupp-dynasty diamond (an Asscher cut - square with stepped ridges) and a 69-carat pear-shaped diamond gifted by Richard Burton are legendary - not just for size, but for their Hollywood history and emotional significance.

Royal engagement rings, like Princess Diana’s 12-carat sapphire surrounded by diamonds (now worn by Kate Middleton), emphasize tradition and symbolism over pure size. These rings carry decades or centuries of cultural weight, often favoring understated elegance rather than extravagance.

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The Diamond Trade and the Rise of Cultured Diamonds 🌍💡

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Diamonds have long been mined from the earth, primarily in countries like Botswana, Russia and South Africa. However, the industry has faced ethical concerns over conflict diamonds, mined in war zones and used to finance violence. The Kimberley Process was introduced to curb this trade, but controversies remain.

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In recent years, lab-grown diamonds have emerged as an ethical and environmental alternative. Created through technological processes that mimic natural formation, these diamonds are chemically and physically identical to mined ones but typically cost 20-40% less and avoid many ethical issues. As sustainability grows in importance, cultured diamonds are gaining popularity, challenging traditional notions of luxury.

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Can Experts Tell Natural from Lab-Grown Diamonds? 🔬💎

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Though visually indistinguishable to most, trained gemologists can differentiate natural and lab-grown diamonds using specialized instruments. Differences in growth patterns, inclusions and fluorescence under UV light provide clues, while advanced spectroscopy reveals subtle structural distinctions. Trusted gemological labs provide certification that clarifies a diamond’s origin, preserving market transparency.

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How Much Should a Person Spend on an Engagement Ring? 💰🤔

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Traditionally, men were advised to spend two to three months’ salary on an engagement ring - a rule popularized by diamond marketers in the mid-20th century. For example, someone earning $5,000 a month might budget $10,000 to $15,000 for a ring.

Today, many reject this formula, favoring budgets that fit personal finances and values. Some prefer smaller or ethically sourced stones, emphasizing meaning over cost.

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What About Ronaldo? How Much Should He Have Spent? 💸⚽

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Ronaldo’s estimated annual income is over $120 million. Using the “two months’ salary” rule, he could have spent as much as $20 million on an engagement ring.

His ring’s estimated value between $2 million and $5 million is just a small fraction (about 1.5% to 4%) of that traditional guideline scaled to his income - relatively modest for a superstar, LOL.

Georgina Rodríguez’s engagement ring is a marvel of nature and one of the most impressive celebrity rings in recent memory. Undeniably ostentatious, completely impractical and elitist, it is our hope that it transcends these qualities. Beyond the showy facade lies the possibility that this ring is a true emblem of love, one that reflects commitment and affection in a way that no amount of bling can replace. ❤️

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Now that you’ve read today’s blog, why not take what you’ve learned and play today’s matching quiz on your Quizefy app? Many of the answers can be found right here. We publish an on-trend, hint-filled blog at www.quizefy.com every Tuesday, along with a matching quiz in your Quizefy app. We think they’re a great combination and a great way to Strut Your Smart.

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