For centuries, stunning, priceless jewelry has been created for British Royalty. Designing and crafting the world’s finest gemstones into beautiful jewelry has been the responsibility of the Crown Jeweller, the person also tasked with overseeing England’s historic jewels displayed in the Tower of London.
Early in 1997, the Crown Jeweller - who also was the Director of the centuries-old jewelry firm, Garrard - met with Diana, Princess of Wales, unquestionably one of the most admired, beloved women the world had ever known. The purpose of the meeting was to create a beautiful diamond and South Sea pearl necklace with a matching pair of earrings for the princess.
Months later, the necklace was completed and presented to Diana who, with the eyes of the world upon her, wore it at the gala opening of Great Britain’s ballet season - the performance of Swan Lake at London’s Royal Albert Hall. Indeed, 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. Photographs of Diana wearing the glorious necklace have appeared in print countless times including twice being the full front cover of People Magazine.
Within days following the ballet, the Crown Jeweller requested the necklace back. In a rush to finish the jewelry, he had not completed the earrings. Inasmuch as this was for Diana, he knew that the stones - one hundred and seventy eight diamonds totaling fifty-one carats plus five matching 12mm South Sea pearls - had to match perfectly. In order to create the earrings to match, he needed the necklace in hand.
Through the summer of that year, the earrings, containing many more diamonds and pearls, were indeed finished. Along with the necklace, the set became known as the Swan Lake Suite. Sadly, however, just as the Crown Jeweller was about to present the complete Suite to Diana, she was tragically killed.
While the world wept, the Crown Jeweller was faced with a dilemma. The Suite was to have been a gift from Dodi Fayed who sadly perished alongside Diana. Accordingly, nearly two years after the tragedy, Diana’s family authorized the Crown Jeweller to sell the Suite. A portion of the proceeds were dedicated to UNICEF and its efforts to ban landmines, a cause Diana passionately supported.
In 1999, the Crown Jeweller contacted Guernsey’s. The magnificent Swan Lake Suite - the only fine jewelry worn by Diana ever to be sold - was consigned to the New York firm. In short order, a public relations campaign commenced alerting the world to the precious jewels. The campaign included live interviews on NBC’s Today Show (anchor Katie Couric wore the jewelry on air) and the Oprah Winfrey Show. On the day Oprah featured the Swan Lake Suite, she also interviewed James McIngvale, the highly regarded Houston retail magnate affectionately known as “ Mattress Mack.” The timing proved fortuitous as Mr. McInvale indeed purchased the Suite.
A decade later, at the time of the global business downturn and following the wedding of his daughter (who wore the Suite at her glorious affair), Mr. McIngvale came back to Guernsey’s. His request: re-sell the jewels.
Following a feature story that then appeared in the New York Times, the Swan Lake Suite was sold to its current owner, a prominent family from Ukraine. For more than a dozen years, all was well; But once again, Guernsey’s has been honored to present to the world Princess Diana’s historic jewelry. Potential buyers should know that a portion of the proceeds from this new sale will be dedicated to the re-building of Ukraine.
One further note: 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. And with her son, Prince William, destined to one day become King, Diana’s star will be shining brightly for decades to come.
The Necklace:
A brilliant cut diamond and marquise diamond double 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.
Composed of:
5 matching cultured pearls 12mm.
11 marquise diamonds 7.71 carat.
3 marquise diamonds 0.88 carat.
164 diamonds 42.35 carat.
Major diamonds:
1. 1.19 carat. Colour: D. Clarity: VS2. GIA report no. 3254207
2. 0.84 carat. Colour: F. Clarity: VS1. GIA report no. 3254914
3. 0.83 carat. Colour: D. Clarity: VS2. GIA report no. 3254893
4. 0.81 carat. Colour: D. Clarity: VVS2. GIA report no. 3254913
5. 0.75 carat. Colour: E. Clarity: VS1. GIA report no. 3254912
6. 0.70 carat. Colour: D. Clarity: VS1. GIA report no. 3254907
7. 0.62 carat. Colour: E. Clarity: VS1. GIA report no. 3254896
8. 0.51 carat. Colour: F. Clarity: VS1. GIA report no. 3254910
9. 0.50 carat. Colour: D. Clarity: VVS2. GIA report no. 3254899
10. 0.48 carat. Colour: E. Clarity: VS2. GIA report no. 3254900
11. 0.48 carat. Colour: D. Clarity: VS1. GIA report no. 3254901
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.
Composed of:
2 matching cultured pearls 12 mm.
