Lucille Ball, renowned for her iconic role in “I Love Lucy,” received a memorable engagement ring from her husband Desi Arnaz after they had already eloped. Their whirlwind romance began under the bright lights of Hollywood in 1940 on the set of the musical comedy “Too Many Girls.” The couple took a bold step, tying the knot in Connecticut on 30 November of the same year, mere months after their initial meeting.
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Interestingly, when they exchanged vows, Arnaz presented Ball with a brass ring from Woolworth’s rather than a traditional engagement ring. Ball later recalled that their impromptu elopement was a thrilling venture. In her posthumous memoir “Love, Lucy,” published in 1996, she expressed, “Eloping with Desi was the most daring thing I ever did in my life. I knew I shouldn’t have married him, but that was one of the biggest attractions.”
As the years passed, Ball received a more lavish piece of jewellery from Arnaz—a cushion-cut diamond ring set in platinum. In addition to this, she was frequently seen wearing another gift, a striking 40-carat emerald-cut aquamarine stone that matched the colour of her eyes. The significance of the aquamarine was heightened by the fact that it was Arnaz’s birthstone, as he was born on 2 March 1917.
On the day of their wedding, it was Arnaz’s business manager who ensured that Ball had her wedding band. According to Ball’s memoir, the manager hurried into a Woolworth’s store in search of a ring, settling on a brass option. Reflecting on this moment, Ball reminisced, “Desi had planned to marry me at the office of Justice of the Peace John J. O’Brien. He had forgotten only one thing, a wedding ring.” Although Arnaz later replaced the brass ring with a platinum one, Ball noted that the original ring held a special place among her treasured jewels for many years.
In a twist of fate, the elegantly designed aquamarine ring would later become a topic of distress when it was stolen from Ball’s hotel room in Chicago in June 1950. The incident, described by detectives as a professional burglary, saw more than $6,000 worth of jewellery, equivalent to about £82,000 today, taken in the heist. Ball’s heartbreaking recollection of the robbery included the loss of the treasured aquamarine, stating, “All my jewellery was gone, including the 40-carat aquamarine engagement ring Desi had given me.” Despite police investigations, the case remained unresolved.
After this unfortunate incident, Arnaz gifted Ball the cushion-cut diamond engagement ring. Photographs from 1943 show her proudly wearing the ring, which was described as chosen by herself as a future Hollywood bride. The resilience of their love was exemplified as Ball continued to cherish and display this emblem of their bond, even amidst challenges.
The allure of Ball’s jewellery continues to captivate audiences, prominently featuring in recent portrayals of the couple. Nicole Kidman, who starred as Ball in the 2021 biopic “Being the Ricardos,” wore a replica of the aquamarine ring, designed to reflect the original’s beauty and history. Costume designer Susan Lyall shared her extensive research process, delving into Ball’s autobiography and other resources to ensure authenticity in the character’s portrayal.
Lyall emphasised the importance of capturing the complex nature of Ball and Arnaz’s partnership, stating, “I focused on Ball and Arnaz not just as characters, but who they were as people and as a couple.” This approach aimed to present a nuanced depiction of their legacy, interwoven with the magic they created on screen.
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz’s story extends far beyond their time in the limelight. With their exchange of rings representing pivotal moments in their life together, these tokens of affection encapsulate a love affair that continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Their journey showcases the blend of personal struggles and triumphs that formed the basis of one of television’s most beloved couples.