Katie Holmes' Engagement Ring

Every year, a few celebrities spark fervent interest with their whirlwind romances. In 2005 and 2006, no couple sparked more interest or controversy than Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise, and Katie Holmes’ engagement ring was in the spotlight for much of the tumult.

Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise

Katie's diamond ring.

Tom Cruise first proposed to Katie Holmes at the Eiffel Tower in Paris in June, 2005. Upon leaving the site, Katie’s ring was spotted, and its massive size has spawned both admiration and disdain. The ring is a five carat oval-shaped diamond set in platinum and rose gold with an intricate pave setting. The ring’s band has a split-shank, meaning that the band itself splits as it rises toward the setting. This is a common feature with thin bands and large settings, because it provides greater stability to support the center and accent stones.

Overall, the simple symmetry of the ring is reminiscent of art deco or antique rings, with its focus on a large center stone ringed by smaller accents in a classic and elegant pattern. At the same time, the two-tone embellishing, particularly using such an unusual choice as rose gold, is a contemporary and personalized twist.

Showing off with a Chanel bag.

Every celebrity relationship, article of clothing, and piece of jewelry has both admirers and detractors, and Katie Holmes’ engagement ring is no exception. While many celebrity-watchers admire both its size and beauty, critics say those same characteristics are its worst features. Because Katie Holmes has a petite figure with slender hands, the ring has been described as ostentatious and too big for her narrow fingers (brides typically select rings with shapes to complement their hand shapes and sizes). Furthermore, the ring is typically photographed sliding around her finger, which could mean that the ring size is incorrect or the stone is so weighty that it inadvertently pulls to the side.

A third criticism of the ring relates to its overall design – such a large stone and high setting can easily catch on clothing and other jewelry, making wearing it awkward. Brides-to-be frequently take their lifestyles into account when choosing a ring so that it does not become an obstacle to their lives and it stands less chance of being lost or damaged. Similarly, Katie is unable to pair her large engagement ring with her wedding band because of its awkward size.

Few details are known about the wedding rings worn by Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes since their November 2006 wedding. The rings are reputed to be white gold set with diamonds, designed by Cartier.

Fans who wish to emulate Katie Holmes’ engagement ring have several options without breaking the bank. Many celebrity rings are available as inexpensive replicas, using cubic zirconia or other imitation stones set in cheaper metals. Other options include scaling the ring down proportionally to a more manageable size and price by option for a smaller center stone with fewer accents, though the overall design would still be reminiscent of the celebrity-inspired original.

Katie Holmes’ engagement ring is a stunning beauty and the perfect accompaniment to the star-studded romance. As with all celebrity rings, it has both admirers and critics, but the simple fact that the ring is noticed by so many proves that it serves its purpose of highlighting the love two people share and announcing that love to the world.

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