6 marquise diamonds 1.87 carat.
30 diamonds 9.38 carat.
If you are interested in purchasing Princess Diana’s Swan Lake Suite, please contact Guernsey’s at 1-212-794-2280 or by email at auctions@guernseys.com
Previewing the Jewels:
For a private viewing, please contact Guernsey’s at 1-212-794-2280 or by email at auctions@guernseys.com.
Questions:
Guernsey’s, 1-212-794-2280; auctions@guernseys.com. 65 East 93rd Street, New York, NY 10128 (By Appointment Only)
Media Coverage:
Reuters: Jewels worn by Princess Diana heading to auction
NY Times: Diana’s Necklace, With Its 178 Diamonds, Is Up for Sale
Architectural Digest: Princess Diana’s Personally Designed Jewelry Is Heading to Auction
Robb Report: Princess Diana’s Glitzy ‘Swan Lake’ Necklace and Earrings Could Fetch Up to $15 Million at Auction
Women's Wear Daily: Princess Diana’s ‘Swan Lake’ Necklace and Earrings Go Up for Auction
Penta: Jewels Created for Princess Diana Going up for Auction in New York
Yahoo Life: Princess Diana’s Personally Designed Jewelry Is Heading to Auction
Yahoo Finance: Princess Diana’s Glitzy ‘Swan Lake’ Necklace and Earrings Could Fetch Up to $15 Million at Auction
Amwal Al Ghad: Diana’s Swan Lake Suite Heading to Auction
JCK Online: Princess Diana’s Personally Designed Jewelry Suite Could Fetch $15M
IDEX Online: Dodi's Tragic Jewelry Gift to Princess Diana Could Raise $15m
Money Haat: Princess Diana’s Personally Designed Jewelry Is Heading to Auction
Business Newspress: Princess Diana’s Individually Designed Jewellery Is Heading to Public sale
VN Express: Đấu giá vòng cổ kim cương của công nương Diana
Miscelana: Princess Diana’s $15 Million Necklace
DailyMail: Jewellery worn by Princess Diana to her final official engagement before her death - after being gifted to her by Dodi Fayed - is expected to sell for £11 million at auction
24/7 News Agency: Princess Diana’s famous Swan Lake pendant up for auction
Vogue Italia: Lady Diana e la Swan Lake, la tragica collana che la principessa non riuscì mai a “completare”
Downtown Magazine Pro: Diana’s Necklace, With Its 178 Diamonds, Is Up for Sale
OK UK: Princess Diana's historic necklace to go on sale
The UK Sun: CROWNING JEWELS Princess Diana’s jewellery is on sale for £10m…including a necklace made from 178 diamonds worn at her last engagement
Town & Country: Princess Diana's Diamond and Pearl Necklace Is Up for Auction
National Jeweler: Guernsey’s To Auction Princess Diana’s ‘Swan Lake Suite’
Grazia: Princess Diana’s ‘Swan Lake’ Necklace and Earrings Are Up for Auction So Someone Alert Kim Kardashian
Yahoo News Singapore: Jewels worn by Princess Diana heading to auction
Yahoo Sports: Princess Diana’s Glitzy ‘Swan Lake’ Necklace and Earrings Could Fetch Up to $15 Million at Auction
Luxury Topics: Princess Diana’s 'Swan Lake' necklace and earrings could reach $15 million at auction
The US Sun: CROWNING JEWELS Princess Diana’s jewellery is on sale for £10m…including a necklace made from 178 diamonds worn at her last engagement
Tatler: Jewellery worn by Princess Diana just weeks before her death is set to be auctioned
Yahoo Life: Princess Diana's Diamond and Pearl Necklace Is Up for Auction
Solitaire Magazine: Jewels Worn by Princess Diana Auctioned At $12M
Alarabiya: Princess Diana’s iconic Swan Lake Suite to be auctioned in New York
MSN: Necklace worn by Diana for final engagement goes up for sale
The Telegraph: Princess Diana’s jewellery to be auctioned off to raise funds for Ukraine war relief
Veranda: Princess Diana's Diamond and Pearl Necklace Is Up for Auction
TrendsWide: Diamond and pearl necklace worn by Diana for remaining engagement goes up for sale
InternetStones.com: Diana, Princess of Wales Swan Lake Suite
Head Topics Italia: New York, all'asta la collana 'Lago dei Cigni' indossata da Lady Diana nella sua ultima apparizione pubblica
Stefczyk.info: Biżuteria księżnej Diany trafi na aukcję. Zyski pomogą w odbudowie Ukrainy
The Irish Sun: CROWNING JEWELS Princess Diana’s jewellery is on sale for £10m…including a necklace made from 178 diamonds worn at her last engagement
Rapaport: Princess Diana Necklace Could Fetch $15M
RoyaNews: مجوهرات الأميرة ديانا معروضة للبيع
Saida Online: مجوهرات الأميرة ديانا للبيع
Kech 24: عرض مجوهرات الأميرة ديانا للبيع
Baomoi: Đấu giá vòng cổ kim cương của công nương Diana
WST Post: The diamond and pearl necklace worn by Diana on her last engagement is for sale
Uvelirnoedelo: Ожерелье принцессы Дианы может стоить до $ 15 млн
Klan Macedonia: Bizhuteritë e Lady Diana në ankand
PTV Network: New York Auction : Princess Diana's Swan Lake Suite Hits Auction Block
Sky TG24: New York, all’asta la collana indossata da Lady Diana nella sua ultima apparizione.
