Television has given us some truly memorable proposals. From grand romantic gestures to proposals that go spectacularly off-script, there is often one detail we find ourselves looking at just as closely as the storyline: the engagement ring.

Penelope Featherington - Bridgerton

In Bridgerton, Penelope Featherington, played by Nicola Coughlan, is proposed to by Colin Bridgerton, played by Luke Newton, after their relationship takes a rather dramatic turn from friendship to romance. Their engagement comes after Colin's heartfelt confession of his feelings, followed by a proposal that is considerably less subtle than his previous attempts at hiding them.

Penelope's engagement ring is every bit as romantic as you might expect from the world of Bridgerton. The design features a round yellow gemstone, possibly a yellow sapphire, surrounded by a halo of six freshwater cultured pearls, creating a floral-inspired cluster. The yellow gold band has an organic, slightly irregular design that complements the floral motif.

It is a lovely example of how an engagement ring doesn't have to rely solely on diamonds to feel luxurious. The combination of a warm coloured gemstone, pearls and yellow gold gives the ring a distinctly romantic, vintage-inspired character.

If you love Penelope's romantic combination of colour and pearls, our Grey Pearl with Diamond Band offers a contemporary take, featuring a 10mm freshwater grey pearl.

For those drawn to the yellow centre stone, our Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Floral Ring pairs a yellow sapphire with marquise-cut diamonds in an organic leaf design – a beautiful choice for a yellow sapphire engagement ring.

Belly Conklin - The Summer I Turned Pretty

In The Summer I Turned Pretty, Belly Conklin, played by Lola Tung, accepts an impromptu proposal from Jeremiah Fisher, played by Gavin Casalegno. The proposal takes place during the third season, when Jeremiah presents Belly with a notably understated engagement ring.

And when we say understated, we mean it.

Belly's ring is a 0.09ct recycled round diamond solitaire, held by three talon claws on a slim 0.80mm flat court 14ct yellow gold band. It is tiny compared with some of television's more extravagant engagement rings – and that was very much intentional. Creator Jenny Han explained that the modest design was chosen to reflect Belly's personality, circumstances and preference for simplicity.

It is also a useful reminder that the biggest ring isn't necessarily the most appropriate ring. Sometimes a delicate solitaire says much more about the person wearing it.

If Belly's understated style appeals to you, Forrest offers a contemporary take on the classic solitaire, with a crossover detail adding interest to the setting. It's a lovely starting point for anyone looking for a simple, modern diamond engagement ring.

David Rose - Schitt's Creek

In Schitt's Creek, David Rose, played by Dan Levy, is proposed to by Patrick Brewer, played by Noah Reid. And naturally, Patrick doesn't simply hand David a conventional engagement ring.

Instead, he gives him four matching plain gold rings.

The choice is wonderfully personal: David is almost always seen wearing four silver rings, so Patrick has four gold versions made for his proposal. It is an engagement-ring moment that manages to be romantic, funny and completely David at the same time.

And honestly, if your partner has a signature jewellery look, what better way to propose than by paying attention to it?

If you love David's chunky gold rings, our Men's Flat Court offers a similarly bold, clean aesthetic. At 7mm wide, it's a substantial gold band that proves an engagement ring doesn't need a centre stone to make an impact.

Allura Grant - All's Fair

In All's Fair, Allura Grant, played by Kim Kardashian, receives a spectacular piece of jewellery from her husband, Chase Munroe, played by Matthew Noszka. During their anniversary dinner, Chase presents Allura with the ring after initially pretending to have forgotten the occasion.

The real surprise? Allura recognises it.

The show reveals that the large diamond ring once belonged to Hollywood icon Elizabeth Taylor, giving an already extravagant piece an extra dose of Hollywood history.

The exact cut and carat weight of the diamond have not been reliably confirmed, so we'll leave the gemmological detective work there. What we can say is that the ring is unapologetically glamorous – which feels very appropriate for Allura.

Elizabeth Taylor was famously known for her love of spectacular jewellery, including her iconic emerald-cut diamond solitaire. Inspired by that timeless silhouette, our Indigo features an emerald-cut diamond on a fine, tapering band, allowing the elongated centre stone to take centre stage.

Blair Waldorf - Gossip Girl

Few television characters have a jewellery wardrobe quite as recognisable as Blair Waldorf, played by Leighton Meester. When Chuck Bass, played by Ed Westwick, finally proposes, he does so with a ring that is appropriately spectacular.

Blair's engagement ring features an 8ct cushion-cut diamond flanked by tapered baguette diamonds, set in platinum.

The combination is classic but unmistakably glamorous. The cushion-cut centre gives the ring plenty of presence, while the baguette-cut side stones create a more architectural frame around it.

In other words: Blair Waldorf was never going to be handed a modest little solitaire and simply say, “Lovely, thanks.”

Monica Geller - Friends

When Chandler Bing, played by Matthew Perry, proposes to Monica Geller, played by Courteney Cox, he gives her one of television's most recognisable three-stone engagement rings.

The ring features a 1.5ct princess-cut diamond centre stone, flanked by trillion-cut blue sapphires, set in platinum with vintage-inspired filigree detailing. The design was created to evoke the look of a 1920s ring.

The three-stone format is particularly meaningful, traditionally representing past, present and future – making it a fitting choice for a couple who have already been through quite a lot before getting to their proposal.

If Monica's combination of blue and white stones caught your eye, our Sapphire Celestia echoes her three-stone design with a blue sapphire flanked by trillion-cut diamonds.

