Jacqueline Kennedy jewelry pieces that became legendary

Jacqueline Kennedy, one of the most iconic first ladies of the United States, was celebrated not only for her elegance and timeless fashion, but also for her impeccable taste in jewelry. With a style that balanced refinement, modernity, and understated glamour, she carefully curated a collection that became as memorable as her signature pillbox hats and chic gowns. From elegant diamond necklaces and classic pearl strands, to bold statement pieces and meaningful gifts, her jewels reflected both personal milestones and public moments of history. Today, we explore the most famous jewels of Jacqueline Kennedy. Before we start, please support my channel by clicking like and subscribe buttons. Engagement Ring Jacqueline Kennedy's Engagement Ring, crafted by Van Cleef and Arpels, features a stunning Trois-et-Mois design, French for you and me, with a 2.88-carat emerald-cut diamond paired alongside a 2.84-carat emerald, both set on a band accented with baguette-cut diamonds and emeralds. This romantic design style actually traces back to a 1796 proposal by Napoleon Bonaparte. Interestingly, when her engagement to John F. Kennedy was announced in 1953, Jackie didn't have a ring immediately. She famously told reporters, I haven't won yet. Jack and I have looked at dozens. Ultimately, her future father-in-law, Joseph Kennedy, selected the ring with help from Nearly a decade later, Jackie updated the ring's design, replacing the original baguette diamonds with bold marquise-cut diamonds that tapered into round cuts, marking her growing confidence and global stature. Her engagement ring remains one of the most referenced and enduring symbols of her timeless elegance. Wedding Bracelet Jackie Kennedy's wedding bracelet, a gift from President John F. Kennedy, was a significant piece in her personal jewelry collection. Presented the night before their wedding in 1953, it featured 25 diamonds and 18 pearls, set between two borders of delicate, whimsical nautical ropes. This bracelet, symbolizing her something new, complemented her bridal ensemble, which also included a pearl choker necklace and a diamond-leaf brooch from her in-laws, Joseph and Rose Kennedy. The bracelet became a cherished part of Jackie's wedding attire and was later donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum after her passing. Its design reflects the elegance and personal significance of the era, capturing a moment of historical and personal importance. The inclusion of both diamonds and pearls in the bracelet added to its timeless appeal, blending classic elements with a touch of modernity. Schlumberger-Quasselon's Bracelets Jackie Kennedy's Schlumberger-Quasselon's Bracelets, a hallmark of her personal jewelry collection, were introduced by Tiffany & Co. in the early 1960s. The first piece was a gift from President John F. Kennedy in 1962, purchased at Tiffany's New York City store. Jackie was captivated by the bracelet's design and frequently wore it with her casual daytime outfits. Over time, she expanded her collection, acquiring additional bracelets in various colors, showcasing her appreciation for the artistry of Jean Schlumberger. The Quasselon's Bracelets are renowned for their intricate pioneer enamel technique, a method dating back to the 19th century. This technique involves layering enamel over a gold bracelet, creating a vibrant and durable finish. Jackie's frequent wearing of these bracelets, often in different colors, set a trend and made them highly sought after. Her style choices influenced many women of the era, leading to a surge in popularity for these distinctive pieces. Today, these bracelets remain iconic symbols of Jackie Kennedy's elegance and influence on fashion. They are celebrated not only for their beauty and craftsmanship, but also for their association with a figure who epitomized grace and style. Collectors and enthusiasts continue to admire and seek out these timeless pieces, which have become synonymous with the First Lady's legacy. Cartier Tank Watch Jackie Kennedy's Cartier Tank Watch, a symbol of timeless elegance and personal significance, was gifted to her by her brother-in-law, Prince Stanislaw Stas Radziwill, in February 1963. The 18-carat gold timepiece, produced in 1962, was engraved with the message, Stas to Jackie, 23rd, Feb, 63, 205 a.m. to 935 p.m., commemorating a 50-mile hike promoted by President John F. Kennedy to encourage American fitness. In gratitude, Jackie painted a picture of Stas and a friend walking, inscribed with the dedication, Jackie to Stas, with love and admiration. Jackie wore this Cartier Tank throughout her life, including during her time in the White House and later with her second husband, Aristotle Onassis. The watch became an iconic accessory, epitomizing her understated yet powerful style. It was photographed extensively, becoming one of the most recognized women's watches in the world. In June 2017, the watch was auctioned at Christie's in New York, where it sold for $379,500. More than triple its high estimate of $120,000. The