Nina Dobrev Engagement Ring: 5-Carat Oval by Lorraine Schwartz, Price, Photos, and The Full Proposal Story

Nina Dobrev’s engagement ring instantly captured the spotlight for all the right reasons. Elegant, modern, and unmistakably luxe, the ring pairs a breathtaking five-carat oval diamond with a refined, delicate band that reflects the star’s timeless style. Crafted by celebrity-favorite jeweler Lorraine Schwartz, this is a piece that blends subtlety with serious sparkle, and it arrives with a romantic proposal story that unfolded across New York City in late October 2024 [1]. Below, you’ll find a clear, comprehensive guide to the ring’s design, the real story behind the proposal, expert price estimates, and how to get Nina’s look at every budget.

Nina Dobrev engagement ring with fiancé at an event.

Quick Overview: Nina Dobrev’s Engagement Ring at a Glance

Center stone: approximately 5-carat oval diamond [1]
Designer: Lorraine Schwartz, known for crafting jewelry for A-list stars [1][3]
Setting: minimalist solitaire on a delicate band that lets the diamond take center stage [1][3]
Proposal: Shaun White proposed in New York City after a week of intricate planning and decoy invites [1]
Vibe: elegant, polished, and modern with a classic silhouette that photographs beautifully from every angle [1][3]

The Proposal in New York City: How Shaun White Pulled Off the Surprise

According to reporting at the time, Shaun White orchestrated a detailed plan for a New York City proposal that kept Nina blissfully unaware. He even staged a faux private dinner with Vogue’s Anna Wintour to set the scene, and he moved the ring between hiding places to make sure it stayed a secret [1]. After the proposal, the couple celebrated late into the night with loved ones, and White called it the best night [1]. The romance of the city backdrop, the element of surprise, and the reveal of a remarkable diamond made for a moment that fashion and entertainment fans followed closely.

Ring Design Details: Elegant Soltaire, Big Oval Brilliance

Nina’s ring is a study in proportions. The diamond is the undisputed star, and the minimalist setting is there to showcase, not overshadow. For anyone exploring an oval solitaire, the design choices here are textbook examples of what makes this style so enduring.

The Center Stone: A Five-Carat Oval Diamond

The heart of the ring is a five-carat oval-cut diamond. Ovals are beloved for their face-up size and flattering silhouette. A five-carat oval often spreads larger than a round of the same weight because of its elongated shape, which means you get bold visual impact with graceful lines [1][3]. Media coverage described the stone as flawless, a term that can refer to extremely high clarity when used in a technical diamond sense, though publications sometimes use it as an aesthetic descriptor for exceptional brilliance [1]. Either way, the result is a clean, bright look that instantly draws the eye.

Oval diamonds also have a unique personality under light. The elongated facet pattern can deliver a lively, scintillating sparkle that feels both modern and romantic. When well cut, an oval reduces the appearance of the bow-tie effect and produces even light return along the length of the stone. Nina’s ring photographs with that precise effect: fluid sparkle that highlights the diamond’s length and soft curves [1][3].

The Setting, Band, and Metal

In photos and reports, the ring presents as a refined solitaire with a thin, delicate band in a light metal tone. This typically means platinum or white gold, both of which complement the icy brilliance of a colorless diamond and give a sleek, contemporary frame [1][3]. The band’s slim profile enhances the diamond’s presence and contributes to the ring’s balanced proportions. Minimalist prongs likely secure the oval at its rounded ends and sides, leaving the top view as unobstructed as possible for maximum sparkle and symmetry.

Proportions and What They Mean For Wear

A five-carat oval diamond often measures roughly in the range of 13 to 15 millimeters in length, depending on the stone’s length-to-width ratio and depth. On the hand, it delivers standout coverage without the bulk of heavier, taller settings. Compared to halos or elaborate side-stone designs, a clean solitaire sits lower and catches on clothing less. For daily wear, that translates to comfort and versatility, especially if you plan to stack bands alongside it.

Close-up of Nina Dobrev engagement ring at a dining table.

