For millions of Americans, they were the perfect couple. They smiled happily from the pages of newspapers and magazine covers, capturing the hearts of many. They were admired, envied, and imitated.
But were the Kennedys truly happy? Who knows...
Opinions about their union vary. Some say that it was only practicality that kept the young politician John Kennedy and the socialite Jacqueline Lee Bouvier together. The political clan needed financial support, and the wealthy, educated woman with a luxurious dowry needed a promising husband.
So, in May 1952, at a formal dinner organized by mutual friends, they were officially introduced to each other. The journalist Charles Bartlett arranged their initial meeting. Despite some disagreements stemming from Jacqueline and John belonging to different social circles, the young couple soon realized they had much in common. And what was initially planned soon blossomed into a beautiful, tender feeling.
Bright, extravagant, erudite, and ambitious, Jackie simply charmed and captivated the member of the Irish political clan. As for the smitten John, he fell head over heels, boyishly, as if he hadn't had numerous romances and love affairs before. For her, he was ready to storm both the Senate and even the White House!...
In January 1953, John began his duties as a senator from Massachusetts and seriously considered marrying Jacqueline. It was then time to think about an engagement ring. The future American president was a match for his chosen one: Kennedy wasn't satisfied with the usual jewelry; he opted for originality, deviating from tradition and displaying extraordinary imagination and charm in creating the design.
Thus, an amazing ring was born—not an accessory for a modest housewife, but for an intelligent and bright woman who knew how to attract attention. That's what Jackie herself was—a gem in flesh and blood. Of course, the jewelry luxury cost the young politician a pretty penny—$1.5 million. However, the girl was worth it.
John and Jacqueline's engagement was officially announced on June 25, 1953, and the celebration itself took place on September 12. It is rumored that the bride and her mother did not want to have a lavish celebration, but the groom's father took charge of organizing the upcoming "wedding of the century," having his own hopes for this union, of course.
The wedding ceremony of Jacqueline Lee Bouvier and John Kennedy took place at St. Mary's Church in Newport, Rhode Island. The mass was conducted by the Archbishop of Boston, Richard Cushing. Approximately 700 guests attended the ceremony, and 1,200 people were received at Jacqueline's family home —Hammersmith Farm.
So, on the unnamed finger of the future First Lady of the United States, a flashy ring of an unusual shape made of yellow gold sparkled—an example of lavish audacious luxury for strong personalities striving to emphasize their individuality. The ring's design was unusual: a light, airy setting in the form of graceful diamond branches and two sparkling tracks consisting of tiny stones, polished facets of which scatter divine radiance around the amazing duet — a large diamond 2.88 ct.tw. and a rare emerald 2.84 ct.tw. This entire composition fascinates, intoxicates, charms, and generates a burning desire to possess the original treasure from the exclusive collection of Van Cleef & Arpels.
Today, Jacqueline Kennedy's engagement ring is housed in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston.