Beyoncé Just Gave a Giant Diamond-and-Titanium Butterfly Ring to London’s Victoria and Albert Museum

It joins one of the most comprehensive jewelry collections in the world.

Beyoncé Knowles-Carter wearing the 'Papillon' ring, designed by G (Glenn Spiro). Photograph by Jay Z.

Beyoncé has added a new title to her megastar résumé: art philanthropist. On Friday, the singer donated her magnificent green tsavorite, diamond, and titanium Papillon ring to London’s Victoria & Albert Museum. The piece was originally given to her by her husband, the rapper Jay Z.

The oversized butterfly-shaped ring is worn on the back of the hand, and the bauble features kinetic wings that flutter with the movement of the wearer’s hand, as if preparing for flight. The ring has been described as “an exotic, shimmering beauty,” and is considered an exquisite example of contemporary fine jewelry. According to Dazed, the object is valued at around $95,000, although taking into account the illustrious provenance lent by the “Put a Ring on It” singer, it would probably sell for quite a bit more.

Papillon ring designed by G (Glenn Spiro) Photo: Courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Starting on Friday, visitors will be able to admire Beyoncé’s ring at the museum’s Judith Bollinger gallery, which features over 3,000 jewels from ancient Greek to contemporary masterpieces. The piece will be displayed alongside the V&A’s collection of historic bling, which includes pieces belonging to notable figures such as Queen Elizabeth I of England, Catherine the Great, and Empress Josephine of France.

The piece was designed by London-based jeweler Glenn “G” Spiro in 2014, who is famous for his technical mastery of gemstones, honed since he was an apprentice at Cartier as a teenager.

“Beyoncé is a figure whose personal style the V&A is proud to represent, and a gift from whose personal collection we are honored to receive,” the V&A’s jewelry curator Clare Phillips said in a statement. “The Papillon ring she has gifted is an exquisite example of contemporary jewelry design by one of Britain’s master jewelers.”


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