The Female Icons Behind Our Best Selling Engagement Rings

In the realm of engagement rings, each piece tells a unique story. While there is always the option to create an entirely bespoke ring to reflect your own story, Queensmith’s collection of classic engagement ring designs provide a helpful starting point.

In honour of Women’s History Month, we shine a spotlight on the female icons who inspired the names of our six best selling engagement rings. From the timeless elegance of Natalie Portman to the sultry allure of Brigitte Bardot, these icons have left an indelible mark on our collective consciousness – and now, they grace our most cherished creations. So join us as we put a famous face to the ring and celebrate the incredible lives, style and influence of these legendary women.

One of our most popular designs of all time, the Bardot is named after the legendary French actress and fashion icon Brigitte Bardot, who we recognise is not without recent controversies, but is well-known for her earlier captivating performances and unparalleled beauty. Much like Bardot herself, who redefined classic elegance with her effortless charm, this ring updates traditional style with sleek lines and refined proportions.

Available with a choice of natural or lab-grown diamonds, the Bardot is designed to maximise the dispersion of light throughout the centre diamond, enhancing its brilliance and sparkle. The minimalist form of the Bardot gives this simple solitaire an elegance that echoes Brigitte Bardot’s iconic chic style.

The Hendricks pays homage to the beauty and magnetic glamour of Christina Hendricks, the acclaimed actress known for her captivating performances and striking presence on both television and film. Renowned for her role as Joan Holloway in Mad Men and her iconic red hair, Christina Hendricks embodies sophistication, confidence and undeniable charm.

The Hendricks, a trilogy ring, features a modern setting designed to enhance the diamonds' natural lustre, reflecting Hendricks' timeless elegance and contemporary style. The bezel setting ensures both security and style, allowing the diamonds to shine brightly as a symbol of enduring love and commitment, while blending Hendricks’ classic elegance and modern flair.

Although similar in style to The Hendricks, Maureen O’Hara is the influence for this classic trilogy ring. Remembered for her timeless grace and fiery spirit, the iconic actress is known for her commanding presence and magnetic charm on the silver screen. Renowned for her roles in classics such as The Quiet Man and Miracle on 34th Street, Maureen O'Hara epitomises strength, beauty and unwavering elegance.

The O'Hara ring is paired with a modern setting designed to enhance the diamonds' natural lustre, echoing O'Hara's timeless appeal and contemporary sensibility. Each of the three stones is set open-sided, appearing to float within the setting, creating a mesmerising effect that captures the essence of O'Hara's radiant beauty and the fierce sparkle of her indomitable spirit.

This special ring is inspired by the iconic Merle Oberon, the legendary actress known for her mesmerising performances and ethereal beauty. Renowned for her roles in classics such as Wuthering Heights and The Scarlet Pimpernel, Merle Oberon epitomises glamour, grace and enduring allure. The Oberon is a Queensmith favourite, adored for its timeless appeal and contemporary finish.

Featuring a simple, Scallop set diamond halo surrounding the main diamond, this design exudes refinement and stripped-back elegance, reflecting Oberon's understated yet captivating style. Meticulously set and perfectly calibrated to match in clarity and colourless quality, the halo of diamonds enhances the size and sparkle of the main diamond, creating a display of brilliance and fire. The plain band complements the halo setting, allowing the diamonds to take centre stage and shine brightly.

The Temple engagement ring pays tribute to the timeless charm and innocence of Shirley Temple, the iconic child star turned diplomat who captured the hearts of millions with her radiant smile and unparalleled talent. Known for her endearing performances in classics like Bright Eyes and The Little Princess, Shirley Temple symbolises grace, purity, and everlasting beauty.

Like the actress, the Temple ring exudes refinement and elegance, featuring exceptionally refined metalwork styled to a perfectly minimalist design. The four claws of the ring gather towards the plain band with exquisite symmetry, creating a modern yet timeless silhouette. An open-sided setting enhances the illusion of the diamond floating within the ring, allowing for maximum light penetration and intense sparkle, mirroring the effervescent personality of Shirley Temple.

Inspired by the academy award-winning Natalie Portman, known for her captivating performances in iconic films such as Black Swan, V for Vendetta and Jackie, this modern solitaire engagement ring embodies sophistication and grace. Much like the acclaimed actress herself, known for her poise and effortless elegance, the Portman ring captivates with its sleek design and meticulous craftsmanship. It features a seamless joint that elegantly secures the diamond to the main band, allowing the stone to take centre stage. With its understated metalwork and a plain band polished to a mirror finish, this design reflects the essence of Natalie Portman's timeless beauty, ensuring that your chosen diamond shines brilliantly as a symbol of enduring love and grace.