Jackie Kennedy's Iconic Toi et Moi Engagement Ring: A Symbol of Love and Elegance
Jackie Kennedy received a unique toi et moi engagement ring from President John F. Kennedy, featuring a 2.88-carat diamond and a 2.84-carat emerald set side by side on a band adorned with additional diamonds and emeralds. This distinctive design set a trend for more unconventional ring styles, inspiring celebrities like Ariana Grande and Megan Fox to opt for similar toi et moi rings. The couple got engaged in 1953 and tied the knot later that year, with their love story briefly portrayed in FX's Love Story, starring Naomi Watts as Jackie. The ring, designed by Van Cleef & Arpels, was valued at over $1 million at the time.
Jackie's toi et moi ring was a departure from traditional engagement rings, featuring two prominent stones set on a band embellished with baguette-cut emeralds and diamonds. The French luxury jewelry company, Van Cleef & Arpels, crafted this stunning piece, reflecting Jackie's sophisticated taste. The engagement was announced in June 1953, with conflicting reports about the proposal location. Despite the announcement, Jackie was not seen wearing the ring immediately, stating that she and JFK had been searching for the perfect ring together.
Joseph Kennedy, JFK's father, reportedly selected Jackie's engagement ring at Van Cleef & Arpels in New York City with the assistance of jeweler Louis Arpels' wife, Hélène. The ring, along with other jewelry pieces, was chosen without consideration of the cost and shipped to the Kennedy family's residence in Hyannis Port, Mass. In 1962, Jackie had the ring redesigned by Van Cleef & Arpels, adding round and marquise-cut diamonds around the central stones to create a more elaborate look. This redesign symbolized Jackie's growing confidence as the first lady of the United States and her evolving role on the global stage.