For something more Art Deco-inspired, our 1ct Tanzanite and Diamond Engagement Ring combines deep blue tanzanite with diamonds, filigree detailing and milgrain edging.

Toni Childs - Girlfriends

In Girlfriends, Toni Childs, played by Jill Marie Jones, is proposed to by Todd Garrett, played by Jason Pace.

Toni's engagement ring is every bit as glamorous as you would expect from her character: a radiant-cut diamond centre stone flanked by trillion-cut side stone, all set in platinum.

It is a great example of how mixing different diamond shapes can make a three-stone ring feel much more individual than three matching stones.

If Toni’s combination of diamond shapes caught your eye, our Celestia echoes her three-stone design with a centre diamond flanked by trillion-cut diamonds.

Olivia Pope - Scandal

In Scandal, Olivia Pope, played by Kerry Washington, is proposed to by Fitzgerald Grant, played by Tony Goldwyn – although there is one small catch.

The proposal and wedding happens in a dream sequence.

The ring is estimated 5ct square cushion-cut diamond solitaire set on a flat yellow gold band. So, technically, it wasn't real within the show's reality. But it was real enough for us to take notes.

The combination of an oversized cushion-cut diamond with a simple yellow gold band is actually a brilliant lesson in proportion. The minimal setting allows the centre stone to do all the talking.

If Olivia's oversized cushion-cut diamond and simple yellow gold band is your kind of statement, our Valli offers a similar balance of substantial stone and understated setting. Its tulip-shaped claws follow the centre stone, making it a beautiful option for a cushion-cut diamond engagement ring.

Princess Diana - The Crown

In The Crown, Princess Diana, played by Elizabeth Debicki, is proposed to by Dodi Fayed, played by Khalid Abdalla, during their time in Paris.

The ring is the “Dis-moi Oui”, meaning “Tell me yes”, and the scene takes place at the Ritz Paris. The ring shown in the series features an emerald-cut centre diamond framed by four trillion cut stones, set on a band decorated with small diamonds.

There is an important real-life footnote here: Dodi did purchase a ring bearing the “Dis-moi Oui” inscription, but historical accounts differ over whether he actually gave it to Diana or whether they were formally engaged. The Crown itself depicts Diana declining the proposal.

Either way, the ring is a spectacular example of a statement three-dimensional design - and certainly makes an impression on screen.

For those who love the sparkle of Diana's diamond-heavy design but prefer a more delicate silhouette, our Bryony features a round diamond surrounded by three tiers of micro-set diamonds. It's an elegant option for anyone looking for a diamond engagement ring with extra sparkle without an overly elaborate centre setting.

Jane Villanueva - Jane the Virgin

In Jane the Virgin, Jane Villanueva, played by Gina Rodriguez, eventually gets her happily-ever-after with Rafael Solano, played by Justin Baldoni.

Rafael proposes during a family game night, turning the proposal into a playful recreation of their relationship using Lotería cards. When he reaches “The Ring”, he produces the engagement ring and asks Jane to marry him. Jane accepts.

The ring itself is a classic round-cut diamond solitaire - proof that sometimes the most traditional design can be exactly right.

Jane's classic round solitaire is proof that sometimes the simplest designs are the ones that stand the test of time. Our Rhea adds a subtle hidden halo beneath the centre stone, making it a lovely choice for anyone searching for a classic diamond engagement ring with a little extra sparkle.

Carrie Bradshaw - Sex and the City

Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, has never been particularly interested in doing things the conventional way – and her engagement ring from Aidan Shaw, played by John Corbett, is no exception.

Aidan initially chooses a pear-shaped diamond solitaire, which Carrie famously rejects. He eventually proposes with a 3ct Asscher-cut diamond solitaire.

But Carrie doesn't actually wear it like a conventional engagement ring.

Instead, she puts it on a chain and wears it around her neck, explaining that it is “closer to her heart.” The moment is one of those wonderfully Carrie details where the jewellery becomes part of the storytelling rather than simply an accessory.

The Asscher cut is particularly fitting for her. Its geometric step-cut facets and Art Deco associations give the solitaire a distinctive, vintage-inspired appearance.

Amy Santiago - Brooklyn Nine-Nine

In Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Amy Santiago, played by Melissa Fumero, is proposed to by Jake Peralta, played by Andy Samberg, during the precinct's annual Halloween Heist.

Naturally, Jake cannot simply propose like a normal person.

After a series of increasingly chaotic events, he reveals that the entire heist was ultimately a distraction so he could surprise Amy with his proposal. The ring itself features round diamonds arranged into two floral motifs, with round prongs and a slight crossover platinum band. Jake's proposal is chaotic; the ring is considerably more elegant.

The contrast is very Brooklyn Nine-Nine.

Amy's floral ring is a lovely choice for anyone who prefers their engagement jewellery with a romantic, botanical feel. For a bespoke take on the look, floral-inspired details can be incorporated into a diamond engagement ring through the setting, side stones or even a nature-inspired band.

Find Your Own TV-Worthy Engagement Ring at Holts Gems

If a fictional engagement ring has inspired your own ideas, you don't have to recreate it exactly. The best bespoke engagement rings take inspiration from a design and adapt it to the person who will actually wear it.

At Holts Gems, our Hatton Garden showroom specialises in individually designed diamond and gemstone engagement rings, from classic diamond solitaires and three-stone rings to colourful sapphire, emerald and ruby designs. Our experienced jewellery designers and gemmologists can help you explore different gemstones, diamond shapes, settings and metals before creating a ring that is entirely your own.