Bella Swan’s engagement ring has become an iconic piece of jewelry in pop culture. The ring, given to her by her vampire fiancé, Edward Cullen, in the “Twilight” movie franchise, has captivated audiences with its unique design and romantic significance.
The Twilight series was written by Stephenie Meyer, who described Bella’s engagement ring in detail in the book series. 14-carat white gold, with 69 different cubic zirconias in a pave-style setting. The ring became an important symbol in the story of Bella and Edward’s love, representing their eternal bond.
Here’s everything you need to know about Bella Swan’s engagement ring.
What kind of ring is Bella’s engagement ring?
It depends on who you ask.
Bella Swan’s engagement ring is shrouded in controversy for the die-hard Twi-hard fans among us. In the book, the ring — an Edwardian cluster ring that once belonged to Edward’s mother — is described in detail: “The face was a long oval, set with slanting rows of glittering round stones. The band was gold – delicate and narrow. The gold made a fragile web around the diamonds.”
However, when the ring was brought to life in the movies, it wasn’t exactly as expected. Designed by Neil Lane, a well-known jeweler in Hollywood, the movie ring took a slightly new approach. It was still an oval shape, again 14-carat white gold with a rhodium finish, but this time with 69 different cubic zirconias in a pave-style setting. According to Lane, the ring was inspired by Edward’s love for Bella and his desire to protect her.
The oval shape of the diamond represents a shield, while the smaller pave diamonds symbolize Edward’s unending love for Bella. For many, it was just less visually appealing than what they expected.
Some went as far as to say it was downright ugly.
Why is Bella Swan’s engagement ring so ugly?
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, but unfortunately, not many beholders warmed to Bella’s ring. Meyer touched on the frosty reception to the ring, and it makes sense.
She explains that “Bella’s engagement ring shouldn’t look like the ring you want to go out and get tomorrow. This ring should look old fashioned; it should look out of date and unusual.” It’s not a contemporary piece but rather an Edwardian heirloom. As this was the ring Edward’s father gave to his mother, it would have been made in the 1890s, and times were very different.
Victorian engagement rings differed from what we consider engagement rings today; they were larger and more ornate. Bella’s ring was just a more contemporary adaptation.
How much did Bella Swan’s engagement ring cost?
The exact cost of Bella’s engagement ring is unknown, as it was a fictional family heirloom.
However, we can put a price tag on the official replica that swept the franchise community off its feet. With the help of Myer, Infinite Jewelry Company brought the book version of the ring to life. They produced an elegant, domed-oval, gold ring, true to Victorian-era design. Bella’s replica engagement ring is a stunning oval-shaped diamond set in 14-carat white gold with 13 brilliant cut diamonds. For $2,000, Twilight fans could have their own piece of Edward and Bella’s love story.
As for the movie ring, even though the diamonds weren’t real, it fetched an eye-watering $16,800 during a two-day auction at the Hollywood Chinese Theater.
The Legacy of Bella Swan’s Engagement Ring
Bella’s engagement ring has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring countless replicas and imitations. Edwardian cluster rings are officially back, and Bella’s engagement ring has had a part to play in it.
While it’s not to everyone’s taste, Bella’s engagement ring has left an indelible mark on popular culture, cementing its place as one of the most iconic jewelry pieces in the 21st century. Whether you’re a die-hard Twilight fan or simply appreciate beautiful jewelry, Bella’s engagement ring is a must-see.