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Image courtesy of On Location Studios.
Image courtesy of On Location Studios.
Engagement Ring Worn by Eleanor Roosevelt
Image courtesy of On Location Studios.
Image courtesy of On Location Studios.

Engagement Ring Worn by Eleanor Roosevelt

Artifact IDMO 1974.375
Object Type Ring
Maker (American, founded 1837)
Dateca. 1904
Mediumgold, platinum, diamonds
Dimensionsoverall H 1 in x D 3/4 in (2.5 cm x 1.9 cm )
Physical DescriptionA yellow gold ring, approximately sized 6 1/2. The ring is set with one large older cut faceted cushion-shaped white diamond at the center (held with eight platinum prongs), and six older brilliant-cut side diamonds -- three on either side of the center stone. 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
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 StatusUnrestricted
CopyrightReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.
In Collection(s)
On view
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