The story behind Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s unconventional engagement ring

When John F. Kennedy Jr. proposed over Fourth of July weekend in 1995, he offered Carolyn Bessette Kennedy a platinum eternity band set with alternating diamonds and sapphires. The understated choice stood apart from typical engagement rings and has returned to the spotlight with FX’s “Love Story: John F.

Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette.” The design drew on a Jean Schlumberger eternity band owned by Jackie Kennedy, who nicknamed it her “swimming ring” for its modest, everyday look. Bessette Kennedy confirmed the connection, telling Carole Radziwill the band was “a copy of a ring [John’s] mother wore.” The sapphires and diamonds were sourced by Maurice Tempelsman, Jackie Kennedy’s longtime companion.

Kennedy’s assistant RoseMarie Terenzio wrote that she once picked up the ring from Tempelsman’s office and left it in a Duane Reade bag on Kennedy’s desk until the proposal. During a paparazzi-captured Central Park argument in early 1996, Bessette Kennedy reportedly flung the band off her finger and Kennedy retrieved it.

United States, Central Park

carolyn bessette, jfk jr, engagement ring, eternity band, diamonds, sapphires, jean schlumberger, jackie kennedy, maurice tempelsman, central park