Love Is Blind star just exposed a behind-the-scenes secret that changes how fans see Season 1. The reality TV alum revealed the surprising truth about her engagement ring from the show and what producers actually provided contestants.
Lauren Speed-Hamilton recalls how her engagement ring fell apart
Love Is Blind alum Lauren Speed-Hamilton revealed her producer-provided engagement ring from Season 1 was fake. The reality star shared the story during an appearance on Cam Newton’s Funky Friday podcast on Nov. 7. Speed-Hamilton, 38, discovered the ring lacked precious metals after wearing it into a swimming pool.
“The diamond fell out, turned green when I got in the pool,” Speed-Hamilton recalled during the interview. “I was heartbroken, but now I think they have a jewelry partner, so they get real rings now.” She also noted that the show covers the cost of honeymoons, weddings, dresses and rings for contestants.
Speed-Hamilton and husband Cameron Hamilton met while filming the hit Netflix series. The pair got engaged just five days after meeting in the pods. They later traveled to the Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico, for their honeymoon.
The Season 1 star also discussed compensation for appearing on the show. She and her now-husband received about $700 a week after taxes for their time filming. The show paid contestants stipends during the roughly month-long production schedule.
The show has since upgraded its ring offerings for participants. Series creator Chris Coelen told Entertainment Weekly in 2025 that the production now spends between $3,500 and $5,000 on each ring. “They are involved with choosing the rings, but we give them a selection,” Coelen said.
Speed-Hamilton and Cameron Hamilton celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary in November 2023 with a vow renewal. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Ezra, in October 2025.
