Ada Nicodemou’s Engagement Ring: A Cushion-Cut Statement for an Australian Icon
When Ada Nicodemou announced her engagement, it wasn’t just another celebrity headline – it was a moment that felt uniquely Australian.
After more than two decades as Leah Patterson on Home and Away, Ada has become part of our national television fabric. Since joining the show in 2000, she has remained one of its most enduring characters – navigating heartbreak, resilience, reinvention and romance on screen. Off-screen, she has built a respected career that includes winning Dancing with the Stars Australia in 2005 and earning multiple Logie nominations.
So when news broke of her engagement to fellow actor James Stewart – her Home and Away co-star – Australians were invested.
But as jewellers, we were looking closely at one thing in particular:
The ring.
A Closer Look at Ada Nicodemou’s Diamond
From the images currently available, Ada’s engagement ring appears to feature a square cushion cut diamond, estimated to weigh approximately 2 to 2.5 carats.
At first glance, some may mistake the shape for a princess cut in a bezel setting. However, upon closer inspection, the softened corners and gentle rounding at the edges strongly suggest a cushion cut rather than a princess. This distinction matters.
A princess cut has sharp, angular corners and a crisp geometric appearance. A cushion cut, by contrast, blends a squarer outline with softened edges – combining structure with brilliance. It offers the sparkle associated with a round brilliant while maintaining a bolder, architectural silhouette.
The stone itself appears to be a rare white diamond, likely sitting in the D to F colour range, giving it that crisp, icy brightness. There are no visible heavy inclusions in the imagery, which would suggest a clarity grade of SI1 or higher. Overall, it presents as an exceptionally bright and well-proportioned stone.
At the 2 to 2.5 carat range, this is a commanding diamond – large enough to make a statement, yet balanced enough to remain timeless.
pictured above: a classic engagement ring design mock-up, featuring a flat yellow gold band and an estimated 2–2.5 carat square cushion-cut diamond in white claws, inspired by limited images available of Ada Nicodemou’s engagement ring.
Setting & Design: Modern Confidence Meets Classic Brilliance
Despite initial impressions, Ada’s ring does not appear to be bezel set. Instead, the diamond seems to be secured in a classic four-claw setting, allowing maximum light to enter the stone.
This is significant.
A four-claw setting enhances brilliance by exposing more of the diamond’s surface area, allowing light to refract and return through the crown. It is a choice that prioritises sparkle and clarity.
The band itself appears to have a flat, modern profile rather than the more traditional half-round or knife-edge band commonly seen in engagement rings. This subtle detail shifts the design from purely classic into contemporary territory.
The result is a ring that feels:
- Structured yet romantic
- Bold yet elegant
- Distinct without chasing trends
It reflects maturity – not novelty.
Is Cushion Cut Trending?
In recent years, oval solitaire diamonds have dominated celebrity engagement trends. From elongated silhouettes to hidden halos, ovals have been everywhere.
Ada’s choice stands slightly apart (but not too far).
Cushion cuts appeal to those who love the symmetry of a square shape but still want the fire and sparkle associated with brilliant cuts. While round, oval, pear and emerald cuts remain the most common choices, cushion cuts continue to hold their place as a timeless and quietly distinctive option.
From our experience, we are seeing more high-profile engagements move away from obvious trends. Rather than following what’s popular, many celebrities are now choosing rings that feel individual – even if that means selecting a shape that isn’t currently dominating headlines.
We at MDT DESIGN always encourage couples to choose a diamond shape and engagement ring that truly reflects who they are together – a piece that beautifully symbolises the unique love they share. We especially love seeing Ada’s ring stray from the expected, embracing a more personal design that feels rich in individual meaning and distinctive style.
Estimated Value
Assuming the diamond is natural, a square cushion cut diamond of approximately 2 to 2.5 carats, in the D–F colour range with clarity SI1 or above, would likely place the ring at an estimated value of around $52,000 AUD, depending on the exact specifications.
At this level, pricing is driven by:
- Diamond origin (natural vs lab-grown)
- Precise cut proportions
- Colour and clarity grading
- Type of make (handmade or mass produced)
- Setting craftsmanship and metal choice
This is a serious diamond – and a meaningful investment.
