By Henry 
Did you spot Zendaya’s stunning diamond at the 2025 Golden Globes and wonder if it was the real deal? Turns out, that sparkling debut kicked off one of the biggest celebrity engagement stories of the year, blending romance, fashion, and a fresh take on bridal trends.
Key Highlights
- Zendaya’s engagement ring features a 5.02-carat cushion-cut diamond in an east-west setting, blending vintage Georgian inspiration with modern flair.
- Designed by London jeweler Jessica McCormack, it’s crafted in 18k yellow and white gold, with estimates placing its value between $120,000 and $280,000.
- The ring marks a personal choice, stepping away from her Bulgari ambassadorship, and has boosted the east-west trend among Gen Z and millennial couples.
- Tom Holland proposed over the 2024 holidays, and as of early 2026, wedding plans remain under wraps amid busy schedules, though rumors hint at a European summer ceremony.
- Fans can find similar styles from affordable lab-grown options on Etsy to high-end replicas, starting around $1,950.
The ring’s east-west orientation makes the diamond appear larger and more unique, letting more light in for extra sparkle. Research suggests this style is surging in popularity, with jewelers noting a 20-30% increase in requests post-debut. It seems likely that Zendaya’s choice has influenced bridal trends, though opinions vary on whether it’s a fleeting fad or a lasting shift.
The Romantic Backstory Zendaya and Tom Holland, affectionately dubbed “Tomdaya” by fans, met on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2016. Their relationship went public in 2021, but they kept things private until the engagement buzz. Holland proposed between Christmas and New Year’s 2024 at one of Zendaya’s U.S. homes, according to sources. She soft-launched the news at the Golden Globes on January 5, 2025, where the ring stole the show alongside her Louis Vuitton gown and Bulgari necklace.
Design Breakdown At its core is a 5.02-carat antique cushion-cut diamond, likely G color and VS1 clarity. The east-west setting (horizontal orientation) gives it a contemporary edge, while the button-back prongs nod to 1880s Victorian styles. The two-tone gold band adds warmth and versatility. Jewelers praise its balance of elegance and personality, perfect for someone like Zendaya who mixes high fashion with approachable vibes.
Price and Value Insights Costs for similar rings vary based on diamond quality. Experts estimate Zendaya’s at $200,000 to $250,000, though some appraisals go as high as $280,000. For budget-friendly alternatives, lab-grown versions mimic the look without the hefty price tag.
Cultural Ripple Effects The ring has spotlighted the east-west trend, which continues into 2026 with minimalist and boho influences. It’s sparked conversations on personal jewelry choices over brand tie-ins, especially since Zendaya often wears Bulgari on the red carpet.
When Zendaya stepped onto the red carpet at the 2025 Golden Globes, flashing a massive diamond on her left ring finger, the internet basically exploded. Fans zoomed in on photos, speculated wildly, and within hours, confirmation came: she and Tom Holland were engaged. But this wasn’t just any ring, it was a statement piece that blended old-world charm with a fresh, trendsetting vibe. If you’re a pop culture fan, a jewelry lover, or just someone obsessed with the “Tomdaya” saga, this guide dives deep into every detail, from the ring’s specs to its broader impact on fashion and relationships. We’ll weave in the romantic narrative, technical bits, and even tips on snagging a similar style, all while keeping things fun and conversational.
Let’s start with the moment that launched a thousand memes. Picture this: Zendaya, nominated for her role in Challengers, glides down the carpet in a burnt-orange Louis Vuitton gown, dripping in Bulgari jewels. But all eyes lock on that finger. The ring, with its horizontally set diamond catching the lights just right, sparked immediate buzz. Was it an engagement? A fashion choice? Turns out, it was both, a personal symbol that felt deeply authentic amid her high-profile life.
Zendaya and Tom Holland’s love story reads like a rom-com script. They first crossed paths in 2016 during Spider-Man: Homecoming auditions, where Holland later admitted Zendaya’s talent blew him away. Rumors swirled for years, but they confirmed their relationship in 2021 with those iconic car-kiss photos. Fast-forward to late 2024: Holland proposed during the holidays at one of Zendaya’s homes, keeping it intimate and low-key. Sources say he was “always crazy about her” and knew she was “the one.” Zendaya debuted the ring at the Globes on January 5, 2025, and reps confirmed the engagement shortly after.
In 2026, the couple is still going strong but wedding plans are on hold. Zendaya’s packed schedule includes Euphoria season 3 (premiering April 2026) and The Drama with Robert Pattinson (also April 2026). Holland has been spotted visiting her on set, and rumors of a summer European wedding are floating, possibly intimate yet star-studded. A wax figure of Zendaya unveiled at Madame Tussauds New York in early 2026 even includes a replica of the ring, nodding to their real-life romance. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) are still celebrating the one-year anniversary of the ring’s debut, with posts like “Happy anniversary to Zendaya soft-launching her engagement” racking up thousands of likes.
At the heart of the buzz is the ring’s unique design. It’s a 5.02-carat elongated cushion-cut diamond, set east-west (horizontally) in a Georgian-style button-back setting. This orientation isn’t just pretty, it makes the stone look bigger and lets more light bounce around for maximum sparkle. The cut is antique-inspired, reminiscent of Victorian-era jewels from the 1880s, with soft, rounded edges that give it a romantic, heirloom feel.
Materials-wise, it’s crafted in 18k yellow gold for the band, with white gold accents in the setting for contrast. This two-tone look adds warmth and versatility, pairing well with Zendaya’s eclectic style. Jewelers describe it as “Old Hollywood glamour with a modern twist”: the cushion cut and button-back evoke vintage elegance, while the east-west flip keeps it edgy and fresh. If you’re wondering about quality, estimates peg the diamond at G color (near-colorless) and VS1 clarity (very slight inclusions, invisible to the naked eye).
