The Dazzling Legacy: Unpacking Jackie Onassis's Iconic Engagement Rings

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis remains an enduring icon of style, grace, and sophistication. Her meticulously curated wardrobe, impeccable taste, and undeniable charisma captivated the world. But beyond her famous pink Chanel suit or her signature oversized sunglasses, Jackie's influence extended to her exquisite jewelry collection, particularly her engagement rings. These weren't just adornments; they were historical artifacts, telling tales of love, loss, and unparalleled luxury. While many remember her as the beloved First Lady, her life unfolded through several significant chapters, each marked by a ring that truly made history.

Jackie Kennedy Onassis, a woman who owned two of the most expensive engagement rings in history, had a jewelry collection that was as impressive as her public persona. The allure surrounding her personal effects, especially her engagement rings, has only grown stronger over time. Let's delve into the fascinating stories behind the remarkable pieces that symbolized her most significant commitments.

Jackie's Journey Through Love and Diamonds

Before her widely publicized engagements, Jackie Lee Bouvier was briefly engaged to John Husted. While details of that particular ring are not widely known, it set the stage for a life that would eventually be adorned with some of the world's most magnificent jewels. Her journey through love, marked by the rings she accepted, paints a vivid picture of a life lived in the public eye, constantly under fascination.

• Mama June Weight Loss
• Women Poop Pants
• Toni Braxton Birdman
• Arnold Sons Comparison
• Astrologer Danielle Johnson

The First Chapter: JFK's Thoughtful Design

In 1953, the young American socialite Jacqueline Lee Bouvier became engaged to the dashing Senator John Fitzgerald Kennedy. The ring he presented to her was a testament to his discerning taste and a departure from the traditional solitaire. It was a piece that would later become synonymous with her early public image.

A Van Cleef & Arpels Masterpiece

The engagement ring John F. Kennedy presented to Jacqueline Bouvier was purchased in the summer of 1953. This exquisite piece was originally created by the renowned French jewelry company, Van Cleef & Arpels. It wasn't just a diamond; it was a unique design that perfectly complemented Jackie's elegant yet understated style. The ring boasted both a 2.88 carat weight diamond and a 2.84 carat weight emerald, mounted next to each other in an open-halo setting. It was truly a lovely 2.88 emerald and baguette diamond ring, reflecting a thoughtful and artistic choice.

True to Van Cleef & Arpels' innovative spirit, the ring was distinctive. However, in 1962, Jackie had the ring redesigned. This redesign included adding more diamonds, specifically marquise and round brilliant cuts, transforming the original two-stone design into a more elaborate open-halo setting, further enhancing its brilliance and unique character. This modification showcased Jackie's evolving style and her desire to personalize even the most significant pieces of her jewelry. Today, this iconic ring lies at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, Massachusetts, a tangible link to a pivotal era in American history.

• Bridgette Wilson And Pete Sampras
• Ana De Armas Evelyn Hugo
• Lucky Blue Smith And Nara Smith
• Madame Delacroix Bridgerton
• Naked Snowman

The Second Chapter: Aristotle Onassis's Grand Gesture

Years after the tragic loss of President Kennedy, Jacqueline found love again with Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis. Their engagement in 1968 was a global sensation, and the ring he gifted her was nothing short of extraordinary, reflecting his immense wealth and desire to bestow upon her a truly unparalleled treasure.

An Unprecedented 40-Carat Marvel

On her later engagement to Aristotle Onassis, the shipping magnate gifted her an enormous 40-carat Lesotho III diamond ring from Harry Winston. This was no ordinary piece of jewelry; it was an emerald-cut diamond of approximately 40.4 carats, a truly monumental stone. The sheer size and brilliance of this diamond immediately placed it among the most significant engagement rings in history, cementing Jackie's status as an owner of truly legendary jewels.

This magnificent 40.4-carat diamond, sourced from the famous Lesotho III diamond, was a testament to Onassis's desire to shower Jackie with the best. It was an emerald-cut diamond, known for its elegant, elongated shape and step-cut facets that emphasize the clarity of the stone. Jackie Kennedy Onassis accepted this stunning 40-carat diamond from Aristotle Onassis, and it quickly became one of the most talked-about pieces in her collection.

The Lesotho III Diamond: A Legendary Origin

The diamond itself came from the legendary Lesotho III, a 601-carat rough diamond discovered in Lesotho in 1967. This colossal rough stone yielded 18 polished diamonds, with the 40.4-carat emerald cut given to Jackie being one of the largest and most famous. Harry Winston, the renowned jeweler, was responsible for cutting and setting this magnificent gem, ensuring its unparalleled beauty and brilliance. The fact that it was a Lesotho III diamond from Harry Winston further elevated its prestige and value.

A Glimpse into its Value and Fate

The value of Jackie Kennedy’s engagement ring, given to her by her second husband Aristotle Onassis, was certainly significant. This stunning piece of jewelry was not just a symbol of love but also a valuable asset. To celebrate their engagement, Onassis gave Jackie this colossal ring, which she reportedly kept in a bank vault for security, only wearing it twice during her lifetime due to its immense size and value. This decision highlights the ring's extraordinary nature and her cautious approach to such a precious possession.

After Jackie's passing, her personal effects, including her jewelry, went up for auction, creating a global frenzy. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis’s 40.4-carat diamond engagement ring from Aristotle Onassis sold for an astounding $2.58 million at Sotheby’s auction on a Wednesday in 1996. Other sources cite the sale price as $2.59 million or $2.6 million, but regardless of the exact figure, it underscores the incredible demand and historical significance associated with anything owned by Jackie. Luckily, we know exactly where it is now, having been acquired by a private collector, ensuring its legacy continues.

A Legacy of Iconic Jewels

Jackie Kennedy Onassis’s three engagement rings, from John Husted, JFK, and Aristotle Onassis, each tell a unique part of her life story. There’s no shortage of iconic Jackie Kennedy images, and her jewelry, especially her engagement rings, played a significant role in shaping her public persona. Not only has Jackie Kennedy Onassis owned two of the most expensive engagement rings in history, but also an equally impressive collection of fine jewelry that reflected her refined taste and the extraordinary circumstances of her life.

The frenzy to acquire items from her estate, particularly her jewelry, demonstrated the enduring fascination with her life. Much of the second half of the Sotheby's auction day was devoted to jewelry, including great masses of Greek-designed gold and wedding and engagement gifts from Onassis to his bride. Jackie Kennedy's engagement ring, also known as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis's, is pricey and remains one of the most expensive diamonds worldwide, a testament to her enduring allure and the unparalleled value of her personal collection.

Summary

Jackie Kennedy Onassis's engagement rings are more than just beautiful jewels; they are tangible pieces of history. From the thoughtfully designed Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and emerald ring given by JFK, now preserved at the JFK Presidential Library, to the colossal 40.4-carat Lesotho III diamond from Harry Winston gifted by Aristotle Onassis, which fetched millions at auction, each ring tells a unique story of love, luxury, and an iconic life. These magnificent pieces continue to captivate and remind us of Jackie's enduring legacy as a style icon whose choices, even in jewelry, left an indelible mark on the world.