Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis (1929-1994) was the wife of John F. Kennedy, the 35^th president of the United States. Although known initially as the First Lady, Jacqueline soon gained fame of her own for her style and elegance, becoming a fashion icon for the women of the USA.

Much of this can be attributed to her jewelry collection, with Jacqueline renowned for often wearing oversized necklaces and bracelets produced by famous French jeweler Van Cleef & Arpels - often in conjunction with the sleeveless A-line dresses and pillbox hats which became known as the ‘Jackie look’. Jean Schlumberger was another of her favorite jewelry designers.

After she left the White House following the famous assassination of her husband, Jacqueline changed her style of fashion considerably. In 1968 she married Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, who showered her with regular gifts of expensive jewelry, including a series of bracelets designed by Harry Winston.

When Jacqueline’s engagement ring from her marriage to Aristotle Onassis was sold at auction of her estate in 1996, it went for a massive $2.6 million. It was during this auction that the full extent of Jacqueline’s jewelry collection was revealed, with items of note including:

• A spectacular 47-carat kunzite ring bought for her by JFK (but which he never had the chance to give to her), which sold for $410,000
• A striking amethyst necklace, which sold for $55,000
• A 19^th century cabochon garnet flower brooch, which sold for $145,000
• Stunning cabochon ruby earrings ($360,000) and necklace ($248,000)

In total the jewelry collection amassed over $5 million. Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis had exquisite taste in jewelry, and can be firmly regarded as a style icon of the 20^th century.