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Engagement Ring Inspo from Carrie Bradshaw & Sex and the City

Sex and the city engagement rings

It’s official. The genre-defining dramedy Sex and the City is back, with this new 10 episode series titled “And Just Like That…” When can you expect the first episode of And Just Like That…? The Sex and the City will air in December 2021 on HBO Max.

The beloved series will follow Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Charlotte York (Kristin Davis) and Miranda Hobbes (Cynthia Nixon) as they explore love, lust, and life as women in their 50s.

While Kim Catrall will not be returning as the ever-confident Samantha Jones, we can’t wait to see one of the most fashionable groups of friends back on the small screen.

The show is unabashedly about love, meaning that Sex and the City features its fair share of engagements. While not all of them lasted, this week in order to celebrate the revival’s announcement, we’re looking back on the show-stopping engagement rings that changed each character’s life—for better or for worse.

Plus, we’ll share how designs from the show can directly inform your very own Sex and the City-inspired custom engagement ring.

Carrie & Aiden

Carrie’s Harry Winston 3 carat square-cut emerald/asscher-cut diamond engagement ring is a striking design with tapered baguettes on either side. Throughout their engagement, Carrie insisted on wearing the ring around her neck because it’s ‘closer to her heart’. 

Ever the trendsetter, an Asscher cut diamond was perfect for Carrie as these gemstones bring a touch of vintage whimsey. But just like the passing of an era, their relationship ends shortly after the proposal. Still, the ring alone made things worthwhile.

Kate, our Design Director, says that “set with an E colour, VS1 clarity Asscher shape diamond, it’s safe to estimate the value of the ring today would be around £33,000.”

A centre stone flanked with side stones, such as tapered baguettes or pear-cut diamonds, are frequently seen in bespoke engagement ring designs that feature an Asscher cut, but look beautiful with a centre stone of any cut or shape with their subtle nod to vintage design.

Charlotte & Harry

After their breakup, Charlotte asks Harry if they can get back together, tearfully telling him “I don’t care if you ever marry me, I just want to be with you”. Harry responds by getting down on one knee with a 5-carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring. Not a dry eye in the house.

This ring was inspired by a 33-carat diamond ring given to Elizabeth Taylor by Richard Burton in 1968. Emerald-cut diamonds are perfect for those who are confident risk takers with a love for retro style elements. A design inspired by this iconic ring set with a 5 carat emerald-cut diamond is likely to cost in excess of £100,000.

Here are some other engagement rings we’ve crafted over the years that feature emerald-cut gemstones for customers who, like Charlotte, admire the long lines and clean stepped faceting structure of emerald-cut centre stones.

Charlotte & Trey

In season three, after just one month of dating Charlotte accidentally proposes to Trey, much to her embarrassment. Trey later makes up for it and asks Charlotte to stand outside Tiffany’s and pick out the “most beautiful engagement ring they have”.

Charlotte’s simple and sophisticated style led her to choose a classic Tiffany setting with a 2.17 carat round brilliant diamond. Our very own classic collection ring, The Grace offers the same timeless six-claw solitaire engagement ring, available in platinum, white, yellow and rose gold.

Samantha’s Flower Ring

In the Sex and the City movie, Samantha bids on a floral ring adorned with diamonds at auction and says that it perfectly captures her essence, “one of a kind, filled with fire”. It might not be an engagement ring, but piece marks an equally pivotal moment Samantha. She’s out-bid by her would-be love interest Smith, who gifts her the stunning ring by Romona. M Boucher of Bastion, worth approximately $50,000. But despite the grand gesture, Samantha decides she wants to be single and stay that way.

Thinking of designing a floral ring of your own? Check out some examples of work we’ve done to bring organic-inspired creations to life, involving intricate details and impressive curves, allowing for an expressive and delicate final design.

Creator: Alan Light - Creative Commons

Carrie & Mr. Big

The grand finale of one of the most iconic TV romances of all time comes in the second installment of the Sex and the City movie franchise, where Mr. Big gives Carrie a 5-carat black diamond engagement ring. Set in 18 carat white gold and 80 pavé diamonds, Carrie asks “why black?” to which Big responds “because you are not like anyone else”.

Jewellery designer Itay Malkin worked in collaboration with Sarah Jessica Parker and Patricia Field to create the ring, as SJP’s character is known for influencing the rising popularity of non-traditional fashion trends and styles.

“Black diamonds don’t command a price point as high as white or fancy coloured diamonds” says Kate. A very high quality 5 carat round black diamond would begin at around £13,500 with a similar solitaire mount starting at just under £1,000.

We frequently receive requests for black diamond engagement rings as they strike the perfect balance between tradition and individuality. They can be used in both edgy and classic jewellery design to achieve a statement piece.

And we could help but wonder... What ring is right for you?

So that’s a wrap. At least, until history’s most beloved TV show takes to the airwaves once more this coming year. Which SATC character’s ring is your favourite? Or have you been inspired to use elements of the engagement rings from Sex and the City in your very own custom ring design?

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