Jackie Kennedy’s engagement ring from President John F. Kennedy lost its tradition with its two stone design.
The couple first met in 1952 through mutual friends and announced their engagement in June 1953 just a year later. JFK presented Jackie with the stunning TOI ET MOI engagement ring from Van Cleef & Arpels featuring diamonds and emeralds as the centre stone set in more diamonds and emerald bands.
Jackie’s Sparkler has launched a trend in more unique ring designs. Stars like Ariana Grande and Megan Fox later followed in the footsteps with Toyette Moy’s engagement ring.
On September 12, 1953, JFK and Jackie tied the knot at Newport, Roadley. The gorgeous events included over 600 guests and an orchestra.
Here’s what you need to know about Jackie Kennedy’s engagement ring.
The ring features diamonds and emeralds.
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Jackie’s engagement ring was not traditional. The former first lady chose Toi et Moi, which translates to you and me in French.
Jackie’s rings contained 2.88 carat diamonds and 2.84 carat emeralds per vogue. The stones were set in baguette-cut emerald and diamond bands.
Designed by Van Cleef & Arpels
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Van Cleef & Arpels, a French luxury jewelry company, designed a stunning sparkler. It reportedly was worth more than $1 million at the time.
JFK and Jackie announced their engagement in June 1953
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On June 24, 1953, JFK and Jackie announced their involvement in the world. Details surrounding the proposal are unknown as there are contradictory claims that some people popped the question to Jackie at the Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown, Washington, DC, and that it was done at the Omni Hotel in Boston.
However, Jackie was not photographed with an engagement ring after the announcement.
She told the bride to the press at the time, “I don’t have one yet. Jack and I saw dozens of them. Some people didn’t like me, but they weren’t the right type.”
JFK’s father reportedly chose Jackie’s engagement ring
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Like her wedding gown, JFK’s father, Joseph Kennedy, is reportedly the one who chose Jackie’s engagement ring. He went to the Van Cleef & Arpels Fifth Avenue Store in New York City and chose the ring with the help of Helene, the wife of Louis Arpels, a jeweller.
According to Vanity Fair, Arpels presented Joseph with an emerald and diamond sparkler, a ruby and diamond bracelet and diamond leaf pins.
After discussing the quality and design of the gem, JFK’s father allegedly asked that the pieces be shipped to the port of Hyannis, Massachusetts, without asking about the cost.
Jackie later redesigned the engagement ring
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In 1962, Jackie sent the ring back to Van Cleef & Arpels to reset it. The new design included 0.66 carats of round diamonds and 1.46 carats of 1.46 carats of 1.46 carats of 1.46 cut diamonds, surrounded by two central stones, according to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum.
The flashy design was intended to reflect Jackie’s new role as the first lady in the US.
“The new ring issued a statement and marked Jackie’s growing self-confidence personally and in his family role on the world stage,” British Vogue gem director Rachel Gallahan told Vogue about the redesign.
