Real Facts About Jackie Kennedy’s Engagement Ring Collection

Jackie Kennedy’s engagement ring remains one of the most iconic engagement rings in history. Its elegant two-stone design inspired generations of couples and helped popularise what is now widely known as the Toi et Moi engagement ring style. Today, celebrities such as Megan Fox and Ariana Grande have embraced similar designs, bringing renewed attention to this timeless engagement ring trend.

In 1953, one of the most admired engagement ring designs of the twentieth century entered the spotlight. The ring belonged to John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who announced their engagement before marrying later that year. Kennedy presented Jacqueline Bouvier with a stunning engagement ring that would become one of the most recognised pieces of jewellery in American history.

Who Was Jackie Kennedy Onassis?

Jackie Kennedy, born Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, served as the First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963. Known for her elegance, sophistication, and influence on fashion, she became one of the most admired women of her era.

Jackie had a deep appreciation for fine jewellery and timeless design. Her engagement ring reflected this refined taste, combining exceptional gemstones with a unique setting that stood apart from traditional solitaire engagement rings.

Her husband, John F. Kennedy, served as the 35th President of the United States. Together, they became one of the most celebrated couples in American history, admired for their style, charisma, and cultural influence.

Jackie Kennedy’s Original Engagement Ring

Before their wedding, John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier searched for a distinctive engagement ring that reflected their relationship and personal style. Their search eventually led them to the renowned jewellery house Van Cleef & Arpels in New York.

The Original Design

Jackie Kennedy's original engagement ring featured:

• A 2.84-carat emerald-cut emerald
• A 2.88-carat emerald-cut diamond
• A platinum setting
• Tapered baguette diamonds on each side

The ring's two-stone arrangement symbolised the union of two individuals becoming one. This romantic concept is now widely recognised as the Toi et Moi ("You and Me") ring style.

The combination of a vivid green emerald and a colourless diamond created a striking contrast, making the ring instantly memorable. Its balanced design showcased elegance without excessive ornamentation, which was considered highly sophisticated for the period.

Why It Became Famous

The ring stood out because it combined coloured gemstones and diamonds in a way that was uncommon for engagement rings during the 1950s. Today, many jewellery enthusiasts consider it one of the most influential celebrity engagement rings ever created.

Related Reading: Unique Engagement Rings

Did Jackie Kennedy Redesign Her Engagement Ring?

Yes. After becoming First Lady, Jackie Kennedy chose to update her engagement ring.

She returned the ring to Van Cleef & Arpels and worked with family members to create a more glamorous appearance. The original tapered baguette diamonds were replaced with a dramatic arrangement of marquise cut diamonds and round brilliant diamonds.

This redesign enhanced the ring overall sparkle while preserving the original emerald and diamond centre stones that made the ring so distinctive.

The Redesigned Ring

The updated ring featured:

• The original emerald-cut emerald
• The original emerald-cut diamond
• Marquise-cut diamonds surrounding the centre stones
• Additional round diamonds for extra brilliance

The redesign transformed the ring into a more elaborate statement piece while maintaining its romantic symbolism.

Why Is Jackie Kennedy’s Ring Still So Influential?

Jackie Kennedy’s engagement ring continues to inspire modern jewellery designers and couples worldwide.

The Popularity of Toi et Moi Rings

The Toi et Moi style remains one of the most sought-after engagement ring designs because it symbolises two people joining together in partnership.

Modern versions often feature:

• Diamond and diamond combinations
• Emerald and diamond pairings
• Pear cut gemstones
• Oval diamonds
• Lab grown diamonds
• Coloured gemstones

The design appeals to couples looking for something meaningful, elegant, and slightly unconventional compared to traditional solitaire engagement rings.

Celebrity Influence

The recent resurgence of Toi et Moi rings has been driven by celebrity engagements and social media trends. Many modern designs draw inspiration from Jackie Kennedy’s famous ring while incorporating contemporary gemstone shapes and settings.

Where Is Jackie Kennedy’s Engagement Ring Today?

There is some confusion regarding the ring's current location.

While many Kennedy related artefacts are displayed at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, reports about the permanent public display of Jackie Kennedy's engagement ring vary. The ring remains an important piece of Kennedy family history and is frequently referenced in exhibitions and publications discussing presidential memorabilia and iconic jewellery.

What remains undisputed is the ring's enduring cultural significance and influence on engagement ring design.

Conclusion

Jackie Kennedy’s engagement ring remains one of the most celebrated engagement rings ever created. Originally designed by Van Cleef & Arpels, the ring featured a remarkable pairing of a 2.84-carat emerald and a 2.88-carat diamond in a classic Toi et Moi setting.

Its later redesign added marquise and round diamonds, enhancing its brilliance while preserving its original symbolism. More than seventy years later, the ring continues to inspire couples, jewellers, and designers around the world.

The enduring popularity of Toi et Moi engagement rings demonstrates the lasting impact of Jackie Kennedy’s iconic jewellery style and the timeless appeal of a design that symbolises two lives joined together.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Jackie Kennedy’s engagement ring unique?

Jackie Kennedy’s engagement ring is famous for its Toi et Moi design, featuring an emerald and a diamond placed side by side. The two-stone setting symbolises two people united in love and partnership.

Who designed Jackie Kennedy’s engagement ring?

The original ring was created by the luxury jewellery house Van Cleef & Arpels and featured a 2.84-carat emerald alongside a 2.88-carat diamond.

Did Jackie Kennedy redesign her engagement ring?

Yes. Jackie later updated the ring by replacing the baguette side diamonds with marquise-cut and round diamonds, creating a more elaborate and sparkling design.

What is a Toi et Moi engagement ring?

A Toi et Moi engagement ring is a two-stone ring design. The French phrase translates to "You and Me" and symbolises the union of two individuals in a relationship.

Where is Jackie Kennedy’s engagement ring today?

The ring is associated with the Kennedy family's historical legacy. While Kennedy memorabilia is displayed at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, information regarding the ring's permanent public display remains limited.

How much would Jackie Kennedy’s engagement ring be worth today?

Experts estimate that a ring featuring similar gemstones, historical significance, and craftsmanship could be worth several million pounds, although the exact value is difficult to determine due to its historical importance.

Why are Toi et Moi engagement rings popular?

Toi et Moi rings offer unique symbolism, versatility, and elegance. Their romantic meaning and celebrity associations have made them increasingly popular among modern couples.

Can a Toi et Moi ring include lab-grown diamonds?

Yes. Many contemporary Toi et Moi engagement rings feature lab-grown diamonds, allowing couples to achieve the same elegant appearance at a more accessible price point.

What gemstones are commonly used in Toi et Moi rings?

Popular combinations include diamond and emerald, diamond and sapphire, diamond and ruby, diamond and diamond, and various coloured gemstone pairings.

Is Jackie Kennedy’s engagement ring considered vintage jewellery?

Yes. The ring is considered a classic vintage engagement ring and remains one of the most influential jewellery designs of the twentieth century.