Image courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. Photo by On Location Studios.
Engagement Ring Worn by Eleanor Roosevelt
Artifact IDMO 1974.375
Object Type
Ring, Finger
Maker
Tiffany & Company
(American, founded 1837)
Dateca. 1904
Mediummetal (gold, platinum), gemstone (diamond)
Dimensionsoverall H 1 in x D 3/4 in (2.5 cm x 1.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionA yellow gold and diamond engagement ring, approximately size 6½ . The ring is set with one large, slightly imperfect, older cut faceted cushion-shaped 3.4 carat white diamond at the center, held with eight platinum prongs. Flanking the center diamond are six older, brilliant-cut diamonds – three inset on either side of the center stone – each approximately .30 carats. There are no visible maker's marks.
Historical NoteFranklin Roosevelt gave Eleanor this engagement ring on her 20th birthday, October 11, 1904. This ring is one of the earliest known examples of the Tiffany Setting which revolutionized jewelry design by raising the diamond above the ring band to allow light to hit the stone from all angles. It is on display in the COURTSHIP AND MARRIAGE exhibit in the Museum’s FOUNDATIONS OF A PUBLIC LIFE gallery.Additional Details
Custodial History NoteDonated to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum by Anna Roosevelt Halsted in 1974.
Credit LineGift of Anna Roosevelt Halsted
National Archives Catalog CollectionFranklin D. Roosevelt Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 735948)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPersonal Possessions of the Roosevelt Family (National Archives Identifier 782689)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedCopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
On view
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