The Two Engagement Rings Aiden Gave Carrie: A Deep Dive Into Their Symbolism And The Shocking 'And Just Like That' Twist

The relationship between Carrie Bradshaw and Aidan Shaw has always been defined by timing, chemistry, and, perhaps most famously, jewelry. As of today, December 11, 2025, the narrative of their on-again, off-again romance has reached a new, complicated chapter with a five-year "pause" in And Just Like That... (AJLT), but the true drama—and the deepest symbolism—remains rooted in the two engagement rings he presented to her in the original Sex and the City (SATC) series. These rings weren't just props; they were emotional barometers for Carrie's commitment issues and Aidan's traditional heart, with their contrasting designs telling a complete story of their star-crossed love.

The latest twist in their story, a commitment without a ring in the HBO Max revival, forces fans to look back at the original proposals. The rings—one universally panned by Carrie, the other a dazzling, high-carat diamond—perfectly encapsulate the push-pull dynamic of their entire decades-long saga. Understanding the details of both pieces is key to grasping why their current relationship status is less about a proposal and more about a deeply rooted, unshakeable connection that transcends mere hardware.

The Complete Biography of Aidan Shaw and Carrie Bradshaw's Relationship Jewelry

The love story of furniture designer Aidan Shaw (John Corbett) and columnist Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) is one of the most iconic in television history, spanning two series, two movies, and a major reboot. Their relationship is punctuated by two specific engagement rings, each marking a pivotal, yet ultimately failed, attempt at marriage.

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• Aidan Shaw:
• Portrayed By: John Corbett
• First Appearance: Sex and the City, Season 3, Episode 5 ("No Ifs, Ands, or Butts")
• Occupation: Furniture Designer, Entrepreneur, and Woodworker. He later owns a Virginia farm.
• Key Relationship Status (AJLT): Separated from his wife, Kathy, and on a five-year "pause" with Carrie to focus on his teenage son, Wyatt.
• Carrie Bradshaw:
• Portrayed By: Sarah Jessica Parker
• Occupation: Columnist for The New York Star, Vogue writer, and later, podcast host in And Just Like That...
• Key Relationship Status (AJLT): Widow of Mr. Big (John James Preston) and rekindled a romance with Aidan, which is currently on hold.
• The Rings Timeline:
• First Proposal: SATC Season 3 (The Pear-Shaped Diamond)
• Second Proposal: SATC Season 4 (The Harry Winston Asscher-Cut Diamond)
• AJLT Reunion: Season 2 (No New Ring, A Five-Year Commitment)

Ring #1: The Pear-Shaped Diamond Carrie Couldn't Stomach

Aidan’s first attempt at proposing to Carrie in Season 3 of Sex and the City was a genuine, heartfelt gesture that was utterly derailed by Carrie’s deeply ingrained commitment phobia and her specific, almost neurotic, fashion sensibilities. The ring itself was classic and traditional, which, for a fashion icon like Carrie Bradshaw, was a major problem.

The initial ring was described as a simple, pear-shaped diamond on a gold band. While beautiful and a perfectly respectable choice for many, Carrie's reaction was famously negative. She described it with a sense of dread, finding it "older fashioned" and a symbol of a life she wasn't ready for—a life of domesticity and suburban predictability that stood in stark contrast to her glamorous, chaotic Manhattan existence.

The symbolism of this ring is profound. The pear shape, a combination of round and marquise cuts, often represents a blend of tradition and individuality. For Aidan, it was a sincere offering of a future together. For Carrie, it was a panic-inducing symbol of losing her identity. Her inability to accept this traditional piece of jewelry—which Miranda Hobbes helped him pick out—was a clear sign that her heart was still entangled with Mr. Big, the elusive, non-committal love of her life. The proposal was ultimately withdrawn, but the ring's design became a lasting, if negative, entity in their shared history.

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Ring #2: The Harry Winston Asscher-Cut Diamond and the Necklace Twist

The second engagement ring, presented in Season 4, is the one that truly cemented Aidan’s place as a romantic, albeit long-suffering, hero. After their first failed attempt, and with a little intervention from Samantha Jones, Aidan upgraded dramatically.

This second ring was a breathtaking 3-carat Asscher-cut diamond from Harry Winston. The Asscher cut, a square-cut with cropped corners and a distinctive 'X' pattern, is a sophisticated, Art Deco-inspired style that is far more fashionable and unique than the pear shape. It featured tapered baguettes on either side, giving it a striking, architectural look that was much more aligned with Carrie's high-fashion aesthetic. It was a masterpiece of jewelry design, and, ironically, was reportedly the more expensive ring compared to Mr. Big's later 5-carat round-cut diamond.

Carrie did say 'yes' to this proposal, but the acceptance came with a major caveat that once again highlighted her reluctance. Instead of wearing the magnificent diamond on her finger, she chose to wear it on a delicate chain around her neck, stating she wanted it "close to her heart." This choice is perhaps the most defining piece of jewelry symbolism in the entire series. It signified that while she loved Aidan and wanted his commitment, she was unable to fully commit to the *idea* of marriage and the traditional role of a wife. The ring was a necklace, a piece of fashion, rather than a binding promise. This second engagement also ended, proving that even the perfect ring from a world-renowned designer like Harry Winston could not overcome their fundamental incompatibility.

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The Latest Twist: No Ring, Just a Five-Year Pause in And Just Like That...

The return of Aidan Shaw in And Just Like That... Season 2 brought a wave of nostalgia and a fresh complication to the "Aiden and Carrie engagement ring" saga. After the death of Mr. Big, Carrie and Aidan rekindled their romance, proving that their connection was truly one of the great loves of her life. Fans immediately began to speculate about a third ring, a new proposal, and a final, successful walk down the aisle.

However, the Season 2 finale delivered a shocking twist that transcended the need for any new jewelry. Aidan confessed that he needed to be fully present for his teenage son, Wyatt, who was struggling after a car accident at their Virginia farm. Aidan insisted that he needed to be in Virginia for the next five years until Wyatt was an adult and that he couldn't risk the distraction of New York or Carrie's apartment—the same apartment that symbolized their past trauma. The couple agreed to a five-year pause on their romance, committing to each other but putting their life together on hold.

This ending is the most current and relevant detail for the "Aidan and Carrie engagement ring" narrative. The fact that there is no third ring is the point. Their relationship has moved beyond the need for a physical symbol of commitment. The two previous rings represented a struggle with traditional marriage and commitment, a struggle Carrie ultimately lost both times. The "five-year pause" represents a mature, non-traditional commitment based purely on mutual love and understanding of each other's priorities—Aidan's need to parent, and Carrie's willingness to wait. This latest development suggests that if they do reunite in five years, the commitment will be so profound that a ring may be a mere formality, finally putting the debate over the perfect piece of jewelry to rest.