Rhiannon Hendricks
Lucille Ball was a beloved American actress, comedian, producer, and studio executive. She was married to her I Love Lucy co-star, Desi Arnaz, and their relationship was often the subject of tabloid attention. When it came to her wedding ring, the story goes that Desi, in a hurry to get married, grabbed a brass ring from a nearby department store as a temporary band. Later on, he upgraded her ring, but Lucille kept the original brass ring, which she cherished among her other jewels. Over the years, she acquired other notable pieces of jewelry, including a stunning emerald-cut aquamarine engagement ring, which was unfortunately stolen from her hotel room in Chicago.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ring type | Engagement ring |
| Stone | Aquamarine |
| Stone shape | Emerald-cut |
| Stone size | 27-40 carats |
| Metal | Brass (original), Platinum (replacement) |
| Replacement ring | Multiple-carat cushion diamond ring |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
The original ring was a brass band from Woolworth's
The original ring was a brass band from Woolworths. Yes, you read that right! When Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz eloped, the stores were closed, so the ring was purchased from a nearby department store. This spontaneous purchase is indicative of the couple's whirlwind romance, which began when they starred together on the hit show "I Love Lucy".
Lucille Ball, an American actress, comedian, producer, and studio executive, was a talented and influential woman, but her marriage to Desi Arnaz was not without its challenges. Their relationship was strained due to their busy schedules and Arnaz's attraction to other women. Despite this, the couple shared a grand romance, and Arnaz adored his wife, kissing and hugging her whenever she passed by. This is evident in his choice to later upgrade her ring to a platinum band and a cushion diamond ring, but she still wore the original brass ring, which she kept among her jewels for years.
The original brass ring was a simple yet meaningful symbol of their love, and it held a special place in Ball's heart, even as she acquired more extravagant jewellery later in life, including a stunning 40-carat aquamarine stone that complemented her vibrant red hair. This unique engagement ring, which may have been chosen by Ball herself, was unfortunately stolen from her hotel room in Chicago, along with other valuable jewels.
The brass ring from Woolworths may not have been the most extravagant or expensive piece of jewellery, but it represented the couple's impulsive decision to marry and the love they shared, which endured through both good times and bad. It is a reminder that true value lies not always in material things but in the emotions and memories attached to them.
Harry's Take on Meghan's Wedding Ring Change
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The replacement was a 40-carat aquamarine stone
Lucille Ball's wedding ring was initially a brass ring from Woolworth's, as the stores were closed at the time of her and Desi Arnaz's elopement. However, Desi later upgraded her ring to a platinum band. The most famous iteration of Ball's engagement ring, however, was a 40-carat aquamarine stone, which was later stolen from her hotel room in Chicago in 1950, along with $6000 worth of other jewels. The ring was likely chosen for its unique colour, which complemented Ball's striking red hair and vibrant blue eyes. It is also speculated that Ball may have chosen the ring herself or even purchased it for herself, as she was known for being a woman of her own mind.
The 40-carat aquamarine stone was a replacement for Ball's original brass ring. It is unclear exactly when Desi gave Ball the new ring, but it was likely sometime between their initial elopement and 1950, when the ring was stolen. The ring was a substantial piece of jewellery, with the aquamarine stone estimated to be 27-30 carats or more. It is described as a "large and beautiful stone" and is said to have been one of Ball's favourite pieces of jewellery.
The ring held a lot of sentimental value for Ball, and she is known to have cherished it. Despite the upgrade to a platinum band, Ball still wore the original brass ring alongside her new aquamarine engagement ring. In her autobiography, "Love, Lucy", Ball wrote about her wedding rings, expressing that the brass ring "rested among the diamonds and emeralds in my jewel case for years".
The 40-carat aquamarine stone was not just a beautiful piece of jewellery but also a symbol of Ball's unique style and persona. The choice of aquamarine, a stone known for its calming and soothing energy, may have also held a special meaning for Ball. It is reported that Ball continued to wear the brass ring even after receiving the aquamarine replacement, showcasing her appreciation for the simplicity of her original wedding band.
The replacement ring is a testament to Ball's evolving taste in jewellery and her desire to express her individuality. It is a reminder that even the simplest pieces can be replaced with extravagant alternatives without diminishing their sentimental value. The 40-carat aquamarine stone became an iconic symbol of Ball's style and a beloved part of her jewellery collection.
Belk Wedding Registry: How to Check Gifts Off Your List
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The ring was stolen from a hotel room in Chicago
Lucille Ball's engagement ring was a unique emerald-cut aquamarine stone, possibly exceeding 30 carats. The size of the stone was quite substantial, and it is believed that the jewel was chosen to complement her vibrant red hair and match her blue eyes. The ring was given to her by Desi Arnaz, her husband and I Love Lucy co-star. The couple had a tumultuous relationship, with Desi's attraction to other women straining their marriage.