The Designer: Lorraine Schwartz

Lorraine Schwartz is one of the most recognized names in celebrity jewelry. Known for bold creative vision, exacting standards, and a long list of high-profile clients, she frequently sets the pieces you see walking red carpets and headlining proposal announcements. Coverage around Nina Dobrev’s ring attributes the design to Schwartz, which aligns with the clean-lined glamour the designer is known for [1]. Jeweler analyses published after the announcement also identified the ring with Schwartz’s signature style and execution [2][3].

Choosing a renowned designer does more than add cachet. It often involves access to exceptional stones, careful curation of proportions, and setting work that maximizes the center diamond’s performance under real-world lighting. That attention to detail is exactly what you notice with Nina’s ring, where the diamond’s outline and face-up shape appear crisp and refined, and the band reads as effortlessly chic rather than sparse [1][3].

How Much Is Nina Dobrev’s Engagement Ring Worth?

Price estimates for celebrity rings can vary, particularly when details like diamond color, clarity, and certification grade are not publicly confirmed. That said, we can use market data for five-carat oval diamonds, designer premiums, and visible quality to arrive at realistic ranges. Considering the stone’s size, the designer attribution, and the ring’s minimalist setting, experts point to a valuation that comfortably sits in the high six to seven figures if the diamond is top-tier colorless and near-flawless or better [1][3][4][5].

Here are grounded, scenario-based estimates based on 2024 to 2025 pricing trends for five-carat ovals:

Fine quality, near-colorless and eye-clean, strong make: approximately 250,000 to 450,000 USD for the diamond alone, plus setting [3][4][5]
Excellent quality, colorless and high clarity (VS1 to VVS1), excellent make: approximately 400,000 to 800,000 USD, plus setting [3][4][5]
Top-tier, designer-curated stone that is colorless and exceptional clarity (VVS to IF), premium make and provenance: 800,000 to 1,500,000+ USD inclusive of a designer setting and brand premium [1][3]

Multiple jeweler analyses note that brand reputation, mounting craftsmanship, and stone pedigree can push pricing upward. For Nina’s ring, the Lorraine Schwartz name, coupled with a large oval that photographs with outstanding brightness, supports an estimate that could sit toward the upper end of these ranges if color and clarity are confirmed as elite [1][3].

Why the Oval Solitaire Works So Well

Oval diamonds remain one of the most requested shapes for proposals because they offer a blend of elegance, finger-flattering proportion, and excellent face-up size. With a thin band, you get maximum diamond presence for the carat weight. On social media and red carpets, ovals photograph beautifully, which helps explain their surge with celebrities and stylists. Nina’s ring captures all of that in one look: bold coverage, graceful lines, and clean sparkle that feels both of-the-moment and timeless [1][3].

How to Get Nina Dobrev’s Engagement Ring Look at Any Budget

You can channel the aesthetic of Nina’s ring with smart choices on stone shape, setting, and metal. Here are practical paths at different price points.

Under 10,000 USD

Consider lab-grown oval diamonds. A 2 to 3 carat lab oval can deliver similar coverage and look with exceptional value.
Choose a thin platinum or 14k white gold solitaire setting. Focus on clarity and cut quality for sparkle.
Target a length-to-width ratio around 1.35 to 1.45 for a pleasing elongated silhouette.

10,000 to 50,000 USD

Explore natural ovals in the 1.50 to 2.50 carat range with G to I color and VS2 to SI1 clarity if eye-clean. Prioritize light performance and face-up size.
Add subtle design upgrades like delicate claw prongs or a whisper-thin pave wedding band.

50,000 USD and up

Look for 3 to 4+ carat ovals with excellent symmetry and polish, and limit bow-tie presence. Color and clarity can be tailored to taste, but G to H color with VS1 to VVS2 clarity is a sweet spot for many shoppers.
Commission a custom mount that mirrors Nina’s refined profile, or select a premium designer with a track record of minimalistic glamour.

Elegant oval engagement ring similar to Nina Dobrev's.

Diamond Quality Deep Dive: What Matters for an Oval Like Nina’s

Ovals are not graded for cut in the same way as rounds, so you rely on proportions, images, and performance videos to judge beauty. Here’s a condensed checklist for selecting an oval that echoes Nina’s look.

