The Summer I Turned Pretty has always sparked conversations among fans—but this time, it’s Belly’s engagement ring that’s got people talking. After Jeremiah proposed to her in Season 3 of the hit series, some fans were disappointed with the small and modest ring he gave her.
Now, author and show creator Jenny Han is speaking out to explain why the ring was exactly right for Belly.
Why the Engagement Ring Was So Simple
In an interview with Variety on August 7, Jenny Han responded to the online buzz about the dainty ring Jeremiah gave Belly. She explained that the ring was meant to match Belly’s personality and lifestyle.
“I really wanted something that felt modest, humble and sweet, that Belly could maybe stack,” said Han. “Just thinking of her style, it’s more simple. She’s not about the flashy rings.”
Han also made it clear that Belly, as a character, values thoughtfulness over size or price. The fact that Jeremiah chose something he believed she would like meant more than the size of the diamond.
Fans Had Strong Reactions
Many fans online were quick to share their opinions, and not all were kind. Some criticized the ring for being too plain or too small for such an important moment.
“I think people were going in pretty hard on that ring!” Han admitted, laughing. “I thought it was really sweet.”
She even revealed that Lola Tung, who plays Belly, liked the ring for her character. “Tung liked it,” Han shared, suggesting that it fit Belly’s image perfectly.
A Realistic Proposal
It’s also important to remember that Belly and Jeremiah are still in college. Han reminded viewers that expecting a flashy, expensive ring wouldn’t make sense for their age and current lifestyle.
“Either way, people weren’t gonna like what he did,” she said. “It would be ridiculous if he showed up with a two-carat ring. How did you buy that? He can definitely upgrade her in the future, once he’s more settled and making his own money.”
This realistic and grounded approach to the storyline is one reason fans connect with Han’s work. She keeps things relatable—especially for young people watching the show.
Behind the Scenes of the “Peach Scene”
Jenny Han also recently made her directorial debut with Episode 5 of Season 3, which featured one of the most talked-about scenes in the season—dubbed the “peach scene” by fans.
In the scene, Belly and Conrad make several wedding planning stops, even though it’s for her marriage to his brother, Jeremiah. Along the way, they stop at a peach stand, even though Conrad is allergic. In a surprisingly intimate moment, he wipes peach juice off Belly’s face with his t-shirt.
Han shared that she wanted this episode to feel special by showing things from Conrad’s point of view instead of Belly’s.
“I wanted it to feel different,” she said. “I wanted the episode to really feel that we were looking at Belly through Conrad’s eyes, seeing everything from Conrad’s point of view.”
Jenny Han’s response to the backlash shows that every detail in The Summer I Turned Pretty is carefully thought out. From a modest engagement ring to a meaningful road trip with Conrad, the show continues to reflect the reality of young love—full of heart, emotion, and thoughtful moments.
While not everyone may agree with Belly’s ring, it’s a reminder that love is not measured by carats, but by care and connection.
