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Ring With Onassis Diamond Is Being Auctioned Online

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The Associated Press

Published: June 13, 2008

WINCHESTER, Va. - A diamond once owned by former first lady Jacqueline Onassis, now featured in a unique women's ring, is being offered for sale on eBay through the consignment shop 4 Sale in Winchester.

The diamond itself is less than a carat, but it is generating tremendous buzz among rare jewelry enthusiasts and fans of Kennedy memorabilia.

"The value of the ring is relatively modest," said Carl Johnson, the owner of 4 Sale in Winchester, which specializes in antique watches as well as vintage jewelry and collectibles. "It's the diamond's history that gives this piece distinct appeal. The fact that it was worn by our country's most glamorous first lady is truly compelling for collectors."

This compelling quality has dramatically boosted the ring's value. Its face value is about $1,500, but collectors already have pushed the price to more than $10,000.

"Once the ring is featured on eBay.com," said Johnson, "it's very possible that the value could jump to more than ten times that amount." The auction started Thursday under the eBay.com auction number 220244567602.

Johnson said the diamond originally was purchased from the estate of Onassis in late April 1996 by Sotheby's auction house. It then was purchased by Christian Caine Jewelers in June 1996. The stone then was set in the ring, which is 18 karat gold and platinum.

The diamond is 0.14 carats and is SI1-SI2 clarity, F-G color. It is being held in trust by the Eagle Investment Group at the Bank of Clarke County in Winchester.

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