3 or More Jacqueline Kennedy Camrose and Kross Jewelry Collection

Tam is hosting 3 or More Tuesdays and it is my pleasure to participate. Please visit Tam at http://gypsycorner.blogspot.com/ to view lots of amazing 3 or more displays.

Today, I would like to share with you my collection of Jacqueline Kennedy Camrose and Kross Jewelry Collection. They are reproduction of the jewelry owned by Jackie Kennedy. I was fascinated by the story behind each jewels which is why I started collecting them.


This is my latest purchase. I just won it on Ebay and received it last week. The ruby cross was given by JFK in 1962. One of Jackie's passions was her collection of crosses. She would eventually have more than 200 in her collection. Her collection of over 200 crosses began with one given to her in 1955 by Pope Pius XII. Over the years, JFK gave Jackie at least twenty seven of the crosses in her collection, and this is one of them. This ruby cross (the original one, of course) was made during the 1920's in Europe, most likely in Italy. It was purchased in a New York antique shop, in a place where JFK bought many of Jackie's gifts. Because of the controversy surrouding JFK's catholicism(he was the first Catholic president), Jackie took pains not to exacerbate the controversy with open displays of her faith. Jackie always wore her crosses under her blouses and shirts. She did often dress her daughter Caroline with open crosses however.

This is the Aresa collection. I am still in search for the earrings so I can complete the set. During an Official visit to Mexico, the first families of the United States and Mexico exchanged personal gifts on July 2, 1962. The First Lady of Mexico, whose full name was Eva Samano de Lopez Mateos gave Jackie a full set of jewelry. The set was hand made in Mexico of silver, and diamonds. The full set consists of a necklace, bracelet and earrings, and interestingly, a matching silver book mark. The set was known to Jackie as the Aresa suite due to the nickname of Mrs. Lopez-Mateos, Aresa.
This necklace is probably my favorite. I wear it sometimes as a choker when I am in a formal gown.

The Monte Carlo Set
In a highly anticipated meeting of fashion icons, Princess Grace (formerly actress Grace Kelly), visited the White House with her husband Prince Ranier of Monte Carlo in 1962. During the formal state visit, the royal couple presented Jackie with a full suite of jewelry including this pendant, a bracelet, earrings, and even a ring. Jackie wore The Monte Carlo Set during many important functions, and we find that today, more than ever, Princess Grace's taste in jewelry stands among the best. In the fall of 1954, Grace Kelly had met Jackie at a dinner party. The two couples were actually close friends. Back in 1954, Senator Kennedy was in the hospital recovering from painful back surgery, and Jackie had persuaded Grace to accompany her to the hospital to cheer him up. John was a huge fan of the actress and was pleasantly surprised when the actress and his wife arrived at his hospital room in nurses uniforms.

As you can see, I have the full set whcih consists of the necklace, bracelet, earrings and ring.

All of the items include a Certificate of Authenticity.

I have been looking for a history of this and have been unsuccessful so far. It is set in white metal with blue (simulated sapphire) and white (simulated diamond) stones. The bracelet even includes an extender. Jackie Kennedy often wore gloves and she would use the extenders so she can wear the bracelet outside the gloves.

Venetian Enameled Cross:

Originally owned by the Venetian sea captain, this large cross was a gift from the Italian government, The original was made in Venice b/w 1770 and 1800. It comes with a 23.5" long chain, secured with a lobster claw clasp, 23 k gold plated. It comes with a 24 k gold plated table top stand.

Lioness lariat necklace:
I prefer white over yellow gold but i really like this lariat style necklace. Aristotle Onassis, who enjoyed giving Jackie Greek-style jewelry, presented her with this necklace in 1969. The necklace was placed on Jackie's breakfast tray one morning while the couple was sailing aboard Onassis' world-famous yacht, the Christina. The central element of the necklace contains a square knot, reminiscent of the love knots Mediterranean sailors would give to their lovers or wives before a long voyage. When the sailors returned, the sailors would retrieve their knots, often decorated and enhanced during their absence. Over many years, and over many voyages, these knots would become very personal and unique. This particular knot includes two lioness heads, each holding a genuine jade ball in it's mouth.

I am continuously on a hunt for more items but I only buy them when I find them at a reasonable price.

I hope you enjoyed seeing this collection. Thank you Tam, for hosting this event and thanks all, for coming to visit!