The "Carrie and Aidan engagement ring" is one of the most famously complicated pieces of jewelry in television history, representing the tumultuous, on-again, off-again love story between Carrie Bradshaw and the furniture designer, Aidan Shaw. As of
This article dives deep into the two rings that defined their initial relationship in *Sex and the City*, the iconic details of the famous 3-carat Asscher-cut diamond, its estimated value, and the ultimate, heartbreaking reason why a third engagement ring from Aidan will not be appearing in the current storyline, providing a fresh update on one of the show's most enduring questions.
The Complete Timeline of Carrie Bradshaw and Aidan Shaw's Engagement Rings
The relationship between Carrie Bradshaw and Aidan Shaw was defined by two distinct proposals in the original *Sex and the City* series. Each proposal came with a unique ring, reflecting a different stage of their commitment and Carrie’s evolving, often contradictory, views on marriage and traditional jewelry.
Aidan's First Proposal: The Rejected Ring (Season 3)
Aidan Shaw's first proposal was a heartfelt, if slightly misguided, attempt to secure his future with Carrie. This moment perfectly encapsulated their relationship's central conflict: Aidan's simple, traditional heart versus Carrie's complex, anti-establishment fashion sense.
- Ring Description: A modest, pear-shaped diamond set on a simple gold band.
- The Problem: Carrie was visibly underwhelmed by the ring, which she later described as "not me" and "the wrong ring." This reaction was a clear sign that her commitment to Aidan was overshadowed by her fear of conforming to traditional expectations.
- Outcome: The engagement was short-lived, largely due to Carrie's inability to fully commit and her subsequent affair with Mr. Big. The ring was returned, but the conversation it sparked—about what a ring truly means—set the stage for the next proposal.
Aidan's Second Proposal: The Iconic Harry Winston (Season 4)
After a period of reconciliation, Aidan proposed a second time, having learned a valuable lesson about Carrie's taste, thanks in part to a little help from Samantha Jones. This time, the ring was a significant upgrade, a piece of jewelry that reflected a more modern, yet still classic, New York sensibility.
- Jeweler: Harry Winston, one of the world's most prestigious diamond houses.
- Carat Weight: Approximately 3 carats.
- Cut and Design: A striking Asscher-cut diamond with tapered baguettes on either side. The Asscher cut, an elegant, square-shaped step-cut, is known for its geometric facets and Art Deco appeal.
- Estimated Cost: While exact figures vary, this Harry Winston 3-carat ring has been estimated to cost around $25,000, a significant sum that speaks to Aidan's commitment.
- Carrie's Twist: In a move that became instantly iconic, Carrie refused to wear the ring on her finger. Instead, she chose to wear the magnificent diamond on a chain around her neck, symbolizing that while she accepted the commitment, she would wear it on her own terms.
This second engagement ultimately also failed, but the Asscher-cut diamond remains the definitive "Carrie and Aidan" ring, a symbol of a love that was beautiful, expensive, but ultimately too complicated for a simple gold band.
Why the Ring Was Absent in 'And Just Like That...'
The reunion between Carrie and Aidan in the *And Just Like That...* revival was one of the most anticipated storylines, sparking immediate speculation about a third engagement. However, the Season 2 finale delivered a definitive, and ring-less, conclusion to their rekindled romance, which is the most current and fresh information available on their relationship status.
Their relationship did not culminate in a new proposal, but rather a mutual agreement to pause.
The Five-Year Pause: A Ring-Free Ending
In the final episode of *AJLT* Season 2, Aidan Shaw reveals he cannot continue an intense relationship with Carrie while his youngest son, Wyatt, is struggling and needs his full attention on the farm in Virginia.
- Aidan’s Request: Aidan asks Carrie for a five-year pause on their relationship, stating that he needs to be present for Wyatt until he is out of his teens.
- Carrie’s Acceptance: Carrie agrees to the pause, accepting that Aidan's commitment to his children must come first. This ending is a stark contrast to their past, where their relationship ended due to Carrie's commitment issues. Now, the break is driven by Aidan's paternal commitment.
- The Result: Because their relationship ended with a long-term pause, the idea of a new engagement ring, a new proposal, or a third attempt at marriage was completely off the table. The absence of a ring in the revival is the freshest and most crucial detail about their current status.
This "five-year pause" effectively shelves any possibility of a "Carrie and Aidan engagement ring 3.0" for the foreseeable future, leaving the 3-carat Harry Winston Asscher-cut as the final jewelry monument to their romantic history.
The Legacy of Carrie's Engagement Rings: A Comparison
To fully appreciate the significance of Aidan's ring, it must be compared to the other famous engagement ring Carrie received: the one from Mr. Big. This comparison highlights the difference between the two men and what each piece of jewelry represented in her life.
The Aidan Ring vs. The Big Ring
Carrie Bradshaw, the ultimate fashionista, ended up with two of the most iconic pieces of fictional jewelry in TV history. The contrast between Aidan's ring and Mr. Big's ring is a reflection of the men who gave them.
| Ring Details | Aidan Shaw's Ring | Mr. Big's Ring |
|---|---|---|
| Jeweler | Harry Winston | Designed by SJP, Patricia Field, and Itay Malkin |
| Stone/Carat | 3-Carat Asscher-Cut Diamond | 5-Carat Black Diamond |
| Setting | Platinum with Tapered Baguettes | Pave-Set Diamonds in White Gold |
| Significance | A classic, expensive symbol of traditional commitment that Carrie felt suffocated by (worn on a chain). | A unique, non-traditional stone chosen "because you are not like anyone else," representing their unconventional, passionate love. |
Aidan's choice of the classic, brilliant Harry Winston diamond was his way of giving Carrie the most traditional and valuable symbol of forever. Mr. Big’s choice of the 5-carat black diamond, on the other hand, was an acknowledgment of Carrie's unique, non-conformist spirit. In the end, it was the unconventional ring that she accepted and wore on her finger, symbolizing her acceptance of a love that was as unique as she was.
The legacy of the "Carrie and Aidan engagement ring" is not about a successful marriage, but about a pivotal moment in Carrie's journey. It remains a beautiful, high-value piece of jewelry that represents a love that was always meant to be worn close to the heart, but never quite on the finger.
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