The diamond is huge. That was the first thing everyone noticed when Alexis Bellino flashed her hand on Instagram back in August 2024. After nine months of dating John Janssen—yes, that John Janssen, Shannon Beador's ex—Alexis was officially off the market.
Honestly, the drama surrounding this piece of jewelry is probably more expensive than the stone itself. If you've been following the Real Housewives of Orange County (RHOC) orbit, you know this wasn't just a proposal. It was a statement.
People have been debating the price, the cut, and the "realness" of the ring since the second it appeared. Some fans think it's a "settlement ring," while others are just obsessed with the vintage-meets-modern sparkle. Let's break down what's actually on her finger and why it caused such a massive stir in the OC.
The Ring Specs: More Than Just "Bling"
So, what are we looking at? The Alexis Bellino engagement ring is a massive cushion-cut diamond. For those who aren't gem nerds, a cushion cut is basically a square with rounded corners. It’s often called a "pillow cut." It has this soft, romantic look that’s been around for centuries, but Alexis’s version is very 2024.
The center stone is framed by a delicate halo of smaller diamonds. This is a classic move to make a big diamond look even bigger. The band appears to be white gold or platinum, keeping the focus entirely on the ice. While the exact carat weight hasn't been confirmed by a lab report in the public eye, jewelry experts who have squinted at the high-res photos estimate the center stone is likely in the 3 to 5-carat range.
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The Price Tag Debate
Money is always the elephant in the room with these two. Rumors flew that the ring cost anywhere from $75,000 to over $100,000.
But here is where it gets messy.
There was a lot of chatter during Season 18 of RHOC about a $75,000 lawsuit John filed against Shannon Beador. Shannon eventually settled for $60,000. In a now-infamous confessional, Shannon snarked that she basically "paid for their wedding." Alexis, never one to let a comment slide, retorted that $60,000 wouldn't even cover a slice of the cake.
Regardless of where the cash came from, the ring is a high-quality piece. If it’s a natural diamond of that size and clarity, $75,000 is a very realistic starting point.
Why the "Promise Ring" Confused Everyone
Before the big cushion-cut rock, there was the Van Cleef & Arpels incident. In late 2023, John gave Alexis a "promise ring." It was a Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Clovers ring, valued at roughly $16,000.
Fans on Reddit and Twitter went wild.
- Some claimed the ring was a "dupe" or a fake.
- Others pointed out that Shannon Beador was famously obsessed with Van Cleef, making the gift feel like a targeted jab.
- The ring featured gold beads and clovers, which some felt looked "cartoonish" compared to a traditional engagement sparkler.
Alexis didn't care. She wore it proudly, basically signaling to the world that John was hers now. By the time the actual engagement happened at the San Ysidro Ranch in Santa Barbara, that promise ring was moved to make way for the heavy artillery.
The "Shannon Factor" and Public Perception
You can't talk about the Alexis Bellino engagement ring without talking about the shade. The timing of the engagement—just nine months after they started dating—felt like a whirlwind to viewers.
Many fans felt the ring was a prop in a larger "revenge" plot against Shannon. It’s a polarizing topic. On one hand, you have a couple who seems genuinely happy, posting about "Cloud 9" and Bible verses. On the other, you have a fan base that watched John and Shannon’s volatile relationship for years and feels protective of the "Real for Real" founder.
Experts in celebrity branding suggest that the ring's traditional, "look-at-me" style fits Alexis's brand perfectly. She has always leaned into the "Jesus Jugs" persona (a name she’s reclaimed over the years) which embraces high-glamour, OC luxury, and traditional family values.
Misconceptions About the Cut
One thing people get wrong is calling it a round diamond. It’s definitely a cushion. Why does that matter? Cushion cuts have "fire"—those rainbow flashes of light—whereas round diamonds have "brilliance" (white light). The cushion cut is a bit more unique and fits her vintage-chic wedding theme perfectly.
What Really Happened at the Proposal?
It wasn't a huge, filmed production for the cameras, surprisingly. It happened on August 27, 2024. John popped the question during a private getaway to the San Ysidro Ranch.
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"It was just the two of us, with heartfelt words and tears. It was everything—simple, genuine, and full of love," Alexis later told People.
They celebrated with champagne and a private jacuzzi session. No camera crews, no screaming matches with castmates. Just the ring and a lot of Instagram filters. They eventually tied the knot in October 2025 in a "rustic chic" wedding in Laguna Beach.
How to Get the Look (Without the Drama)
If you love the look of Alexis's ring but don't have a $75,000 settlement (or a lawsuit) handy, you've got options. The "Alexis look" is basically:
- Cushion Cut: Look for a 2-carat lab-grown diamond to save about 70% of the cost.
- The Halo: A pavé halo adds significant surface area to the sparkle.
- Thin Band: A dainty band makes the center stone pop.
Honestly, the trend of big, bold cushion cuts isn't going anywhere. Whether you love her or hate her, Alexis knows how to pick a diamond that catches the light—and the headlines.
Actionable Insights for Ring Shoppers
- Prioritize Cut Over Carat: A well-cut 2-carat stone will look better than a poorly cut 4-carat stone every time.
- Consider Lab-Grown: You can get the exact same chemical structure as Alexis's ring for a fraction of the price.
- Insure the Bling: If you're wearing something that large, get it appraised and insured immediately.
- Check the Setting: Large cushion cuts can be top-heavy; ensure the prongs are secure so you don't lose the stone while filming your own "realty" drama.
The story of the ring is officially closed now that they've said "I do," but in the world of the OC, the sparkle—and the shade—lasts forever.