The Greek thought diamonds were tears of God. The Romans believed they were splinters from the falling stars.

 Today, it is not just a status symbol. It is also slowly being considered as an investment option.

When actor Marilyn Monroe crooned, Diamonds are a girl's best friend, she spoke for generations of women. Women spread across countries, who waited with baited breath for a man to appear from somewhere, with a little sparkling rock in his hands as proof of his love.

Nothing says, “I love you,” better than diamonds. Right?

We look at some women who, thanks to their celebrity status, sport some of the most beautiful and expensive signs of love: diamond rings.

Ashley Judd

Rated one of the 50 most beautiful and 25 most intriguing people in the world by People magazine, Ashley was touted as hard-to-get.

No wonder her public announcement of engagement with IndyCar racer Dario Franchitti in 1999 made headlines.

What was it that secured Ashley's hand for Dario besides, of course, Dario's love? That magnificent cushion-cut rock on her fingers.

Photo Courtesy: De Beers 

The ring was made by well-known jewellery designer Martin Katz. The price is undisclosed, but is said to be running into a few hundred thousands.