The Bachelor and Bachelorette have shifted reality dating shows as we know it for good! With nearly two decades of drama, heartbreaks, and stunning proposals, there is no denying the success that the two hit ABC shows have delivered.

During the finale of each and every season, fans see the series lead propose with a sparkly diamond ring that clearly costs a fortune. With ABC getting their hands on some of the most expensive engagement rings, viewers want to know just who covers the cost!

While Chris Harrison gave fans some details as to how the engagement rings come about, it seems as if payment is always left out of the equation. So, who really pays for the engagement rings on the show? Let's find out!

Related: The 10 Most Expensive Celebrity Engagement Rings

Where It All Began

The Bachelor has since become one of the biggest dating shows in television history, and rightfully so! The series first started out back in 2002 when former host, Chris Harrison was joined by the very first Bachelor lead, Alex Michel.

With 25 seasons under ABC's belt, it's clear that the show has not only gone on to set a standard for reality TV but a completely new standard for dating!

While Alex went on to choose Amanda Marsh, sans an engagement ring that is, the duo didn't turn out to make it all the way like they had hoped, however, that didn't stop ABC from continuing on with the show, and creating a completely new spin-off, The Bachelorette!

Trista Sutter became the very first Bachelorette lead, who would go on to become one of the very first success stories to come out of the show. After choosing Ryan Sutter as "the one" the duo have remained together ever since!

Over the course of the next 15 years, fans of the show would go on to witness a handful of proposals on both shows, sparking many to wonder where the leads get the engagement rings, who makes them, and most importantly, who pays for them?

While it is no secret that jewelry legend, Neil Lane designs the rings for every single season, fans are still curious as to who fronts the cost.

Related: Everything Rachel Lindsay Has Said About Her Time With 'Bachelor Nation'

Who Pays For The Engagement Rings?

When it comes to the engagement rings, past Bachelor and Bachelorette leads have been given rings that cost anywhere from $45,000 to $95,000, which was the cost of Bachelor star, Ben Higgins' ring!

Although the lead does, in fact, "own" the ring, if you will, it remains unclear as to whether or not they have to pay for it, or if the network fronts the bill. According to former host, Chris Harrison, if a proposal results in a marriage, the ring remains in the hands of the season winners, however, if a proposal goes awry, the ring is returned.

“There’s some rule, after a certain number of years, you get to keep it anyway. But after months…it goes back," Harrison revealed.

When it comes to payment, it appears as if that detail remains unknown. Fans have since concluded that ABC covers the cost for production purposes, or Neil Lane generously gifts the network his rings in exchange for huge publicity.

Considering Lane has since become a household name thanks to ABC and The Bachelor, it's possible that the rings are given to them at no cost!

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