Where Are Jackie Kennedy’s Engagement Rings Now?

**The Legacy of Jackie Kennedy’s Engagement Rings: A Tale of Romance and Mystery**

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, an iconic figure in American history, was married twice, first to President John F. Kennedy and later to the Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. Each marriage brought with it a significant engagement ring, which have become treasures of curiosity and historical importance since her passing in 1994.

Jackie Kennedy, then Jacqueline Bouvier, first announced her engagement on June 24, 1953, after a whirlwind romance with John F. Kennedy. The proposal came with a stunning toi et moi engagement ring crafted by the renowned jeweller Van Cleef & Arpels. This exquisite piece featured a 2.88-carat diamond and a 2.84-carat emerald, both elegantly set in a band adorned with additional diamonds and emeralds, as later reported in Vogue.

Their wedding, held on September 12, 1953, marked the beginning of a life filled with political intrigue and personal tragedy. Together, they welcomed two children, one of whom, John F. Kennedy Jr., has recently been the subject of the FX limited series, “Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.” Sadly, the couple’s happiness was shattered when the president was assassinated in November 1963, an event that profoundly impacted Jackie and the nation.

After his death, Jackie found love again with the influential Greek millionaire Aristotle Onassis. Their relationship blossomed in 1967, culminating in an engagement and marriage on October 20, 1968. With this union came a new identity for Jackie; she became known as “Jackie O.” Onassis presented her with a lavish 40-carat marquise diamond ring, famously known as the Lesotho III, which he procured from the eminent jeweller Harry Winston.

The marriage between Jackie and Aristotle Onassis was fraught with challenges, and although they shared notable moments together, their time as a couple was short-lived. Onassis passed away in March 1975, just six and half years after their wedding, leaving behind a legacy that continues to fascinate the public.

Jackie Kennedy’s own life came to a close on May 19, 1994, when she succumbed to cancer at the age of 64. Following her death, the fate of her cherished possessions, particularly her engagement rings, sparked much interest and speculation.

The toi et moi ring from her first marriage is currently part of Jackie’s estate and resides at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston. Alongside the ring, visitors can also view her wedding dress, wedding invitation, and an engagement weekend scrapbook, providing a glimpse into her bygone era.

In contrast, the 40-carat diamond ring from Onassis took a different path. After her passing, the ring was sold at a Sotheby’s auction in 1996 for a staggering $2.58 million, despite initial appraisals estimating its value at $600,000. The winning bid was placed by Albert and Felice Lippert, founders of Weight Watchers, who acquired the ring on behalf of a friend whose identity remains unknown, thus shrouding the ring’s current whereabouts in mystery.

Jackie Kennedy’s rings not only symbolise her romantic journey through life but also reflect the personal and political turmoil she experienced. They hold significant value, both monetarily and as pieces of history documenting an era filled with glamour and strife.

Today, the tale of Jackie Kennedy’s engagement rings continues to intrigue historians, fashion enthusiasts, and admirers of her life. As the world reflects on her legacy, these rings serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities of love, loss, and the enduring connections that shape our stories. Whether they are displayed in a museum or lost to history, the rings remain timeless pieces of a remarkable woman’s life and her enduring influence on culture and society.