ColumnistsJan 07, 2026
Peter Smith: Physical Retail—The Beginning or the End?As the shopping mall model evolves and online retail grows, Smith shares his predictions for the future of physical stores.
TrendsMar 13, 2019
Jennifer Lopez Definitely Has an Engagement Ring Preference
Her new emerald-cut diamond sparkler isn’t the first for the pop star.
Singer Jennifer Lopez posted this picture of her engagement ring from boyfriend Alex Rodriguez on her Instagram account over the weekend. The emerald-cut diamond is estimated to have cost over $1 million.
New York—Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez announced their engagement on Instagram last weekend, and the internet was quick to speculate on details surrounding her whopping emerald-cut diamond solitaire engagement ring.
Various diamond experts have weighed in with carat weight and cost estimates, guessing that the stone could weigh anywhere between 11 and 20 carats and cost between $1 and $5 million.
Katherine Hamian, a New York City-based private jeweler and designer of KH Fine Jewelry, told National Jeweler that the ring’s center stone looks to be about 15 carats and Shane Co. executive Alicia Davis guessed the same.
But what’s perhaps even more interesting than the massive stone itself is that it seems to be J. Lo’s go-to engagement style.
Though softer-edged ovals and cushion cuts may be trending, J. Lo is a proven devotee of the clean, straight lines of emerald and radiant cuts.
“Jennifer Lopez is the definition of engagement ring goals,” said Hamian. “From her 6.1-carat pink diamond from Ben Affleck or her 8.5-carat blue diamond from Mark Anthony, it is clear that she is accustomed to the best of the best.”
Little is known about the star’s engagement ring from her first marriage to Ojani Noa, but by the time her other engagements rolled around, Lopez was a Hollywood fixture and fans were paying careful attention to her love life and the resulting bling.
She wed dancer Cris Judd in 2001 and debuted her first emerald-cut white diamond, in either a platinum or white gold setting.
In 2002 she was engaged to Ben Affleck, who proposed with a Harry Winston ring featuring the clean edges of either a radiant- or emerald-cut pink diamond, flanked by two white diamonds. The center stone was reported to be 6.1 carats, with the ring costing somewhere between $1.2 and $2.5 million.
Embed from Getty Images
Affleck and Lopez never married, but, not to be outdone by Lopez’s previous suitor, singer Marc Anthony popped the question with a reported 8.5-carat light blue diamond ring with white diamond side stones, also by Harry Winston.
This bauble was said to have cost about $4 million and the blue diamond’s cut appeared to be radiant.
Embed from Getty Images
Clearly, A-Rod has paid attention, coughing up what looks to be the biggest diamond yet, though he opted for a classic white diamond in a simple solitaire setting.
“I love how he kept the design of the ring simple, allowing that gorgeous emerald cut to take center stage,” Hamian opined. “Assuming that Alex Rodriguez stuck to the script and got Jennifer the best of the best—D color and flawless or near-flawless clarity—that would put this ring in the $1.5 million range.”
More on Trends
The Latest
Events & AwardsJan 07, 2026
Melee Adds 13 New Designers to NYC ShowThe trade show is slated for Jan. 31-Feb. 2 at The Lighthouse in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood.
SourcingJan 07, 2026
Diamonds Do Good Releases 2025 Impact ReportThe annual report highlights how it supported communities in areas where natural diamonds are mined, crafted, and sold.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
CrimeJan 06, 2026
2 Jewelers Arrested After TraxNYC Diamond District BrawlFootage of a fight breaking out in the NYC Diamond District was viewed millions of times on Instagram and Facebook.
Weekly QuizDec 23, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Rio Grande Says These Are the Top Personalization Tools for 2026The supplier has a curated list of must-have tools for jewelers doing in-house custom work this year.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
Zales Tests Out A New LookThe Signet Jewelers-owned store, which turned 100 last year, calls its new concept stores “The Edit.”
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
MajorsJan 06, 2026
LeachGarner Appoints New Director of SalesLinda Coutu is rejoining the precious metals provider as its director of sales.
SourcingJan 06, 2026
AGA Announces 2026 BoardThe governing board welcomed two new members, Claire Scragg and Susan Eisen.
IndependentsJan 05, 2026
Jeweler Ben Nighthorse Campbell Dies at 92The master jeweler, Olympian, former senator, and Korean War veteran founded the brand Nighthorse Jewelry.
TrendsJan 05, 2026
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
MajorsJan 02, 2026
Marc Metrick Out as CEO of Saks Global Executive Chairman Richard Baker will take over the role as rumors swirl that a bankruptcy filing is imminent for the troubled retailer.
Events & AwardsJan 02, 2026
Jan Mohr, Couture’s ‘North Star,’ Dies at 71Mohr had just retired in June after more than two decades as Couture’s retailer liaison.
SourcingJan 02, 2026
IDCA Elects New President, Board of DirectorsShekhar Shah of Real Gems Inc. will serve as president of the Indian Diamond & Colorstone Association in 2026.
CollectionsJan 02, 2026
Lalaounis’ 2026 Good Luck Charm Speaks to ResilienceThis year’s good luck charm features the mythical horse Pegasus, and is our first Piece of the Week of the new year.
EditorsDec 31, 2025
The Top 5 Stories of 2025Articles about crime, engagement rings, and a necklace worn in the World Series generated the most interest among readers.
MajorsDec 30, 2025
Becka Johnson Kibby to Lead Edge Retail AcademyAs part of the leadership transition, Sherry Smith will take on the role of vice president of coaching strategy and development.
SourcingDec 30, 2025
India Chosen as KP Chair for 2026It marks the third time the country has headed the Kimberley Process. Ghana will serve as vice chair.
WatchesDec 30, 2025
Bulova, Stetson Collab on Watches With Western FlairThe new Bulova x Stetson designs highlight two animals often associated with the American West—the bison and the Texas Longhorn.
CollectionsDec 30, 2025
Rahaminov Diamonds Pops Up in FloridaIts residency at Yamron Jewelers will run through May 2026.
IndependentsDec 29, 2025
In Memoriam: Industry Friends We Lost in 2025From influential executives to innovative designers, we pay tribute to the people we said goodbye to this year.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Tanishq Opens New Stores in Florida, VirginiaThe retailer is expanding into areas with large Indian and South Asian populations.
MajorsDec 29, 2025
Nanis Opens First Flagship Store The Italian brand has opened its first flagship amid the peaks of the Dolomites in Madonna di Campiglio, Italy.
SourcingDec 29, 2025
‘Unearthed: Raw Beauty’ Exhibition Opens at LA MuseumThe new curation at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County showcases rare gem and mineral specimens in their uncut, natural state.
CrimeDec 24, 2025
LA Jewelry District Couple Pleads Guilty to Hiding Millions from IRSThe couple pleaded guilty to concealing at least $127 million in cash transactions at its precious metals businesses.
SurveysDec 24, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls Again in DecemberConsumers shared concerns about prices, inflation, tariffs, trade, and politics in the survey’s write-in response section.
