There’s always an intention when it comes to royal jewels. Beautiful they may be, yes, but they’re often also used as a way for members of the royal family to communicate with the public, without saying a word. At May 6’s coronation, for example, Kate Middleton broke from tradition with a floral headpiece, instead of a tiara, as a nod to King Charles III’s environmental advocacy and efforts to be more relatable, less aristocratic (a theme pervading the entire spectacle, with a more casual dress code than coronations past).
As we continue to dissect royal fashion details from that recent event, we’re also looking to a historical and significant piece that’s headed to auction next month: the late Princess Diana’s Swan Lake suite.
Diana wore the necklace to a June 1997 performance of Swan Lake at London’s Royal Albert Hall, one of her last public appearances. “It has been said that the Princess of Wales, who was also England’s Patron of Dance, was photographed more often on that occasion than at any other time of her life, with the exception of her wedding day,” said the auction house that’s hosting the June 27 sale, Guernsey’s, in a statement. “Photographs of Diana wearing the glorious necklace have appeared in print countless times, including twice being the full front cover of People magazine.”
After the event, the princess returned the necklace to the crown jeweler to complete matching earrings for the set, which was personally designed for her—but tragically she passed away before receiving them. The suite of jewels was meant to be a gift from Dodi Fayed, who died in the same August 1997 car accident as Diana.
“While many accomplished figures fade from view with the passing years, Princess Diana is as vibrant today as when she was indeed the most admired woman on the planet,” said Guernsey’s statement. “And with her son Prince William destined to one day become king, Diana’s star will be shining brightly for decades to come.”
The set is expected to fetch between $5 million and $15 million, with a portion of the proceeds to be donated to the rebuilding of Ukraine.
At top: Princess Diana’s Swan Lake suite comprises a platinum necklace with 8.5 cts. t.w. marquise-cut diamonds, 42.35 cts. t.w. diamonds, and South Sea cultured pearls, and platinum earrings with 1.87 cts. t.w. marquise-cut diamonds, 9.38 cts. t.w. diamonds, and South Sea cultured pearls, estimate $5 million–$15 million. (Photos courtesy of Guernsey’s)
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