While this design interpretation is based on careful visual analysis, it remains a professional estimation. From the limited imagery available, our master jewellers have assessed the proportions, setting style and diamond shape to offer an informed perspective. As with any estimation, subtle details can vary, and without viewing the ring in person, these observations remain considered insights rather than confirmed specifications.
And What About James’ Ring?
While much of the spotlight naturally falls on the engagement ring, modern love stories are increasingly becoming a shared statement – and rightly so.
If Ada’s ring feels structured yet romantic, bold yet refined, we would expect James’ ring to carry that same quiet confidence.
For a man in the public eye, a wedding ring should feel effortless but intentional. Strong in form. Understated in detail. Something that doesn’t compete – but complements.
A ring that would match Ada’s entirely would be a plain yellow gold band similar to the one featured below:
Rather than a traditional rounded band, we can imagine James wearing something with a little more architectural presence – perhaps a rectangular yellow gold signet ring. The clean, flat lines and defined silhouette echo the structured elegance of Ada’s cushion cut, while the solid gold form grounds the piece in masculine strength.
In solid yellow gold, it would create a beautiful visual harmony with Ada’s ring – subtle alignment without being overly matched. Confident. Considered. Distinct.
And of course, the make matters.
We would always suggest a handmade piece -forged from a single piece of precious metal rather than mass-produced. A hand-forged ring offers superior density, strength and longevity. It’s a difference not immediately visible, but deeply felt over decades of daily wear.
Much like Ada’s ring, James’ should not be trend-driven.
It should be enduring. Personal. Built to last.
Because the most powerful love stories aren’t defined by sparkle alone.
They’re defined by partnership – two pieces, different yet complementary, designed to stand the test of time.
The Proposal & Valentine’s Day Timing
While the details of the proposal remain personal, the timing has certainly sparked conversation.
Over our 20+ years in the jewellery industry, we’ve seen proposal trends naturally evolve. There was a time when Valentine’s Day proposals were incredibly popular, followed by a period where many couples gravitated toward dates that felt more unexpected or uniquely their own.
But from our perspective at MDT DESIGN, any day that invites us to pause and honour the love right in front of us is something worth celebrating. While we should cherish love every single day, life has a way of moving quickly – and a moment dedicated entirely to love is never a bad thing.
Valentine’s Day isn’t predictable – it’s romantic. It’s intentional. It’s heartfelt.
We believe any opportunity to focus on love is a beautiful and endearing gesture. And truly, Valentine’s Day is just as meaningful a time to propose as any other day of the year.
Because in the end, what matters most is intention.
And this proposal feels incredibly intentional.
Why This Ring Suits Ada
Ada Nicodemou has built a career on consistency, relatability, and longevity. Remaining on a prime-time Australian series for over two decades requires resilience and authenticity – qualities mirrored in a cushion cut diamond.
The square silhouette represents strength and structure.
The softened corners introduce warmth.
The four-claw setting maximises light.
The flat-profile band adds modern refinement.
It is not a trend-led ring. It is a confident one.
An MDT DESIGN Perspective
At MDT DESIGN, we genuinely love seeing love celebrated here in Australia – especially when it belongs to figures who feel woven into our national story.
Engagement rings hold a special place in our culture. They are worn every day, through life’s milestones, quiet moments and everything in between. They become part of a person’s identity.
When selecting a ring of this calibre, we always hope thoughtful consideration extends beyond the diamond itself to the make of the piece. The difference between a mass-produced ring and a rarer, handmade creation is profound. A handmade ring carries intention in every detail – forged, shaped and finished by skilled hands, not cast in volume.
A diamond of this presence deserves craftsmanship to match.
As an Australian family-owned jewellery house established in 1981, we have spent over four decades creating engagement rings designed to last generations – not seasons. For us, true luxury lies not only in carat weight or colour grade, but in the integrity of how a ring is made.
We love to see love celebrated boldly.
We love to see individuality embraced.
And we will always champion rings that are as meaningful in their making as they are in their symbolism.
Because when it comes to love – and the ring that represents it – intention matters.
Start a conversation about the engagement ring of your dreams, contact us today.
