Hilary Duff has been in the spotlight since she was a teenager, so it’s no surprise that her personal life—and her jewelry—constantly ends up under a microscope. When Matthew Koma proposed back in 2019, the internet basically had a meltdown over the ring. But here’s the thing: most people are still confusing her current sparkler with the massive "iceberg" she wore during her first marriage.
There’s a world of difference between a million-dollar trophy ring and a thoughtfully designed piece of modern art. Honestly, Hilary’s current ring is a masterclass in how to do "celebrity big" without looking like you’re trying too hard. It’s elegant. It’s slightly unconventional. And it actually tells us a lot about how her style has evolved from "Disney princess" to "chic L.A. mom."
The Ring Everyone Remembers (But Isn't the Current One)
To understand why the Matthew Koma ring is so special, you’ve gotta remember what came before it. In 2010, Mike Comrie proposed with a ring that was, frankly, kind of insane. It was a 14-carat radiant-cut diamond.
Think about that for a second. Fourteen carats.
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That thing reportedly cost about $1 million. It was a massive, square-ish block of ice that sat so high on her finger it’s a wonder she didn't accidentally poke an eye out. It was the epitome of 2010s "more is more" celebrity culture. While it was undeniably stunning, it felt very much like a status symbol. When the two split, that ring eventually went into the vault, marking the end of an era for Hilary’s jewelry box.
Matthew Koma’s Choice: The Cushion Cut Split-Shank
Fast forward to May 2019. Matthew Koma, a musician with a clearly refined eye, went in a completely different direction. He didn't try to out-carat the previous guy. Instead, he went for quality and a very specific silhouette.
The current Hilary Duff engagement ring features a gorgeous cushion-cut diamond.
Specs and Design Details
Most experts estimate the center stone is somewhere between 3 to 4 carats. That might sound "small" compared to 14, but in the real world (and even in Hollywood), a 4-carat, high-quality cushion cut is substantial. It’s big enough to be noticed from across a room but small enough to actually wear while playing with her kids.
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The real "expert" detail here is the setting. It’s a split-shank solitaire.
- The Band: The band divides as it approaches the diamond, creating a little "V" shape or gap.
- The Metal: It appears to be set in platinum or white gold, which keeps the focus entirely on the whiteness of the diamond.
- The Vibe: It’s airy. It’s modern. It doesn't feel heavy or clunky.
What's interesting is that the diamond itself has a slightly elongated ratio. It’s not a perfect square; it’s more of a "moval" or elongated cushion vibe, which is a huge trend right now because it makes the finger look longer and slimmer.
Why This Ring is a Trendsetter
You’ve probably seen a million round diamonds on plain bands. They're classic, sure, but a bit safe. Hilary’s ring helped kickstart a massive interest in cushion cuts specifically.
Cushion cuts are basically the "Goldilocks" of diamond shapes. They have the rounded corners of a round brilliant but the structured "pillowy" shape of a square cut. They hold light in a way that feels "crushed ice" sparkly rather than "laser beam" sparkly.
The Hidden Complexity
If you look closely at photos she’s posted, the ring has a very delicate, thin pavé band. It’s not just plain metal. There are tiny, microscopic diamonds encrusting the split shank. This adds a layer of "shimmer" rather than "bling." It’s a subtle distinction, but it’s why the ring looks expensive without looking gaudy.
What it Costs (The Real Talk)
Let’s talk money. While her first ring was a cool million, this one is estimated to be in the $40,000 to $100,000 range.
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Now, that’s a huge gap. Why the uncertainty? Because with diamonds, you aren't just paying for size. You’re paying for the "Four Cs." A 4-carat diamond that is internally flawless and perfectly colorless (D grade) will cost double what a 4-carat diamond with a slight yellow tint would. Given Hilary’s taste, most jewelers assume Matthew went for top-tier clarity and color.
How She Pairs It: The Wedding Band
You can’t talk about the engagement ring without the wedding band. For their backyard wedding in December 2019, Hilary opted for something that perfectly nests with the split-shank.
She wears a wrap-around or "chevron" style pavé band.
It has a slight point or curve that fits right under the cushion cut. This is a pro tip for anyone with a low-set engagement ring: if a straight band won’t sit flush, go for the "V" shape. It creates a stacked look that feels like a single, cohesive piece of jewelry.
Common Misconceptions
People often ask if she still wears the "million dollar ring." No. That would be weird.
Another big one: "Is it an emerald cut?"
Nope. To the untrained eye, a square-ish diamond is just a square. But an emerald cut has "step facets" that look like a hall of mirrors. Hilary’s cushion cut has "brilliant facets" that look like sparkling stars. It’s a much more "fiery" look.
Taking Inspiration from Hilary’s Style
If you're looking at Hilary’s ring and thinking, "I want that," you don't need a Disney Channel budget to get the look.
Focus on the "Split": The split-shank is the defining feature. It adds visual interest to the band without needing a massive center stone.
Go Elongated: If you like the cushion cut, ask for an "elongated cushion." It gives you more surface area (it looks bigger) than a square cushion of the same carat weight.
Mix Your Metals (Maybe?): While Hilary stuck to all white metal, many people are now doing a cushion-cut diamond in a yellow gold split-shank for a "vintage-meets-modern" feel.
Hilary Duff’s journey from that 14-carat behemoth to this refined, 4-carat masterpiece really mirrors her own growth. It’s about choosing something that fits your life, not just something that fits a "celebrity" mold. Her ring is proof that sometimes, scaling back on the carats and leaning into the design is the ultimate power move.
Your Next Steps for a Similar Look
- Research "Elongated Cushion Cuts": Look for a length-to-width ratio of about 1.15 to 1.20 to mimic her ring's silhouette.
- Ask About Split-Shank Settings: Ensure the split isn't too wide, or it might overwhelm a smaller center stone.
- Consider Lab-Grown: If you want that 4-carat look without the $50k price tag, lab-grown diamonds offer the exact same chemical structure for a fraction of the cost.
- Think About the "Flush" Fit: If you want your wedding band to sit right against the ring, make sure the "head" of the diamond is set high enough, or plan on getting a curved band like Hilary's.