Jackie Kennedy’s engagement ring from JFK boasted a 2.88-carat diamond and a 2.84-carat emerald
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NEED TO KNOW
- President John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie Kennedy in 1953 with a toi et moi ring
- The engagement ring featured a 2.88-carat diamond and a 2.84-carat emerald
- In 1962, Jackie had the ring redesigned after JFK took office
It’s been 73 years since Jackie Kennedy and President John F. Kennedy‘s wedding — and her engagement ring still dazzles.
JFK proposed to Jackie in 1953 with a toi et moi ring from Van Cleef & Arpels, featuring a 2.88-carat diamond and a 2.84-carat emerald, both set on a band accented with additional diamonds and emeralds.
Later that year, JFK and Jackie tied the knot in Newport, R.I., on Sept. 12, 1953.
Jackie’s sparkler started a trend for more unique ring designs, with stars like Ariana Grande and Megan Fox later following in her footsteps with their toi et moi engagement rings.
Here’s everything to know about Jackie Kennedy’s engagement ring.
The ring featured a diamond and an emerald
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Jackie’s engagement ring was anything but traditional. The former first lady opted for a toi et moi — which translates to you and me in French — design that featured two stones side by side.
Jackie’s ring included a 2.88-carat diamond and a 2.84-carat emerald that were both emerald cut, per Vogue. The stones were set on a band of baguette-cut emeralds and diamonds.
It was designed by Van Cleef & Arpels
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Van Cleef & Arpels, a French luxury jewelry company, designed the stunning sparkler. It was reportedly worth over $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 engagement to the world. The details surrounding the proposal are unclear, as there are conflicting claims that JFK popped the question to Jackie at Martin’s Tavern in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., and some who claim it took place at the Omni Parker House in Boston.
However, Jackie wasn’t photographed with an engagement ring following their announcement.
She reportedly told the press at the time, “I haven’t one yet. Jack and I have looked at dozens of them. Some I didn’t like and others weren’t the right type,” per Brides.
JFK’s father reportedly picked out Jackie’s engagement ring
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Like with 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 picked out the ring with the help of jeweler Louis Arpels’ wife Hélène, who was a friend of Jackie’s, per Vogue.
According to Vanity Fair, Arpels presented Joseph with the emerald and diamond sparkler as well as a ruby-and-diamond bracelet and a diamond leaf pin.
After discussing the quality and design of the jewelry, JFK’s father allegedly asked for the pieces to be shipped to Hyannis Port, Mass., without inquiring about the cost.
Jackie later redesigned her engagement ring
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In 1962, Jackie sent her ring back to Van Cleef & Arpels to be reset. The new design included 0.66 carats of round diamonds and 1.46 carats of marquise-cut diamonds that framed the two center stones, per the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum.
The flashier design was meant to reflect Jackie’s new role as first lady of the United States.
“The new ring made a statement and marked Jackie’s growing self-confidence personally, and in her family’s role on the world stage,” British Vogue‘s jewelry director Rachel Garrahan told Vogue of the redesign.
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