Scarlett Johansson’s engagement ring from Colin Jost stands out as a dazzling, 11-carat light brown diamond, reportedly valued at an astonishing $400,000, and the story behind it has become nearly as remarkable as the piece itself. The Scarlett Johansson engagement ring not only demonstrates their unique love story but also captivated public attention when Jost famously searched through dozens of New York dumpsters after Johansson thought she had lost it.
In 2019, at a time when high-profile engagements filled headlines—including those of Katy Perry, Jennifer Lawrence, Princess Beatrice, Emma Stone, and Jennifer Lopez—Johansson’s ring set itself apart. While several other A-list celebrities were showing off traditional or extravagant stones, the Avengers star’s engagement ring broke the mold with its light-brown diamond, presented by Saturday Night Live comedian Colin Jost.
An Exceptional Diamond with a Distinct Band
Unlike most conventional designs, Scarlett Johansson’s engagement ring is centered by an estimated 11-carat solitaire diamond, described by many as a “boulder.” The stone’s unique light-brown hue is paired with a black ceramic curve band. Though unconfirmed by the couple, much speculation attributes the design to James de Givenchy of Taffin, known for his sophisticated and uncommon creations.
Jewelry experts, including contributors to Town & Country, have suggested that the diamond could be a Type IIa, known for its exceptional rarity and purity. The stunning combination of a colossal colored diamond and dark ceramic band reflected growing celebrity interest in nontraditional engagement rings. Johansson’s decision to embrace a non-white diamond echoed similar choices by figures like Eva Longoria, who wears a ruby, Anya Taylor-Joy with her emerald, and Penélope Cruz, the owner of a blue sapphire ring.
Prior to her marriage to Colin Jost, Johansson’s earlier engagement rings, from previous husbands Ryan Reynolds and Romain Dauriac, both showcased more typical white diamonds. The current ring signals a conscious departure from tradition, emphasizing individual style and personal connection.
A Ring Worth Nearly Half a Million Dollars
The striking ring presented by Jost to Johansson is estimated to be worth upwards of $400,000. Its extraordinary value stems from the considerable size and high clarity of the diamond, which is rare in naturally colored stones of such caliber. Designer James de Givenchy, whose unique aesthetic has dazzled the jewelry market for decades, is believed to have created a similar piece that was showcased on the Taffin social media account shortly after Johansson’s Comic Con appearance in 2019, fueling further speculation about the ring’s provenance.
This exceptional piece of jewelry clearly reflected both artistic and financial commitment, standing as a testament to the significance of their relationship and their appreciation of distinctive designs. The value and uniqueness of the ring quickly became a talking point among jewellery enthusiasts and fans alike.
Colin Jost’s Intimate Proposal
Scarlett Johansson has shared glimpses of Colin Jost’s heartfelt approach to their engagement, offering details that highlight its special nature. During her 2019 conversation on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Johansson described the moment she said yes to Jost’s proposal:
“He killed it. He did a whole James Bond situation…so, it’s surprising. He’s got a lot behind that news desk,”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress
She referenced Jost’s characteristic poise and creativity, likening the experience to something out of a movie.
Speaking further on the experience, Johansson noted:
“It was very personal. It was a very special moment. And I think, more than anything, when someone tells you they want to share the rest of their life with you, and—that’s just a lovely, special thing.”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress
The proposal stood out for its thoughtful details and the clear emotional connection between the couple.
The relationship blossomed after a somewhat awkward first date in 2017, recounted with humor by Johansson on Today with Jenna & Friends. Reminiscing, she shared:
“We went to an Italian restaurant in the East Village. It was a lovely date,”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress
and
“We had dinner at 8 p.m. or whatever, and then afterwards, he was like, ‘I’m meeting friends, let’s go grab a drink.’ And I hadn’t dated basically ever, and so I was like, ‘I have to go now. I need to leave.’”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress
She continued, recalling Jost’s initial impression:
“Later on he was like, ‘I totally thought that was it. You were acting so weird,’”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress
Despite her initial panic, the connection endured, and the couple ultimately built a lasting partnership.
A Unique Wedding in Unprecedented Times
Following their engagement, Johansson and Jost were married in October 2020. The intimate ceremony took place at Johansson’s New York residence, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though the pandemic imposed certain restrictions, the couple cherished the chance to gather with loved ones after months of isolation.
Reflecting on the occasion in a later interview, Johansson described their gratitude for being able to celebrate, despite the unusual circumstances:
“Even though [our wedding] was small and intimate, it was beautiful and we were so happy to see people that we hadn’t seen in such a long time. We just felt very fortunate to be able to get together like that. It felt like it was sort of how it was supposed to be…minus face masks,”
—Scarlett Johansson, Actress
The day marked both a joyful personal milestone and a moment of reunion for those closest to the couple.
The Dumpster Search: When the Ring Went Missing
One of the most memorable stories associated with Scarlett Johansson’s engagement ring occurred when it briefly went missing. The incident began when Johansson, distracted, believed she had accidentally discarded the valuable ring in the trash at their New York residence. Colin Jost, known for his comedic wit and determined spirit on Saturday Night Live, undertook a desperate and arduous mission to recover it, as recounted during an episode of Amazon’s Pop Culture Jeopardy!:
“My wife actually lost her engagement ring,”
—Colin Jost, Game Show Host
Jost described Johansson’s concern that it had gone into the garbage:
“accidentally threw it in the trash.”
—Colin Jost, Game Show Host
Rather than give up hope, he explained,
“looked through 12 dumpsters of trash”
—Colin Jost, Game Show Host
After combing through the contents of so many dumpsters around their New York City residence, Jost returned home empty-handed. Ultimately, the search ended with an unexpectedly simple resolution—the Oscar-nominated actress discovered the lost ring in her own pocket. Jost shared the outcome with characteristic humor:
“It was a great day for me,”
—Colin Jost, Game Show Host
The ordeal added yet another memorable chapter to their relationship, underscoring both the value of the ring and Jost’s deep commitment.
The unforgettable dumpster-diving saga, along with the ring’s dazzling features and significant worth, has contributed to the public fascination with the Scarlett Johansson engagement ring. The story encapsulates both the glamour and unpredictability of celebrity lives, highlighting the lengths to which individuals go to protect symbols of their love. As time goes on, the ring—and the adventures surrounding it—are likely to remain a touchstone in celebrity culture and jewelry history, offering a glimpse into the deeply personal moments behind headline-making romances.
