The engagement rings of Jackie Kennedy and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy serve as striking symbols of their unique connections to the storied Kennedy family, each reflecting their distinct styles and eras. While both women married into one of America’s most renowned political families, the craftsmanship and inspiration behind their engagement rings tell two very different stories.
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John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie in 1953 with a classic toi et moi ring, a French term meaning “you and me.” This iconic piece featured a 2.88-carat emerald-cut diamond alongside a 2.84-carat green emerald, set on a band embellished with baguette-cut diamonds. It is believed that JFK’s father, Joseph Kennedy, played a significant role in selecting the ring from Van Cleef & Arpels in New York City, assisted by Hélène Arpels, a family friend of Jackie’s. The piece was later updated in 1962 to incorporate additional diamonds, further enhancing its grandeur.
In the mid-90s, JFK’s son, John F. Kennedy Jr., took a different approach when proposing to Carolyn Bessette Kennedy. Opting for an understated yet elegant design, he presented her with a platinum eternity band adorned with alternating oval diamonds and sapphires. This design drew inspiration from Jackie’s “swimming ring,” which she wore in lieu of her wedding ring during later years. The piece was crafted by Maurice Tempelsman, a close friend of Jackie Kennedy, and was emblematic of the minimalist aesthetic that Carolyn embraced.
The secrets of JFK Jr. and Carolyn’s romantic union were kept under wraps, culminating in a private ceremony on Cumberland Island, Georgia, in September 1996. Unfortunately, their love story was cut tragically short when both lost their lives in a plane crash three years later in 1999. Their relationship and its profound impact on American culture have been revisited in various media, including FX’s dramatic series, Love Story.
While both engagement rings are spectacular, they differ significantly in value and style. Jackie’s toi et moi design remains a hallmark of timeless elegance, with estimates suggesting it cost over $1 million at the time of purchase. Conversely, Carolyn’s eternity band carries a more modest price tag, valued between £10,000 and £13,000— a reflection of her preference for simplicity and understated beauty.
Carolyn’s ring is representative of the late 1990s aesthetic, contrasting sharply with the opulent jewellery often favoured by prior generations of women in the Kennedy family. The design, though less extravagant, brilliantly encapsulated Carolyn’s chic style, showcasing her affinity for contemporary elegance.
Discussions around these icons of style and their corresponding engagement rings invite a broader view of how jewellery reflects personal identity and societal expectations. Jackie’s ring, rich in symbolism and history, stands as a powerful indicator of her role as a First Lady, while Carolyn’s choice underscores a deliberate move towards a more modern and modest interpretation of love and commitment.
Both rings continue to inspire admiration and curiosity today, carving out a legacy that intertwines love, fashion, and the storied history of the Kennedy family. As these pieces of jewellery are remembered, they illuminate differing narratives of femininity, family, and identity in distinct eras of American history.
In exploring the legacies of Jackie and Carolyn Kennedy, we also glimpse the evolving perceptions of engagement rings— from ornate symbols of wealth to reflections of individual style and personal sentiment.