Former model Melania Trump draws inspiration from Jackie Kennedy's iconic fashion sense while building her own stunning jewelry collection.
According to Daily Mail, the former First Lady's jewelry collection features prominent pieces from luxury jeweler Graff, including a $2 million engagement ring and a $4 million anniversary ring, marking her distinct preference for diamonds over Jackie Kennedy's signature pearls.
Melania's homage to Jackie Kennedy became evident during her husband's 2017 inauguration when she wore a baby blue Ralph Lauren ensemble reminiscent of Kennedy's classic style. Her jewelry choices, however, reflect a more modern and luxurious approach, featuring statement pieces that command attention and symbolize both wealth and power.
The tradition of First Ladies wearing significant jewelry pieces dates back to Elizabeth Monroe, wife of the fifth U.S. President James Monroe. In 1794, while serving as Ambassador to France, Monroe purchased a spectacular neo-classical tiara for his wife, featuring 21 oval-cut and 36 smaller round-cut amethysts set in gold filigree.
Martha Washington, the first First Lady, maintained a more modest collection, primarily consisting of paste jewels and garnets. Her preference for simpler pieces reflected the colonial era's aesthetic, including seed pearl jewelry threaded on white horsehair.
The contrast between early First Ladies' jewelry choices and modern selections demonstrates the evolution of presidential spouse fashion, from practical accessories to powerful statements of status and style.
The centerpiece of Melania's collection is her 2004 Graff engagement ring, featuring a 15-carat emerald-cut diamond. Donald Trump's claim about receiving a 50% discount on the piece raised eyebrows, particularly given Graff's reputation for not offering price reductions.
In 2015, Trump presented Melania with an even more impressive anniversary ring, also from Graff. The 25-carat D-flawless diamond piece, initially valued at $3 million, has appreciated to an estimated $4 million today. This ring made a notable appearance in her first official First Lady portrait.
Melania's collection also includes a 13-carat wedding band with 15 emerald-cut diamonds, which she sometimes wears on her right hand to better display both significant rings. Her preference for Van Cleef & Arpels diamond studs, worn at significant events, including the 2017 Inauguration, further emphasizes her dedication to classic luxury.
Jackie Kennedy's influence on the First Lady style extends beyond Melania Trump. Her famous three-strand pearl necklace, though made of faux pearls and purchased for just $35 at Bergdorf Goodman, later sold for $211,500 at Sotheby's, demonstrating the lasting value of presidential jewelry.
Subsequent First Ladies have developed their own signature styles. Michelle Obama favored statement pieces and modern designs, while Dr. Jill Biden maintains a preference for pearls and meaningful jewelry pieces, including a diamond 'MAMA' necklace.
The evolution of First Lady jewelry collections reflects changing times and personal styles, from Martha Washington's modest garnets to Melania Trump's multimillion-dollar diamonds, each making their own statement in American history.
Melania Trump's jewelry collection represents a contemporary interpretation of First Lady fashion, building upon Jackie Kennedy's foundation while establishing her own distinctive presence. As she prepares to potentially return to the White House, her diamond collection symbolizes both personal style and the evolving role of First Lady fashion.
