Mariah Carey has moved on following her split from billionaire James Packer, but she’s still trying to rid herself of the excess “baggage” from their relationship – and that includes her huge and dazzling engagement ring.
According to the New York Post‘s Page Six, the singer has now sold the US$10million (AU$13.2million) ring for a fraction of the price, after she was first gifted it by her ex in early 2016.
A source claimed one of Mariah’s business managers “quietly” sold the ring to an LA jeweller for US$2.1million. The ring was part of the financial settlement she made with Packer after their split in 2017.
“Mariah has been very vocal recently about her choice to move forward in her life surrounded by positivity,” her publicist told the news outlet. “That requires leaving emotional and material baggage behind, including an old engagement ring from an ex-boyfriend.”
However, a confidentiality agreement was reportedly signed, keeping details of the sale under wraps. It’s claimed her team are keen to keep it private, and “have threatened the jeweller with litigation if he discloses her name”.
Meanwhile, an insider reportedly insisted the ring may not have been worth as much as was previously reported, and said Mariah wasn’t selling out of financial worries.
The pair first got engaged in January 2016 after a whirlwind romance, but they separated a few months later in October that year.
Packer recently began seeking treatment in rehab after sensationally quitting his business – citing mental health reasons at the time.
The Aussie billionaire stepped down as director of Crown Resorts, which owns casinos around Australia, in March – citing personal reasons. But a spokesman for Packer’s private investment company Consolidated Press Holdings told news outlets that Packer was taking a step back from all commitments to focus on his mental health.
“Mr Packer is suffering from mental health issues,” the spokesman said.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Packer recently left rehab and looked in good spirits as he enjoyed a break in Mexico with friends and his new partner, Kylie Lim, in recent weeks.