Adele made a triumphant return to the Brit Awards on Tuesday night and was photographed on the red carpet wearing what appeared to be a large diamond ring.

       The ring prompted speculation on social media that she is engaged to her sports agent boyfriend Rich Paul.

       The singer was the picture of elegance on the red carpet, wearing a sweeping black velvet gown with a tulle overlay by Armani.

       She complimented the dress with statement Lorraine Schwartz diamond earrings and a large ring on her fourth finger, leading some people on social media to speculate she's engaged to sports agent partner Rich Paul.

       Journalist Ellie Phillips wrote on Twitter: "Ermm… Did Adele just casually let the world know she’s engaged to Rich Paul by wearing this WHOPPER teardrop diamond ring at the Brits?"

       Another fan wrote: "Is Adele engaged? I swear I just peeped diamond ring".

       The artist delivered a highly-anticipated live performance at the ceremony.

       The pop superstar sung a rendition of I Drink Wine from her chart-topping fourth studio album, 30, dressed in a gold ballgown and matching stilettos, against the backdrop of a glittering gold wall.

       She was accompanied by a band dressed in black, with three backing vocalists helping her through the chorus.

       Host Mo Gilligan introduced her as the "undisputed queen of the Brits".

       Adele last performed at the awards in 2016, singing When We Were Young while also taking home four awards.