Three decades later, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy remains one of the most influential style icons of the 1990s. While the public has always held a special interest in Carolyn, the recent dramatised television series exploring the relationship between Carolyn and John F. Kennedy Jr. has everyone talking about her again. One of the topics on everyone’s lips is her engagement ring. And unlike most celebrity engagement rings, Carolyn’s ring broke every rule.
The Proposal
When Kennedy proposed to Carolyn during a fishing trip in Martha’s Vineyard in 1995, he didn’t present the traditional large solitaire diamond (which we all know and love). Instead, he gave her something far more understated: A platinum eternity band set with alternating diamonds and sapphires.
The design was deeply symbolic. The ring was inspired by a piece once worn by Kennedy’s mother, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis - a simple eternity band she called her “swimming ring.” Estimated to have cost around $10,000–$13,000, the ring was modest by celebrity standards, but perfectly aligned with Carolyn’s signature style: minimal and quietly luxurious.
One of the most talked-about moments from the new television series recreates a real incident that took place in New York in 1996. While walking their dog, Carolyn and Kennedy were photographed during a heated public argument in a city park. The confrontation was captured by paparazzi and quickly became front-page news.
During the argument, Kennedy reportedly removed the engagement ring from Carolyn’s finger in the middle of the dispute. Despite the dramatic moment, the couple later reconciled and went on to marry in a famously private ceremony on Cumberland Island, Georgia in 1996. Whilst we are witnessing a resurgence of 90s style inspired by Carolyn, we predict this influence may soon make its way into the jewellery world as well. Maybe Sapphires will soon have their well-deserved time to shine.
Eternity bands, like Carolyn’s, remain one of our most popular wedding band styles at Theadore + Co. Through our bespoke process, each ring can be completely customised to reflect your own story. We source the highest quality lab-grown diamonds, along with gemstones such as sapphires, rubies and other fancy coloured stones, to create a design that feels entirely your own. Simply enquire online or email hello@theadoreandco.com to begin the process.
