(Culture)
Natalie Portman’s Engagement Ring Is Sustainable — Here’s What That Means
In addition to being nominated for — and winning — countless awards for her compelling on-screen portrayals, Natalie Portman has earned rank as one of the most eco-friendly celebrities. She's a committed social activist, as well as an advocate for animal rights and environmental causes, so it should come as no surprise that Natalie Portman’s engagement ring is also amongst the most ethically-made baubles in Hollywood. And according to Kathryn Money, vice president of strategy and merchandising at Brilliant Earth, millennials are following the actor's lead when it comes to engagement ring shopping.
"Natalie’s glamorous ring features an estimated 4-carat old-mine cut diamond surrounded by a double halo of pavé diamonds in a sustainable, recycled platinum setting," Money shares with The Zoe Report over email. "The ring features a surprise diamond-accented gallery, and is worn alongside nested diamond wedding bands for a cohesive and elegant look." Money estimates Portman's ring to be valued between $35,000 to $90,000.
Though Portman has had the stunning dazzler perched on her finger since her now-husband Benjamin Millepied popped the question in 2010, it's still as relevant as ever today, says Money, which is partially due to its unique construction. Unlike most celebrity engagement rings, Portman opted for a sustainable design — i.e., the use of conflict-free, smaller stones for the band and recycled platinum for the metal.
"Many couples are embracing unique details, including surprise diamond galleries that set a ring apart," Money explains. "We are also seeing increasing interest in understanding how and where products are sourced, particularly from millennial consumers," she says, citing a recent survey conducted by Brilliant Earth, which revealed that 80 percent of millennials place heavy importance on purchasing responsibly sourced jewelry, as an example.
Portman and Millepied started dating in 2009 after meeting during the production of Black Swan, a film for which Portman won an Academy Award for Best Actress. The two officially tied the knot in a small, intimate ceremony in 2012, with Portman walking down the aisle in a white, tea-length Rodarte gown that featured a high neckline and long, sheer sleeves.
It's no secret that engagement rings come with a lot of sentimental value, but it's also important to consider the piece's environmental impact. If you're looking for an ethically sourced bauble, make sure to do some research ahead of time. Luckily, there's a handful of great jewelry retailers you can always turn to for conflict-free diamonds, including Brilliant Earth, Catbird, Mejuri, and Taylor & Hart, to name a few.
Ahead, shop The Zoe Report's roundup of stunning engagement rings for the bride-to-be, all of which pay subtle homage to Portman's.