In 1950, the ring was reportedly stolen from Lucille Ball's hotel room in Chicago, along with $6000 worth of other jewellery. The exact timing of the robbery remains unclear, and it is unknown whether the jewels were ever recovered. This unfortunate event occurred before the couple's divorce in 1960.
Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz's relationship began in dramatic circumstances, with their wedding taking place shortly after they had agreed to call off their romance. In fact, the day before their wedding, Ball was interviewed about why she would never marry Arnaz. In a hurry to get married the next day, Desi forgot to purchase a wedding ring. Instead, he slipped a brass ring, bought from a nearby department store, onto her finger during the ceremony.
Despite later upgrading her ring, Arnaz noted that Ball continued to wear the original, inexpensive ring he had given her. The brass ring remained among her jewellery collection, even as she acquired more extravagant pieces.
Wedding Registry: Tools for a Happy Ever After
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$7.99
Lucy's fans have theories about the origin of the ring
Lucille Ball's engagement ring, featuring a large emerald-cut aquamarine stone, has sparked curiosity among her fans, who have developed various theories about its origin. The ring, which is estimated to be between 27 and 40 carats, was reportedly chosen by Ball herself due to its complementing colour against her vibrant red hair and blue eyes.
One theory suggests that Desi Arnaz, Ball's husband, purchased the aquamarine stone to match her eyes. This theory is supported by the fact that aquamarine was one of Ball's favourite colours, and she was known to showcase her ring in publicity stills. Additionally, in her autobiography, "Love, Lucy", Ball mentions that Desi later gave her a platinum ring, but she still cherished the original brass ring, keeping it among her other valuable jewels.
Another theory speculates that Ball acquired the ring herself. This claim is supported by the fact that Ball was an independent woman who made her own choices, and several sources indicate that she may have purchased the ring for herself.
The fate of Ball's aquamarine engagement ring is unfortunate, as it was reportedly stolen from her hotel room in Chicago in 1950, along with other jewellery valued at $6000. Despite the theft, Ball continued to wear the ring until at least the 1953 Emmys, as seen in photographs.
While the identity of the jeweller who crafted the ring remains a mystery, its unique design and sentimental value have made it a memorable part of Lucille Ball's jewellery collection.
The Ultimate Wedding Registry: Items You'll Treasure Forever
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The ring was passed down to Zo Ball, Fred Ball's wife
Lucille Ball's wedding ring was a simple brass ring purchased from Woolworth's by her husband, Desi Arnaz, as jewellery stores were closed at the time of their wedding. Ball later chose a multiple-carat cushion diamond ring, and Desi also upgraded her ring to a platinum band. However, she still wore the original brass ring, which she kept among her other jewels. This ring was passed down to Zo Ball, the wife of Fred Ball, Lucille's brother.
Lucille Ball was an iconic American comedian and actress, widely known for her role in the hit show "I Love Lucy". Her jewellery, particularly her wedding ring, has sparked curiosity among her fans. While the exact fate of her wedding ring is unknown, it is believed that it was passed down to Zo Ball, the wife of her brother, Fred Ball.
Fred Ball was born in 1915 in Wyandotte, Michigan, and grew up in Celoron, New York, with his sister, Lucille. Although Fred lived a relatively private life compared to his famous sister, he was still a part of her world and attended events with her. It is possible that during these family gatherings, Lucille gifted Zo the ring as a token of her affection and appreciation.
The ring, a simple brass band, may not have had significant monetary value, but it held immense sentimental value for Lucille. It represented her spontaneous decision to marry Desi and the early years of their marriage. By passing down the ring to Zo, Lucille ensured that the memory of that special day lived on within the family.
The story of Lucille Ball's wedding ring being passed down to Zo Ball, Fred Ball's wife, showcases the importance of family bonds and the sentimental value attached to certain heirlooms. It also highlights the impact of Lucille's spontaneous decision to marry Desi, with the ring serving as a reminder of that impulsive yet momentous day in her life.
Royal Wedding Rings: Precious Metals and Gemstones
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Lucille Ball's wedding ring was a brass ring purchased from Woolworth's, a department store.
Her husband, Desi Arnaz, forgot to buy a ring before their wedding, so he bought the brass ring from a nearby store as they eloped.
Desi later upgraded her ring to a platinum band, but Lucille kept the original brass ring, which she kept among her other jewels.
Yes, Lucille Ball had a 40-carat emerald-cut aquamarine engagement ring. This ring was stolen in 1950 from her hotel room in Chicago.
