Relationships

Influencer says no to ring but yes to fiancé: “I turned down the 10 carat yellow diamond because it was tacky”

A viral ring rejection sparks debate as influencer Beatrice Balaj explains why an enormous diamond did not match her style.

Calum Roche

Managing Editor AS USA

Sports-lover turned journalist, born and bred in Scotland, with a passion for football (soccer). He’s also a keen follower of NFL, NBA, golf and tennis, among others, and always has an eye on the latest in science, tech and current affairs. As Managing Editor at AS USA, uses background in operations and marketing to drive improvements for reader satisfaction.

Update: Nov 22nd, 2025 05:13 EST

Influencer Beatrice Balaj has demonstrated a rather rare engagement decision: saying yes to the man but no to the rock. And she’s happy to share why.

Her now-viral moment began when she calmly rejected a 10-carat yellow diamond from her boyfriend, declaring it beautiful… but hopelessly over the top. In her words, it was simply too much sparkle for any human hand to carry without veering into costume-jewelry territory.

As reported by People, Balaj later revealed that she and her fiancé had talked about ring styles long before the proposal. She preferred something understated, classic and true to her “dainty” taste. A 10-carat stone is many things, but subtle isn’t one of them. I have to say, I quite admire the honesty. A lot of people in the same situation would sprint toward a diamond roughly the size of a gobstopper, even if it clashed with their entire personality. Not her.

What was the winning ring for Balaj?

After the initial ring misfire, her fiancé regrouped. The final choice was a pear-cut white diamond on a gold band with platinum prongs, which hit every note she’d quietly hoped for. She didn’t see it coming, either.

@beatricebalaj
#fyp #engagement #engagementring #engaged
♬ som original - zogratis_017

He staged an elaborate fake birthday-party invitation, complete with a pretend RSVP number, to get her out of the house for what she thought was a formal dinner. Instead, he pulled over at a cliffside in Palos Verdes and delivered a speech that quickly gave away the plot.

Despite TikTok commenters assuming she’d rejected the proposal itself, Balaj couldn’t have been clearer: the man was perfect, the moment was perfect, the ring just needed a little editing. And honestly? Fair enough, I say. A forever piece should feel like you, not a walking advertisement for gemstone excess.