Jackie Kennedy did not have three separate engagement rings. The story is one 1953 ring from John F. Kennedy, her later redesign of that ring, and a distinct 1968 engagement ring from Aristotle Onassis. The first paired a diamond and an emerald; the Onassis ring featured a single large diamond.
What did Jackie Kennedy’s first engagement ring look like?
John F. Kennedy proposed in May 1953, and the couple announced their engagement publicly on June 25. HISTORY describes the ring as a 2.88-carat diamond-and-emerald design by Van Cleef & Arpels. Vogue’s more detailed account says it paired a 2.88-carat emerald-cut diamond with a 2.84-carat emerald, also emerald cut, in a toi et moi setting—French for “you and me.” Baguette-cut emeralds and diamonds lined the band. Vogue and HISTORY describe the ring and engagement.
Vogue reports that Joseph Kennedy chose the ring at Van Cleef & Arpels’s Fifth Avenue store with help from Hélène Arpels, who knew Jackie. That detail is Vogue’s account of the selection, rather than a claim established here through an archival record.
Vogue also reproduces a recollection attributed to writer Jay Mulvaney of Jackie’s reported response around the engagement announcement: “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.” It is best understood as an attributed recollection, not a quotation verified against a contemporaneous transcript.
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- Simulated emerald and cubic zirconia, ring for women.
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How did Jackie redesign the Kennedy ring?
Nearly a decade after the wedding, Jackie altered the original ring rather than receiving a second Kennedy engagement ring. Vogue says the baguette stones were replaced by marquise-cut diamonds, tapering toward round-cut diamonds at the sides. Its account does not give an exact year for the redesign, so a more precise date is not established by that source.
| Version | Center stones | Side stones |
|---|---|---|
| Original 1953 ring | 2.88-carat diamond and 2.84-carat emerald, according to Vogue | Baguette-cut emeralds and diamonds, according to Vogue |
| Redesigned ring | The original diamond-and-emerald pairing remained, according to Vogue’s description of the redesign | Marquise-cut diamonds tapering to round-cut diamonds, according to Vogue |
What was the ring Aristotle Onassis gave her?
Jackie’s later engagement to Aristotle Onassis brought a separate ring: Vogue identifies it as a 40-carat Lesotho III diamond from Harry Winston. Vogue also reports that it sold at auction for $2.6 million in 1996. Those ring and sale details are reported by Vogue; the auction result is not independently established here from the original sale catalogue.
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The marriage chronology is separate evidence: the Reagan Presidential Library and Museum records Jackie’s marriage to Onassis in October 1968. The library’s Jacqueline Kennedy record provides that date.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which 1968 jewelry gift is sometimes confused with the engagement ring?
A ruby-and-diamond Van Cleef & Arpels ring with matching ear pendants is another piece of Jackie’s 1968 jewelry history, but it was a wedding gift—not the Harry Winston engagement ring. Christie’s describes the matching set as presented by Onassis as a wedding gift. Its 2015 estimate of US$250,000–350,000 was an estimate for the set, not a realized sale price. Christie’s 2015 press release documents the distinction.
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- PERFECT GIFT FOR HER: This stunning engagement ring for women comes in an elegant premium box that's ready to be gifted, making it effortless to surprise bride, mom, wife, daughter, girlfriend, or best friend. This cubic zirconia ring is ideal for weddings, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, or "just because" moments.
- OUR SATISFACTION PROMISE: Your happiness is our number one priority. If you’re not loving your product, let us know within 60 days so we can make it right! To get in touch, email or chat with us - a member of our team will be happy to help. We’re a proud American-owned business, committed to delivering top-quality products and exceptional customer service.
- SUSTAINABILITY: PAVOI is dedicated to sustainability throughout our entire product cycle. Our jewelry is made from 100% recycled materials and we package in 99% recycled materials. We work to reduce our carbon emissions and offset plastic consumption by removing 275,000 bottles from oceans annually. We are committed to maintaining a business that minimizes our environmental impact.
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- Multi-Suitable: It's a thoughtful gift for wives, daughters & moms. Ideal for people with size issues caused by pregnancy-related swelling or weight fluctuations, great for professionals who wash hands and wear gloves frequently, and suitable for people with sensitive skin
- Versatile Design: Perfect for daily wear, stackable with other rings for extra style. It makes an ideal gift for birthdays, Valentine’s Day & other special occasions, doubles as a romantic token for engagements/weddings, and even works as a replacement ring for travel
- Explore our wide range of styles, from delicate and minimalist designs to bold, statement-making creations. At our Jewelry, we’re here to help you find the perfect piece that speaks to your heart and complements your unique story
How the three stages differ
| Stage | Relationship and date | What distinguishes it |
|---|---|---|
| Original Kennedy ring | John F. Kennedy’s 1953 engagement ring | Van Cleef & Arpels; paired diamond and emerald in a toi et moi design. |
| Kennedy ring redesign | A later alteration of the same ring, nearly a decade after the wedding | Side stones changed from baguettes to marquise and round diamonds. |
| Onassis engagement ring | A separate ring associated with the 1968 engagement | Harry Winston; a single 40-carat Lesotho III diamond, according to Vogue. |
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