Who designed this gem? London-based Jessica McCormack, known for antique-inspired pieces with a contemporary edge. Her button-back rings draw from Georgian cut-down settings, where prongs are subtle and the diamond takes center stage. The exact model is listed on her site as the “5.02ct East-West Cushion Diamond Button Back Ring,” with price available on request. It’s under her engagement section, but McCormack’s designs often blur lines between bridal and everyday wear, which fits Zendaya’s vibe perfectly.
Image Source: elle.com
Let’s talk numbers. The diamond clocks in at precisely 5.02 carats, a size that’s impressive but not overwhelming, suiting Zendaya’s understated elegance. Carat weight measures mass, but here it’s amplified by the east-west setting, which elongates the stone visually.
As for cost, it’s not publicly listed, but experts have weighed in. Benjamin Khordipour of Estate Diamond Jewelry estimates $280,000, factoring in the antique cut and high-quality mounting. Others, like Neil Dutta of Angelic Diamonds, suggest around $250,000, while some appraisals dip to $120,000-$200,000 based on market fluctuations. Why the range? Diamond value hinges on the 4Cs (carat, cut, color, clarity), plus brand prestige. A similar natural diamond ring could run you six figures, but lab-grown versions make it accessible.
Here’s a quick comparison table of similar rings:
| Ring Style | Carat | Material | Price Estimate | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jessica McCormack Original | 5.02 | 18k yellow/white gold | On request (~$250,000) | jessicamccormack.com |
| Lab-Grown Dupe (Etsy) | 3-5 | 14k/18k gold | $500-$2,000 | Etsy sellers like JHollywoodDesigns |
| Aurous Fine Jewelry Inspired | 3.0 | Gold/platinum | $1,950 | aurousfinejewelry.com |
| Swagstar Diamonds Replica | 5.0 | Ethical lab-grown | $2,500+ | swagstardiamonds.com |
| High-End Alternative (Ken & Dana) | 5.0 | Custom gold | $10,000+ | kenanddanadesign.com |
This table shows how you can capture the essence without breaking the bank, especially with ethical lab-grown options surging in popularity.
Zendaya is a Bulgari global ambassador, often seen in their high-jewelry pieces like paraiba tourmaline necklaces and diamond earrings. At the Globes, she paired the engagement ring with Bulgari, but the ring itself isn’t from them, a deliberate choice that feels intimate. Bulgari favors bold, colorful gems and intricate designs, while McCormack’s piece is more minimalist and vintage-focused. This departure highlights Zendaya’s influence on bridal fashion: it’s not about brand loyalty, but personal story. You might wonder if this signals a shift, but insiders say it’s just her blending worlds, much like her red-carpet evolution from Disney star to fashion icon.
Zendaya’s ring didn’t just announce an engagement, it ignited a jewelry revolution. The east-west setting, once niche, saw a spike in searches and sales post-Globes. Jewelers report 20-30% more requests for horizontal orientations, especially in cushion, oval, and emerald cuts. Why? It offers a “fresh perspective” on classics, aligning with 2026 trends like minimalist boho layers, bezel settings, and mixed metals.
In bridal circles, it’s empowering a new wave of non-traditional choices. Gen Z and millennials, your target audience, love how it departs from cookie-cutter solitaires. On X, posts gush over its “effortless refinement,” and influencers recreate looks for everyday wear. Broader trends for 2026 include lab-grown diamonds for sustainability, ear stacks, and tennis bracelets with east-west twists. Zendaya’s influence extends to pop culture: her wax figure at Madame Tussauds includes the ring, and fans celebrate anniversaries of its debut.
But is the trend here to stay? Some experts say yes, as it fits the shift toward personalized, meaningful pieces. Others note potential backlash if it feels too “celebrity-driven.” Either way, it’s democratizing luxury, making high-end looks accessible.
Craving that “Tomdaya” sparkle? Start with Jessica McCormack for the real deal, though expect a waitlist. For affordable takes:
- Etsy: Custom lab-grown versions from $500, with options for sizes 4-9.
- Aurous Fine Jewelry: A 3-carat inspired piece at $1,950, ethical and customizable.
- Swagstar Diamonds: 5-carat replicas with free shipping.
- Ken & Dana Design: High-end bezel-set options around $10,000.
- Billig Jewelers: Similar cushion-cut settings starting at mid-range prices.
Pro tip: Check for certifications on diamonds, and consider resizing for that perfect fit.
In wrapping up, Zendaya’s ring is more than jewelry, it’s a symbol of love, trendsetting, and personal style. Whether you’re planning your own proposal or just admiring from afar, it reminds us that the best pieces tell a story.
Ready to channel some Zendaya magic? Hunt for an east-west ring that feels like you. What’s your favorite celeb jewelry moment?
What is the carat size of Zendaya’s engagement ring?
It’s a 5.02-carat cushion-cut diamond.
How much does Zendaya’s engagement ring cost?
Estimates range from $120,000 to $280,000, depending on expert appraisals.
Who designed Zendaya’s engagement ring?
London jeweler Jessica McCormack, known for Georgian-inspired designs.
When did Zendaya and Tom Holland get engaged?
Holland proposed over the 2024 holidays; it was confirmed in January 2025.
What is an east-west setting in engagement rings?
It’s when the diamond is oriented horizontally, making it look larger and more unique.
How does Zendaya’s ring differ from her Bulgari pieces?
It’s more vintage and personal, unlike Bulgari’s bold, gem-heavy styles.
Where can I buy a similar east-west ring?
Try Jessica McCormack for authentic, or affordable dupes on Etsy and Aurous Fine Jewelry.
You May Also Like: The Ultimate Blazertje Guide: How to Style This Wardrobe Essential