diana princess of wales, swan lake suite

In 1997, Princess Diana was working closely with the British Crown Jeweler who was creating for her a magnificent diamond and South Sea pearl necklace with matching earrings. The necklace was presented to her to be worn at the opening of the British National Ballet’s gala performance of Swan Lake. The performance took place on June 3 of that year at London’s Royal Albert Hall. After having been extensively photographed in the necklace (photos from that evening twice were the full front cover of People Magazine including that publication’s 1998 hardcover annual issue), the Crown Jeweler asked for the necklace back. Inasmuch as the earrings had not, as yet, been completed, the Jeweler wanted the necklace in hand to make certain that the stones matched. The earrings were, indeed, completed and the full suite about to be returned to the princess when she was tragically killed. Following her death - and with the acknowledgement of her grieving family - the jewels were sold. The family that had acquired the jewels a dozen years ago, have chosen to offer them for sale. It is the general belief that these may well be the only substantial jewels worn by Diana that will ever be sold.

The Necklace

A brilliant cut diamond and marquise diamond scroll motif centre with a South Sea cultured pearl five stone and marquise diamond fringe drop, to a brilliant cut diamond two row collet backchain tapering to a single row; mounted in platinum, claw set, with an integral box clasp.

It contains: 5 matching cultured pearls 12 mm. 11 marquise diamonds 7.71 carats. 3 marquise diamonds 0.88 carats. 164 diamonds 42.35 carats.

The Earrings

A pair of brilliant cut diamond and marquise diamond fancy cluster top, South Sea cultured pearl drop earrings; mounted in platinum, claw set, to peg and clip fittings.

They contain: 2 matching cultured pearls 12 mm. 6 marquise diamonds