Drake Marks Unfulfilled Proposals with 13M Diamond Necklace

Drake, born Aubrey Drake Graham, the Canadian rap superstar, singer-songwriter, actor, and entrepreneur, is renowned for his musical achievements and influence on pop culture. Beyond his artistic talents, Drake is equally famous for his extravagant lifestyle and discerning taste in fine jewelry. His latest acquisition—a staggering $13 million diamond necklace titled "Previous Engagements"—has captured global attention. More than just a priceless adornment, this piece embodies an emotional narrative, symbolizing the rapper's contemplated but unrealized marriage proposals.

The "Previous Engagements" necklace draws inspiration from Drake's romantic history. Reports suggest the artist considered proposing to multiple partners who ultimately never received rings. Designer Alex Moss transformed these aborted intentions into physical form, with each of the necklace's 42 diamonds representing an engagement ring that might have been. This conceptual depth elevates the piece beyond material opulence into the realm of storytelling art.

New York jeweler Alex Moss dedicated 14 months to creating this masterpiece. The collaboration with Drake yielded an extraordinary composition: 42 natural diamonds totaling 351.38 carats, set in 18K white gold. The stones feature diverse cuts—round brilliant, Asscher, emerald, and pear-shaped—with a slightly larger center stone exceeding 10 carats. Each diamond surpasses 8 carats, a rarity considering that annually mined 5-carat+ polished diamonds could collectively fill just one basketball.

What distinguishes "Previous Engagements" is its autobiographical dimension. The varying diamond shapes represent different relationships, while the white gold setting—a 75% gold alloy prized for durability and luster—suggests permanence amidst transience. Moss emphasized this narrative on Instagram, showcasing the necklace alongside a diamond-encrusted case bearing his "AM" monogram, captioned: "New piece titled 'Previous Engagements'—for all the times he considered it but never did. 42 engagement rings. 351.38 carats."

The rapper's affinity for statement pieces is well-documented, with previous acquisitions from Jacob & Co. and Jason of Beverly Hills. His collection includes the iconic diamond owl pendant, OVO-branded necklaces (referencing his October's Very Own label), and numerous custom rings. Given the necklace's 8-carat-per-stone standard, any future fiancée would inherit a truly historic jewel.

Beyond personal significance, the necklace underscores diamonds' dual role as luxury items and appreciating assets. With prices rising alongside global demand, high-quality large stones like these—graded for exceptional color, clarity, and cut—represent shrewd investments. The piece also highlights jewelry's evolving function as wearable autobiography, blending craftsmanship with personal mythology.

Ultimately, "Previous Engagements" transcends its monetary worth to become a cultural artifact—a meditation on love's near-misses and the artistry that commemorates them. As both a technical marvel and emotional time capsule, it secures Drake's status as a patron of jewelry's narrative potential while inviting reflection on romance's complex trajectories.