The Scottish Sun: CROWNING JEWELS Princess Diana’s jewellery is on sale for £10m…including a necklace made from 178 diamonds worn at her last engagement
Rador: New York: Colierul „Lacul lebedelor”, purtat de Lady Diana la ultima sa apariție publică, scos la licitație
BlogJuan: New York to auction the “Swan Lake” necklace worn by Lady Diana in her last public appearance
Alarabiya News: Princess Diana’s iconic Swan Lake Suite to be auctioned in New York
Rep TV: New York, all’asta la collana “Lago dei Cigni” indossata da Lady Diana nella sua ultima apparizione pubblica
Fakti: Бижута на принцеса Даяна от последната ѝ изява се продават на търг (СНИМКИ)
Wolipop: Wujud Kalung 'Swan Lake' Putri Diana yang Akan Dilelang di New York
CNN Indonesia: Perhiasan Swan Lake Suite Milik Mendiang Putri Diana Akan Dilelang
Arabiya News: Princess Diana's Swan Lake Suite hits the auction block
Express UK: Princess Diana’s necklace worn to final royal duty is now on sale for £10 million
Seventeen: Princess Diana's Diamond and Pearl Necklace Is Up for Auction
Canoe.com: Princess Diana's jewelry gift from Dodi Al-Fayed being sold at auction
Toronto Sun: Princess Diana's jewelry gift from Dodi Al-Fayed being sold at auction
WTMZ News: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Shelbyville News: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Yahoo Life UK: Princess Diana’s private jewellery being sold at auction at a starting price of up to £11 million
KeysNews.com: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
KVPI News: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Lincoln Daily Sun: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
The Mountaineer: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Baker City Herald: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Scranton Times Tribune: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Indiana Gazette: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Euro Weekly News: Auction of Princess Diana’s jewellery to help rebuild Ukraine
News Topic: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Metro UK: Princess Diana’s jewellery to go on sale for £10,000,000 to raise money for Ukraine
Jeweller Magazine: Iconic Princess Diana jewellery collection heads to auction
GistMania: Princess Diana’s Jewellery To Go On Sale For £10M To Raise Money For Ukraine
Inside Edition: Jewels Worn by Princess Diana Going Up for Auction
Blue Mountain Eagle: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
News.com AU: Princess Diana’s private jewellery being sold at auction at a starting price of up to £11 million
ITV News: Necklace Princess Diana wore at her last public event to be sold with some proceeds going to Ukraine
Honey: Jewellery worn by Princess Diana at last official engagement to sell at auction
Microsoft Start: Princess Diana’s jewellery to be auctioned off to raise funds for Ukraine war relief
Perth Now: Princess Diana’s platinum diamond necklace with South Sea pearls up for auction to rebuild Ukraine
ITN: Princess Diana's diamonds to be auctioned for Ukraine
The Herald News: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Leader Publications: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Ace Showbiz: The necklace and earring set given to the late Princess of Wales by her then-boyfriend before her tragic passing in a Paris car accident is listed for auction.
