The Hottest Celebrity Engagements of the Past Year

Who doesn’t love a good celebrity engagement—or an awe-inspiring celebrity engagement ring? 

From the dresses and venues to flowers and honeymoons, we love all things weddings here at Ritani. But engagement rings are nearest and dearest to our hearts. And not just because it’s our business, either….but because of the many wonderful things they symbolize.

Here, we’ll take a closer look at which famous folks popped the question over the past year—and at which glamorous diamond engagement rings were spotted sparkling on the ring fingers of some soon-to-be celebrity brides. 

Bring on the bling! 

Josh Duhamel and Audra Mari

After two years of dating, actor Josh Duhamel proposes to his girlfriend Audra Mari on the beach at sunset on her 28th birthday via a bottle that “washed up” on shore. A former beauty queen, actress, model, and television host, the All My Children alum excitedly accepted his proposal and shared the news via an Instagram post.

While the two started dating while Duhamel was still finalizing his divorce from Fergie, they share strong roots: both are North Dakota natives.

While Duhamel proposed to Mari without an engagement ring, he’s got a tough act to follow. Fergie famously sported a 4-carat brilliant cut diamond set into a wide band and surrounded by a starburst pattern of tiny colored diamonds in hues ranging from white to cognac.

Mel B and Rory McPhee

Mel B, AKA “Scary Spice,” reportedly accepted on the spot when her hairdresser boyfriend Rory McPhee proposed to her during a classic romantic dinner at a luxurious hotel after a three-year courtship. 

The singer and television personality gushed over the proposal. “There were rose petals everywhere, a log fire, a hotel—which was [luxury hotel] Cliveden. It was very romantic. I love flowers,” she enthused. 

The Spice Girl was also reportedly delighted by the ring, and with good reason: The champagne-colored, pear-shaped diamond set into a radiant rose gold band is worth in the neighborhood of $113,000.

Speaking of neighborhoods, Mel B and McPhee have that in common, as well. Both hail from the same hometown of Leeds, England.

Simone Biles & Jonathan Owens

When gymnast Simone Biles announced her engagement to football player Jonathan Owens last February on Instagram, she proclaimed it to be “the easiest yes. She continued, “I can’t wait to spend forever & ever with you, you’re everything I dreamed of and more! Let’s get married, FIANCÉ.”

The engagement ring was as exceptional as the couple’s joint athletic prowess: a 3-carat, oval-shaped diamond set in a stunning pave band. Making it even more meaningful? Owens helped to design the ring himself.

Interested in some oval inspiration? Check out our sublime selection of oval diamond engagement rings.

Joey King and Steven Piet

February was also a big month for Kissing Booth actress Joey King and her long-time boyfriend Steven Piet. “The date was 2/2/22 when you asked me to marry you and made me the luckiest lady alive. I love you more than an Instagram caption could ever do justice. Hanging out with you forever sounds like a real dream, so let’s do it,” King wrote on Instagram.

The unusual ring showcases an elongated diamond (sometimes called a “moval” because of draws from both oval and marquise cuts) set horizontally on a gold band. It also features a large epaulet cut diamond, baguette diamonds, and dark-colored side stones.

Evoking the Art Deco era with a modern twist, the ring was reportedly a one-of-a-kind artisan cut worth upwards of $120,000.

Sofia Richie and Elliot Grainge

Music executive Elliot Grange had hearts swooning with his romantic proposal to model Sophia Ritchie last April. He proposed on one knee surrounded by glowing white candles and flowers at the opulent Four Seasons Hualalai. Ritchie captioned photos of the proposal on Instagram, “Forever isn’t long enough @elliot.” 

The sleek, chic engagement ring was equally as impressive as the grand proposal. Rumored to be a six-carat stunner worth around $300,000, the design features a massive emerald-cut diamond ring set into a simple and delicate gold band.

The Ritchie-Grange marriage will be one made in music industry history. Ritchie is the daughter of iconic musician Lionel Ritchie, while Grainge’s father is Universal Music Group chairman and CEO Lucian Grainge.

Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly

When the actress and musician announced their engagement last January, they made headlines for several reasons—not the least being her claim that after their engagement in Puerto Rico, they celebrated by drinking each other’s blood.  

And while the couple’s relationship has been tumultuous since with rumors swirling about a breakup, there’s no denying the unique beauty of her two-tone emerald and diamond ring in the toi et moi (“you and me”) style also seen in the rings of everyone from Jackie Kennedy to Emily Ratajkowski. 

Featuring the couple’s respective birthstones set side by side into a “band of thorns” the ring is held together by magnets which unite and separate to form one or two separate rings. When it snaps together, “it forms an obscure heart,” Kelly said of its unique design. (Ring is pictured above.)

Derek Hough and Hayley Erbert

Derek Hough wasn’t about to put any old ring on it. The Emmy Award winner proposed to fiancée Hayley Erbert with a rare custom diamond engagement ring. Said a source of his selection process, “The ring is perfect for Hayley as it's elegant and timeless just like she is. Having a diamond that was extraordinary and rare was so important to Derek. He wanted Hayley to be wowed every time she looked at it."

His breathtaking choice? A flawless oval diamond set in a platinum pave band with a hidden halo.

Just as much thought went into the proposal, which included transforming their home with 250 candles and 1,600 roses, orchids, and white peonies.

Congratulations and best wishes to all the happy couples! We can’t wait for even more celebrity engagements as we look ahead to 2023. 

At Ritani, we love nothing more than connecting brides and grooms with the engagement rings and wedding rings of their dreams. Let us help you design the perfect diamond engagement ring for your love. Our gemologists are ready to assist you—contact us today!