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The world basically stopped for a second when Josh Duhamel posted that sunset beach photo back in early 2022. You know the one—the message-in-a-bottle proposal that felt like something straight out of a Nicholas Sparks novel. But once the initial "aww" factor wore off, everyone had the same question: Where is the rock?
It turns out, there wasn’t one. At least, not at first.
Josh actually confessed later that the whole thing was a last-minute decision. He didn't have a ring ready when he popped the question in the Florida Keys. He just felt the moment was right. It’s kinda refreshing, honestly. In an era where celebrity proposals are often orchestrated by a team of twenty publicists, Duhamel went with a handwritten note and a prayer. But don't worry, the Audra Mari wedding ring eventually made its debut, and it was well worth the wait.
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The Mystery of the Missing Proposal Ring
If you’re looking for a massive, cookie-cutter round brilliant diamond, you’re looking at the wrong couple. Audra Mari isn't exactly a cookie-cutter person. As a former Miss World America and a North Dakota native, her style leans toward a mix of high-fashion glam and grounded, Midwestern sensibility.
When the actual ring finally appeared on her finger, it wasn't some generic mall-store find. It was a statement. The Audra Mari wedding ring is widely reported to be a stunning, massive oval-cut diamond. Some jewelry experts have estimated the center stone to be upwards of 4 to 5 carats, though the couple hasn't confirmed the exact specs. It’s set on a delicate, thin band—likely platinum or white gold—which makes the diamond look like it’s practically floating on her hand.
Why the Oval Cut Was the Perfect Choice
Oval diamonds are having a massive moment right now, but for Audra, it makes a lot of practical sense.
- It elongates the finger.
- It has more surface area than a round diamond of the same carat weight.
- It feels "old world" but looks modern.
The brilliance of an oval cut is that it gives you that classic sparkle but with a silhouette that feels a bit more editorial. For someone like Audra, who spent years on pageant stages and in front of cameras, it’s the kind of ring that catches the light from across a room without looking gaudy. It’s sophisticated.
The Local Connection: Royal Jewelers
One of the coolest things about Audra and Josh’s wedding journey is how much they stuck to their roots. They’re both from Fargo, North Dakota. Instead of hitting up a celebrity jeweler on Rodeo Drive for every single piece of ice, Audra specifically mentioned working with Royal Jewelers, a local shop in their hometown.
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While the engagement ring itself was a private affair, Audra told People that for the actual wedding day, they turned to the local experts to round out her look. She wore crystal-studded Jimmy Choos and pieces from David Yurman, but that local connection to Fargo really defines the "vibe" of their marriage. It’s a $120,000+ look with a small-town heart.
The Wedding Bands: Keeping it Classic
On September 10, 2022, when they finally tied the knot at Olivet Lutheran Church, the world got a glimpse of the full set. The wedding was a wild mix of "Hollywood glam" and "dive bar energy." They literally took photos in a vintage red Cadillac and then ended the night at a local bar called Duffy’s Tavern.
The Audra Mari wedding ring set is completed by a more understated band. While some celebrities go for the "ring stack" look with five different diamond-encrusted bands, Audra kept the focus on that central oval stone. The wedding band is sleek, allowing the engagement ring to remain the star of the show.
What the Experts Say About the Value
Jewelry appraisal is a tricky game when you're looking through a paparazzi lens, but let's talk numbers. A high-quality 4-carat oval diamond with decent color and clarity isn't just "expensive." It’s an investment.
- Estimated Cost: Somewhere between $75,000 and $150,000 depending on the "Four Cs."
- The Setting: A hidden halo or a simple solitaire? Most close-ups suggest a clean, minimalist setting that emphasizes the stone's size.
- The Trend: She's in good company; celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Blake Lively also famously opted for the oval shape.
Why This Ring Matters in 2026
Looking back at the Audra Mari wedding ring now, it’s clear why it stood the test of time. It wasn't a "trend" ring. It wasn't a "look at how much money I have" ring. It was a piece of jewelry that reflected the transition from her pageant days to her life as a wife and mother (they welcomed their son, Shepherd Lawrence, in 2024).
If you're thinking about an oval cut for yourself, there are a few things you should know. First, "bow-tie" effects are real. Because of how ovals are cut, they can sometimes have a dark shadow in the middle that looks like a man's bow tie. Finding a stone like Audra's, which appears clear and bright throughout, requires a really skilled eye—or a really good jeweler.
Practical Tips for Getting the "Audra" Look
- Prioritize the Cut: An oval needs to be well-proportioned. If it's too "fat," it looks like a squashed round. If it's too "skinny," it loses its sparkle.
- Go Slim on the Band: To make the diamond pop like hers, keep the band width between 1.5mm and 1.8mm.
- Check the Color: Ovals tend to show more color than round diamonds, so if you're going for a white metal band, try to stay in the D-F color range.
The story of the Audra Mari wedding ring is really a story about not overthinking it. From a paper-note proposal to a hometown wedding, the jewelry was just the icing on the cake. It’s proof that you don't need a ring in your pocket to start a life together, but once you do get one, it doesn't hurt if it's a giant, flawless diamond.
If you’re shopping for a similar style, start by researching "moval" or elongated oval cuts to see which ratio fits your hand best. Always ask to see the stone in natural light, not just under the bright spotlights of a jewelry store, to ensure the "bow-tie" effect isn't too distracting.