winning bidder was later revealed to be Kim Kardashian West, who has since included the watch in her museum-worthy jewelry collection. This sale underscored the enduring legacy of Jackie Kennedy's influence on fashion and the lasting appeal of the Cartier Tank watch. Diamond Sunburst Brooch In 1961, during an official visit to London, Jacqueline Kennedy, accompanied by her sister Princess Leigh Radziwill, discovered this antique brooch at Wartski, a renowned jeweler. Priced between $50,000 and $100,000, the First Lady decided to purchase it by selling the wedding gifts from her parents-in-law, Joe and Rose Kennedy. To maintain the original gift's legacy, she had replicas made and continued to wear them. The brooch made its debut at a state dinner in April 1962, hosted for the Shah of Iran and Empress Farah at the White House. Jacqueline wore it in her hair as an egret, showcasing its versatility and elegance. She frequently adorned herself with the brooch at various state events, including a dinner for French Minister of Culture André Malraux and a state dinner in Mexico City. In 1963, she wore it during a ceremony bestowing honorary U.S. citizenship on Sir Winston Churchill and at a state dinner for Grand Duchess Charlotte of Luxembourg. After President Kennedy's assassination, Jacqueline continued to wear the brooch, including at a ball in Seville in 1966. Although it was not frequently worn during her second marriage to Aristotle Onassis, she was photographed wearing it in the 1980s. Following her death in 1994, the brooch was inherited by her daughter, Caroline Kennedy. Caroline has occasionally worn the piece in public, notably at the annual Kennedy Center Honors in 2009 and 2012, keeping the legacy of this exquisite jewel alive. Jackie Kennedy's diamond leaf brooches were a significant part of her jewelry collection, gifted to her as a wedding present by her parents-in-law, Joe and Rose Kennedy, upon her marriage to Senator John F. Kennedy. These brooches, designed in the shape of leaves and set with diamonds, were a testament to her refined taste and appreciation for elegant accessories. The First Lady frequently wore these brooches during her time in the White House, often pairing them with her iconic attire for various state events and official functions. After President Kennedy's assassination, Jacqueline continued to wear the diamond leaf brooches at select occasions, maintaining a connection to her past and the legacy of her late husband. These pieces were not only valuable for their craftsmanship, but also held deep personal significance, symbolizing her enduring role as First Lady and her commitment to public service. During a state visit to the White House on March 27, 1963, Jacqueline Kennedy was presented with a Moroccan golden belt known as a Mdama by King Hassan II of Morocco. The belt, made of intricately crafted gold, reflected the rich tradition and artistry of Moroccan craftsmanship. Jacqueline, known for her impeccable style and appreciation of international fashion, wore the Mdama as a striking accessory, showcasing both her elegance and her ability to incorporate culturally significant pieces into her wardrobe. The gift symbolized the strong diplomatic ties between the United States and Morocco at the time, as well as the personal admiration and respect the Moroccan monarch had for the First Lady. Jacqueline's choice to wear the Mdama publicly highlighted her role as a fashion icon who could blend high style with meaningful cultural gestures. In 2018, Greek jeweler Ilias Lalounis' daughters reintroduced the iconic Apollo earrings, originally crafted in 1969 for Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis by her husband, Aristotle Onassis. The original design commemorated the moon landing, featuring a swirl representing the moon's orbit, a chain of beads inspired by the lunar module Silhouette, and a large bull hammered to replicate the moon's cratered surface studded with rubies. The reissued earrings, while retaining the original's essence, now incorporate diamonds instead of rubies, offering a modern twist on the classic design. The Apollo earrings were a significant gift from Aristotle Onassis to Jackie, marking her 40th birthday and celebrating the historic Apollo 11 mission. They symbolized not only a personal milestone, but also the couple's shared connection to a pivotal moment in American history. Jackie was photographed wearing the earrings in one of her most cherished images with Onassis, showcasing the blend of personal sentiment and historical significance embedded in the jewelry. The reissue of the Apollo earrings by the Lalounis family underscores the enduring legacy of their father's craftsmanship and the timeless appeal of the original design. By updating the earrings with diamonds, they have ensured that this iconic piece continues to resonate with contemporary audiences, bridging the past and present in a celebration of both personal and cultural history. That's it for today. Thanks for watching. Please do not forget to support my channel by clicking the like and subscribe buttons.