The Ruby Cross

One of Jackie's passions was her collection of crosses. She would eventually have more than 200 in her collection. Her collection of over 200 crosses began with one given to her in 1955 by Pope Pius XII. Over the years, JFK gave Jackie at least twenty seven of the crosses in her collection, and this is one of them. This ruby cross was made during the 1920's in Europe, most likely in Italy. It was purchased in a New York antique shop, in a place where JFK bought many of Jackie's gifts. Because of the controversy surrouding JFK's catholicism(he was the first Catholic president), Jackie took pains not to exacerbate the controversy with open displays of her faith. Jackie always wore her crosses under her blouses and shirts. She did often dress her daughter Caroline with open crosses however.