Do diamonds repair a broken marriage? That was the rumor floating around when the late Kobe Bryant and his wife, Vanessa Bryant, were seen at a jewelry store to pick up a custom 8-carat purple diamond ring after the NBA player was charged with sexual assault in 2003. The ring had an estimated price tag of $4 million.
According to the Los Angeles Times, a 19-year-old hotel employee accused the basketball player of sexual assault, which he denied. However, he did admit to being unfaithful to his wife. During his press conference to claim his innocence, where Vanessa was seated next to him, he shared, “Furious at myself, as I sit here by myself, for making a mistake of adultery. I love my wife with all my heart. She is the backbone. You’re a blessing. You’re a piece of my heart. You’re the air I breathe. You’re the strongest person I know.” The charges against Kobe were ultimately dropped.
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As reported by Brides, Vanessa’s ring has since increased in value to an estimated $6.4 million.
If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