Length-to-width ratio: Around 1.30 to 1.50 delivers an elegant, elongated shape without appearing too narrow or too round.
Bow-tie effect: All ovals show some degree of bow-tie under the table. Seek stones where it is faint and does not create dark bands across the center.
Brightness and scintillation: Look for even light return from head to tip. Videos and ASET/IdealScope images can help evaluate performance.
Color: In larger ovals, color can concentrate near the tips. Many buyers prefer F to H color for a crisp white appearance in white metal settings.
Clarity: VS2 and above often yields an eye-clean look. For very large stones, you may prefer VS1 or higher to avoid visible inclusions.
Fluorescence: Medium to strong fluorescence can be desirable or not, depending on taste. Confirm that it doesn’t cause haziness in sunlight.

Metal, Band, and Setting Decisions

Nina’s ring appears in a light-toned metal, likely platinum or white gold. Both are excellent choices. Platinum is hypoallergenic, naturally white, and wears as a patina over time. White gold is bright and cost-effective, often rhodium plated to enhance whiteness. A slim band magnifies the diamond’s visual footprint, and minimal prongs keep the oval’s outline clean. If you want slightly more sparkle without a halo, consider a micro-pave wedding band worn alongside the solitaire to frame the center stone without adding height.

Styling Nina’s Ring: Wedding Bands and Everyday Looks

Oval solitaires are extremely versatile. To style yours like Nina’s:

Pair with a whisper-thin eternity band for subtle sparkle that doesn’t compete with the center stone.
Stack mixed metals for a fashion-forward take, for example, a thin yellow gold band with a platinum engagement ring.
Keep nails neutral or soft pink to let the diamond take focus in photos.
For special occasions, consider a delicate diamond guard band that echoes the curve of the oval.

Love celebrity ring stories and style breakdowns? Explore another fan-favorite proposal look in our deep dive on Zooey Deschanel’s engagement ring for more design ideas and pricing comparables.

Care, Cleaning, and Insurance

High-wear solitaires benefit from consistent care routines. Keep your diamond at peak sparkle and protect your investment by following these basics:

Clean at home every 1 to 2 weeks with a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. Use a soft brush around prongs and under the stone, then rinse and pat dry.
Get professional cleanings and prong checks every 6 to 12 months to ensure prongs are secure and the band remains true.
Insure the ring for its full replacement value. Appraisals and grading reports help underwriters assess coverage accurately.
Remove the ring during high-impact sports, weightlifting, and when using harsh chemicals.

Ethical and Certification Considerations

For a purchase of this importance, certification and sourcing matter. Choose diamonds graded by respected laboratories such as GIA, which provides clear grading for color and clarity and a thorough report of measurements. Buyers who prioritize sustainability can explore traceable natural diamonds or lab-grown options. Lab-grown stones make it possible to achieve larger carat weights with enhanced clarity and color at significantly lower cost, while still delivering head-turning sparkle in an oval solitaire.

Timeline and What’s Confirmed vs. Speculated

When a celebrity engagement goes public, fans often piece together details from photos and interviews. Here’s what coverage and expert analyses indicate for Nina Dobrev’s ring.

Confirmed: The ring is approximately five carats, with an oval diamond attributed to Lorraine Schwartz. The proposal took place in New York City in late October 2024, following a week of planning and decoy invitations [1].
Visible in photos: A delicate, minimalist band and a bright, high-performing oval that sits low and elegant on the finger [1][3].
Unconfirmed specifics: The exact metal, color grade, clarity grade, and length-to-width ratio have not been publicly released. Descriptions like flawless appeared in headlines, but may refer to the ring’s visual impact rather than a lab clarity grade unless otherwise verified [1].

How Nina’s Ring Compares To Other Celebrity Ovals

Oval solitaires enjoyed a strong run in 2024 and 2025, and Nina’s ring stands out for its balance of scale and restraint. Some celebrity ovals opt for halos or heavy side stones, which can amplify size but add height and intricacy. Nina’s version keeps to a sleek, modern minimalism that favors daily wear. If you appreciate sophisticated understatement where the diamond does the talking, this ring profile is the blueprint.

Expert Tips For Shopping an Oval Like Nina’s

Start with performance. Use videos and light-performance images when possible, and compare stones side by side.
Target an elongated ratio that suits your hand. Many find 1.35 to 1.45 flattering and classic.
Spend where it shows. In large ovals, prioritize cut performance and color that looks white face-up in your chosen metal.
Ask for prong style options. Delicate claw prongs can sharpen the oval’s outline, while round prongs soften it.
Confirm security features. A well-fitted setting, robust prongs, and thoughtful seat cutting reduce the risk of chipping at the tips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who designed Nina Dobrev’s engagement ring?

The ring is attributed to celebrity jeweler Lorraine Schwartz, noted for her work with A-list clients and custom designs that center high-performing diamonds [1][3].

What are the main specs of the ring?

Reports and images show an approximately five-carat oval diamond set on a delicate, minimalist band in a light metal tone, typically platinum or white gold for this look [1][3].

How much is Nina Dobrev’s engagement ring worth?

Estimates vary with exact color and clarity, which are not officially confirmed. Based on expert analyses of five-carat ovals and designer premiums, valuations can range from the high six figures into seven figures for a top-tier stone in a designer setting [1][3][4][5].

Is the diamond truly Flawless?

Some coverage refers to the diamond as flawless, which could be a descriptive term for exceptional appearance or a technical clarity grade. Without a disclosed grading report, exact clarity remains unconfirmed [1].

What metal is the band?

Photos and reports point to a light-toned metal, typically platinum or white gold for this style. The exact alloy has not been publicly confirmed [1][3].

Why are oval diamonds so popular now?

Ovals provide generous finger coverage for their weight, elongate the hand, and photograph beautifully. They deliver a mix of modern sparkle and classic elegance, which helps explain their rising celebrity appeal [3].

How can I recreate Nina’s look on a budget?

Choose a lab-grown oval between 1.5 and 3 carats, set it in a thin platinum or white gold solitaire, and prioritize performance videos to avoid a strong bow-tie. You’ll capture the silhouette at a fraction of the cost.

What length-to-width ratio should I consider?

Ratios between 1.30 and 1.50 are popular. Around 1.35 to 1.45 often looks elegantly elongated without appearing too narrow or round.

What should I watch for with oval diamonds?

Pay attention to the bow-tie effect and how the stone performs in different lighting. Verify that inclusions are not visible to the naked eye, and check that the tips are well protected by the setting.

Did the proposal really take place in New York City?

Yes. Reporting indicates Shaun White planned a week of surprises in New York City, including a decoy dinner invitation and clever ring hiding spots, before proposing in late October 2024 [1].

If you enjoy celebrity ring reveals and wealth deep-dives, you may also like our latest rundown of star fortunes in Unveiled: Celebrity Net Worth Breakdowns.

References

[1] Page Six (URL: https://pagesix.com/2024/10/31/style/all-about-the-flawless-5-carat-engagement-ring-shaun-white-gave-nina-dobrev/) – “Five-carat oval diamond engagement ring by Lorraine Schwartz; New York City proposal with decoy invite and ring hiding details; post-proposal celebration and quotes.”
[2] Ken & Dana Design (URL: https://shop.kenanddanadesign.com/pages/nina-dobrev-engagement-ring) – “Jeweler analysis attributing the ring and discussing oval diamond design features in a delicate solitaire setting.”
[3] Taylor & Hart (URL: https://taylorandhart.com/blog/nina-dobrev-engagement-ring) – “Expert breakdown of Nina Dobrev’s ring design, oval diamond characteristics, and style context.”
[4] Carat Diamonds (URL: https://caratdiamonds.com/blogs/engagement-rings/nina-dobrev-engagement-ring) – “Market-based pricing context for five-carat oval diamonds and setting considerations.”
[5] My Diamond Ring (URL: https://mydiamondring.com/en/article/3161465) – “Additional estimates and style observations for large oval solitaires in celebrity engagements.”