Jackie Kennedy, the iconic former First Lady of the United States, experienced a life filled with love, heartache, and remarkable jewellery. Throughout her lifetime, she was engaged three times, marrying twice; first to the late President John F. Kennedy and later to the Greek shipping magnate, Aristotle Onassis. Her story is one interwoven with history and poignant personal narratives, along with an enduring fascination for her exquisite engagement rings.
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Born as Jacqueline Bouvier in 1929, Jackie became engaged for the first time in 1951 at the tender age of 21. She was courted by stockbroker John G. Husted Jr., who reportedly presented her with a sapphire-and-diamond engagement ring. However, their romance proved fleeting, and Jackie returned the ring shortly after by discreetly placing it in his jacket pocket as he departed for the airport in 1952.
Fast-forward to 1953, Jackie began a relationship with John F. Kennedy. After a whirlwind courtship, JFK proposed on June 24, presenting Jackie with a beautiful “toi et moi” engagement ring created by renowned jeweller Van Cleef & Arpels. The ring featured a stunning 2.88-carat diamond alongside a 2.84-carat emerald, elegantly set in a band adorned with additional gems. This was a special creation, reflecting Napoleon’s famous proposal to Josephine de Beauharnais. The couple wed on September 12, 1953, and welcomed four children into the world, although only two survived past infancy: Caroline Kennedy and John F. Kennedy Jr.
Tragedy struck on November 22, 1963, when President Kennedy was assassinated while riding in a motorcade with Jackie in Dallas, Texas. This monumental event irrevocably altered Jackie’s life. Years later, she found love again with Aristotle Onassis, which brought its own set of complexities. The pair married on October 20, 1968, with Jackie taking on the moniker “Jackie O.” Their union, however, faced difficulties, notably in the months leading up to Onassis’s death from respiratory failure on March 15, 1975.
Jackie’s own life came to an end on May 19, 1994. She was just 64 years old and had been diagnosed with cancer less than a year prior to her passing. At the time of her death, she was survived by her children and partner Maurice Tempelsman. Since then, the fate of Jackie’s cherished jewellery, particularly her wedding and engagement rings, has intrigued admirers and historians alike.
The engagement ring gifted by JFK has become a significant part of history. Initially, the ring was not prominently featured during their engagement announcement, as Jackie reportedly stated they were still in search of the perfect one. After her husband’s assassination, Jackie had the engagement ring sent back to Van Cleef & Arpels for a redesign in 1962, augmenting it with additional diamonds that were set around the original stones. Following her passing, this unique piece has found its permanent home at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, alongside other personal memorabilia, including her wedding dress and a scrapbook from her engagement weekend.
On the other hand, the engagement ring Jackie received from Aristotle Onassis was no less grand. This breathtaking 40-carat marquise diamond, referred to as the Lesotho III, was acquired from Harry Winston and continues to be an object of fascination. In April 1996, the ring was auctioned at Sotheby’s, fetching a remarkable $2.58 million. Its valuation at that time stood at $600,000, highlighting its considerable worth. The ring was purchased by Weight Watchers founders Albert and Felice Lippert on behalf of an undisclosed friend, and its current whereabouts remain a mystery.
The enduring intrigue surrounding Jackie Kennedy’s engagement rings reflects not only her complex romantic history but also her everlasting impact on American culture. These symbolically-rich rings serve as both artefacts of her personal journey and reminders of a pivotal era in American history. As questions linger about the ultimate fate of her exquisite jewellery, the rings remain a potent reminder of a woman who navigated the realms of love and loss, forever remembered as a fashion icon and a figure of grace amid tumultuous times.
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