The Making Of Jenna Bush's Engagement Ring

By: CYNTHIA MCMULLEN / Media General News Service | Alabama's13.com
Published: May 10, 2008

RICHMOND – The brilliant diamond-and-sapphire ring that Henry Hager presented to first twin Jenna Bush when he proposed in August was the result of 125 years of cumulative jewelry experience.

Hager and Bush will marry in Texas today.

"It was an awful lot of fun to do it," said Jane Sternheimer, owner and president of Charles Schwarzschild Inc. Jeweler.

Sternheimer found out last July – while on vacation with her family – that Hager could use some help with an engagement ring. Sternheimer has a long history with the Hager family, so she was already familiar with the diamond to be used, which was from Henry Hager's great-grandmother's ring.

Sternheimer received the first call around July 17. Hager would need the ring by Aug. 9. (He eventually asked Bush's hand in marriage Aug. 15 during a sunrise hike in Maine's Acadia National Park.)

Hager was looking for a classic, conservative ring featuring the diamond and two sapphires. For the band, tiny, brilliant-cut, round diamonds were to be pavé set within a platinum rim.

In search of just the right sapphires, Sternheimer called gem merchant Rajul Gupta in New York. Gupta sent her nearly 70 carats' worth to peruse.

Sternheimer suggested that the diamond, a nearly flawless, old European-style cut stone, be repolished by Rick Shatz, a New York diamond merchant.

In the meantime, first lady Laura Bush and Jenna's sister, Barbara, had figured out Jenna's ring size.

Sternheimer commissioned Andy Calabrisotto, who creates handmade fine jewelry in New York, to construct the ring. At that point, she needed it in less than a week.

Engraving the band might take a little extra time, Calabrisotto told her. Then she told him whose names the initials "HCH to JWB" stood for: Henry Chase Hager to Jenna Welch Bush.

The ring arrived Aug. 8. Sternheimer wouldn't get specific about cost or carats.

The next day, Henry Hager and his mother visited the Schwarzschild salon.

"It's always a special moment when a young man picks up the ring and knows the idea of the proposal has taken on a new dimension," said Sternheimer.

The groom-to-be left her a thank-you note, and Sternheimer prayed the ring would fit.

Apparently, it fit just fine.

The Making Of Jenna Bush's Engagement Ring

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