My Own Piece of History...

While on a cruise with Richard we were a few days at sea when they had a special program introducing the Camrose and Kross  reproduced  Jacqueline Kennedy Collection of costume jewelry. I was intrigued.. I have always loved her classic style and find I am drawn to her fashion sense.

Well that day Richard bought me my own piece of fashion history.  I own a classic replica of a somewhat famous bracelet. Richard bought it for me on a cruise we went on, for my birthday.

I personally love this bracelet. It is absolutely beautiful. I think this bracelet looks great with a gold watch. You would think I spent hundreds of dollars for this bracelet. (He did not have to, it was a wonderful "deal")  It's a triple stripe gold tone bracelet has 288 Swarovski crystals. It is secured with a fold over clasp. The bracelet is 24k gold plated.  It came in a wonderful blue velvet gift box and iincluded a Camrose and Kross Certificate of authenticity. Also a romance card with some fascinating information about Jackie and her life was in the box.

History of the bracelet: 1963 - Ireland had a special place in JFK’s heart, but it was also very important to Jackie, whose mother was of Irish descent. So, Jackie too looked upon the imminent visit the Irish President Eamon de Valera with great expectations. By all accounts, the two couples got along famously and officially the Irish President presented to the Kennedy's a large Waterford Glass bowl, a doll for Caroline and a plastic pull toy for John Jr. However, after the main dinner, President Valera and his wife met with John and Jackie in the Yellow Oval Room on the second floor of the White House and presented her with this bracelet and matching earrings (I'm still looking for a picture of the earrings, I'd love to just see what they looked like). The Kennedy's were very moved, especially when President de Valera explained that he brought the gift because he was personally grateful for all the Kennedy’s had done for Ireland and its reputation abroad.

It was rare that JFK accepted presents, he wouldn’t even accept a salary as the President, so it is a great testament to how important this meeting was to him, that he allowed his family to take the bracelet. The bracelet design, made in three sections was to symbolize the connection between Ireland and the United States. One section stood for those who left Ireland to start a new life, one section stood those who stayed in Ireland to create the modern state, and these two flanked the center section symbolizing The Republic of Ireland. Jackie put on the bracelet and told President de Valera she would wear it on her up coming trip to Europe, and she did. Jackie wore it in England, Italy, Greece, and Morocco, and of course in the United States. This bracelet is still in the Kennedy family is and is worn with pride by John and Jackie's granddaughter.

Jackie and Lee with the kids, notice her wearing the bracelet!