Bethenny Frankel 'Keeps' $1M Engagement Ring After Split From Fiancé Paul Bernon

Bethenny Frankel and Paul Bernon have permanently split after six years of on-and-off dating, deciding it "wasn't going to work."

The pair got engaged in 2021 but recently parted ways. Frankel hinted at this outcome earlier, expressing reluctance about getting married despite their engagement.

Frankel and her partner, Bernon, reportedly ended their relationship two months ago after six years of an on-and-off romance.

According to UsWeekly, the couple decided to part ways because they realized that "it just wasn't going to work."

A source who spoke to the outlet noted: "They are so different – he's an under-the-radar kind of guy. Frankel is known for hitting red carpets often and constantly posting about her personal life on social media."

Before their breakup, Bernon and Frankel regularly shared sweet photos of each other and loving tributes on their Instagram pages.

Frankel and Bernon first connected on a dating app in September 2018, quickly forming a deep connection.

In February 2021, the film producer proposed to Frankel shortly after she concluded her divorce from Jason Hoppy, with whom she has a 13-year-old daughter, Bryn.

News of their engagement emerged a month later when the Skinnygirl founder was seen sporting a giant 10-carat emerald-cut diamond ring valued at approximately $1 million on her left hand.

However, following their recent split, an insider also disclosed to UsWeekly that Frankel has chosen to keep the massive diamond engagement ring.

Last year, Frankel hinted at her eventual split as she expressed reservations about tying the knot with Bernon despite their engagement in 2021.

In an interview with E! News, she stated: "I don't want to build a wedding." The TV Personality emphasized her contentment with her life and her relationship with Bernon, adding: "I love my life, I love my fiancé. He's an amazing life partner and I don't want to sign a contract with someone I love and I don't want to plan a massive wedding for everybody else and not what we want."

The former reality TV star also explained her aversion to traditional wedding plans, noting: "I like doing what you want, not what society wants you to do."

Similarly, during a December appearance on "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen," Frankel reiterated her reluctance to plan a wedding despite her love for Bernon.

She said, "I don't know when we'll get married. I'm happily in a partnership, and I love him so much, but I don't want to plan a wedding."

Frankel recently took to Instagram to disclose her decision to pause her divorce podcast to mourn her mother, Bernadette Birk's passing.

In a heartfelt statement on Instagram, the former "Real Housewives of New York City" star wrote: "I have chosen to temporarily remove my divorce podcast as a result of an overwhelming response and an influx of messages that have converged with the most significant loss of my life."

Frankel acknowledged the impossibility of grieving both events simultaneously, emphasizing: "It's impossible for me to grieve and process both of these traumatic events at the same time."

"The unforeseen circumstances and the reaction to this triggering topic have confirmed how important this conversation is," she concluded.

After removing all episodes from her iHeart Radio podcast "Just B Divorced with Bethenny Frankel," where she candidly discussed her "traumatic" 10-year divorce from Jason Hoppy, Frankel also announced a "temporary" halt in uploading new episodes.

However, she didn't specify a return date but assured listeners that the "dialogue" would continue "in the coming weeks to help you navigate your challenging divorce journeys."

The 53-year-old thanked her Instagram followers and podcast listeners for their support, writing: "I Love you all and am so grateful to you for supporting me in both areas."

The reality star also clarified that the decision to put her podcast on hold was not due to "backlash" but rather the "overwhelming success" of the podcast, making it challenging to respond to inquiries promptly.

She said, "I simply can't respond to the questions and demands at this time and will resume shortly."