From British royalty to Hollywood starlets, celebrity engagements have long fueled global obsession with the round brilliant cut diamond cut. High society weddings through history ensured round brilliants as the aspirational stone every couple envisioned for marking betrothals. Several pivotal celebrity proposals also embedded the cut as shorthand for timeless romance within mass culture.  19th Century Nobility Set Early Round Brilliant PrecedentEurope’s aristocracy flaunted large round brilliant cut diamonds in betrothal jewels as early as the Victorian period. Affluent nobles embracing the new cutting style associated it with privilege and sophistication. Newspapers documenting royal weddings sparked public imagination and desire even if few could afford significant stones. The association with status took hold early.Elizabeth Taylor’s Engagements Captivated 1950s PublicWhen Hollywood royalty Elizabeth Taylor accepted a 3-carat round brilliant cut engagement ring from film producer Mike Todd in 1957, it made global headlines and photos. The iconic actress went on to collect famous large round diamonds like the 69-carat Taylor-Burton purchased at auction in 1969. Her much photographed love life brought round brilliants to every American home.Princess Diana’s Sapphire Captivated 1980s AudiencesWhile technically accent stones, the oval cut sapphires flanking Princess Diana’s engagement ring fueled 1980’s nostalgia. The royal proposal and extravagant 1981 televised wedding fueled a decade of conspicuous consumption. Brides-to-be flocked to jewelry stores requesting Diana-inspired oval sapphire halos around round brilliant center stones.Bennifer in the 2000s Sparked the Celebrity Ring One-Upmanship EraPaparazzi photos of Jennifer Lopez’s 6.1-carat pink diamond from Ben Affleck in 2002 birthed today’s loud, look-at-me celebrity ring era. Their relationship demise sent “Bennifer” fans to soothe heartbreak by copying the eye-catching Harry Winston pink round brilliant style. And a competition emerged around flashing biggest, boldest round diamond bling that still dominates celebrity and influencer culture today.From European royalty to Hollywood starlets, celebrity engagements have long fueled global obsession with the round brilliant diamond cut. High society weddings through history ensured round brilliants as the aspirational stone every couple envisioned for marking betrothals. Several pivotal celebrity proposals also embedded the cut as shorthand for timeless romance within mass culture.