The Scandal Behind Lucille Ball’s 40-Carat Ring

• Lucille Ball’s iconic engagement ring was not a diamond but a massive 40-carat aquamarine, a bold choice for the era.
• The ring replaced a brass one Desi Arnaz bought during their spur-of-the-moment elopement in 1940.
• A rival jeweler, Paul Flato, publicly accused the ring’s seller of stealing his design, creating a Hollywood scandal.
• The treasured ring was a constant in Ball’s collection, perfectly complementing her famous blue eyes and red hair.

A Hollywood Love Story and an Unforgettable Gem

In the golden age of Hollywood, few love stories were as passionate and tumultuous as that of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. Their whirlwind romance led to a spontaneous elopement in 1940, so hastily planned that Arnaz famously purchased a brass ring from Woolworths to seal the deal. But that temporary token was soon replaced by a jewel as bold and unforgettable as the comedy queen herself: a breathtaking 40-carat aquamarine ring.

The Story of the Stunning Aquamarine

Breaking from the diamond tradition, Arnaz presented Ball with a magnificent emerald-cut aquamarine, set in platinum and flanked by diamonds. The sheer size and stunning pale blue of the gemstone made it an instant icon. It was a signature piece for Ball, who wore it frequently throughout her life, its color a perfect match for her piercing blue eyes and fiery red hair. The ring is believed to have been purchased from Pallàs Jewelers in Beverly Hills, a popular destination for Hollywood’s elite.

A Scandal of Stolen Designs

The ring wasn’t just famous for its beauty; it was also the subject of a bitter Hollywood dispute. Celebrity jeweler Paul Flato, known for his dramatic and artistic designs, launched a public campaign claiming the ring’s design was his original creation. He alleged that the design had been stolen and replicated by the jeweler who sold it to Arnaz. Flato went as far as taking out advertisements in magazines to stake his claim, turning the beloved engagement ring into a source of industry gossip and controversy.

A Legacy That Lasts

Despite the scandal, the aquamarine ring remained one of Lucille Ball’s most cherished possessions, a symbol of her grand love affair with Desi Arnaz. It was a piece she was rarely seen without, a testament to its personal significance beyond its monetary value. After her passing, the iconic ring was sold as part of her estate at a Sotheby’s auction, allowing a piece of Hollywood history to be passed on to a new generation of collectors. Its story, blending romance with a touch of scandal, ensures it remains one of the most fascinating pieces of celebrity jewelry in history.