US Times Post: Princess Diana’s jewellery is on sale for £10m…including a necklace made from 178 diamonds worn at her last engagement
Bang Showbiz: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Castanet: Princess Diana’s jewelry gift from Dodi Al-Fayed could fetch millions
Gold Book Magazine: Prıncess Dıana Necklace Could Fetch $15M
DailyMail: As the last necklace Diana ever wore for a public engagement goes up for auction
Hello! Magazine: Why Princess Kate and Meghan Markle never got to wear necklace worn by Princess Diana just before her death
PinkVilla: Is Princess Diana's jewelry on auction to raise funds for Ukraine war relief? Deets inside
1 News: Jewellery worn by Princess Diana on last engagement up for auction
Ladun Liadi News: Princess Diana’s jewellery to go on sale to raise money for Ukraine
One News Page: Princess Diana's diamonds to be auctioned for Ukraine
Caras: Joias da princesa Diana são leiloadas por mais de R$ 67 milhões
IOL: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift from Dodi Al-Fayed to go on auction for R260m
Miami County Republic: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
KPC News: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Clay Center Disipatch: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Conway Daily Sun: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
The Mountain Press: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
The Daily Sentinel: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
SouthernMinn.com: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Citizen Tribune: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Index Journal: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Rome News Tribune: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Yakima Herald Republic: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Courier Tribune: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
The Perdue Exponent: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Griffin Daily News: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Daily Journal: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
The Neighbor: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
The Mercury: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
The Mingo Messenger: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Hastings Tribune: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Hazard Herald: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Caledonian Record: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Times Georgan: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Gladstone Dispatch: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
The Press: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Tyler Morning Telegraph: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
El Paso Inc: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Delta News: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
G Show: Joias da princesa Diana são leiloadas por valores a partir de R$ 68 milhões
ENews.Com.Ng: Princess Diana’s Jewellery To Go On Sale For £10M To Raise Money For Ukraine
Tori.Ng: Princess Diana’s Jewellery To Go On Sale For £10M To Raise Money For Ukraine
WebFavourites.com: Princess Diana’s Jewellery To Go On Sale For £10M To Raise Money For Ukraine
Liputan 6: Perhiasan Putri Diana yang Dipakai Sebelum Kematian Bakal Dilelang dan Ditaksir Senilai Rp 203 M, Sebagian Dana untuk Ukraina
The World News: Princess Diana’s jewellery to go on sale for £10,000,000 to raise money for Ukraine
MogazNews: What happened to the last necklace Diana ever wore for a public engagement? trends now
Longview News Journal: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
The Jeweler Blog: Princess Diana’s ‘Swan Lake Suite’ Could Fetch $15MM at Guernsey’s Auction
Bang Premier: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
DDW: Auction Alert: Princess Diana’s Exquisite Jewels to Go Under the Hammer in New York
The Sanford Herald: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
The Courier Times: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Killeen Daily Herald: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Northwest Signal: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Samachar Central: Princess Diana’s necklace that she wore to her final outing is now on sale for £10 million
The South African: Princess Diana’s jewellery from final official engagement on auction
Oh! My Mag: Princess Diana's beloved diamond-encrusted jewellery to be sold for up to £11 million
Verve Times: Princess Diana’s necklace that she wore to her final outing is now on sale for £10 million
Harpers Bazaar: La collana di perle e diamanti di Lady Diana sarà venduta all'asta
The Scotsman: Princess Diana’s ‘Swan Lake Suite’ jewellery up for auction by Guernsey’s at The Pierre in New York City
Yorkshire Evening Post: Princess Diana’s ‘Swan Lake Suite’ jewellery up for auction by Guernsey’s at The Pierre in New York City
Yorkshire Post: Princess Diana’s ‘Swan Lake Suite’ jewellery up for auction by Guernsey’s at The Pierre in New York City
Daily Motion: Princess Diana's diamonds to be auctioned for Ukraine
Gold Book Magazine: Prıncess Dıana Necklace Could Fetch $15M
NewsBreak: Princess Diana’s ‘Swan Lake’ Necklace and Earrings Are Up for Auction So Someone Alert Kim Kardashian
GlamWish: Princess Diana’s ‘Swan Lake’ necklace worn to final royal duty is now on sale
Press Reels: Princess Diana’s Jewellery To Go On Sale For £10M To Raise Money For Ukraine
Jewellry World: Princess Diana Jewellery set to go under the hammer this June
Q Radio: Princess Diana’s jewellery gift ‘from Dodi Al-Fayed’ on sale for starting price of up to £11MILLION!
Euro Weekly News: Auction of Princess Diana’s jewellery to help rebuild Ukraine
Gala: Lady Diana: Cette somme folle que ses bijoux pourraient rapporter!
News In Germany: Princess Diana: Her jewelry will be auctioned
LBC: Princess Diana's jewellery worn in last official event before her death to be auctioned to raise money for Ukraine
Ireland's Jewellry: Princess Diana’s ‘Swan Lake Suite’ Could Fetch $15MM at Guernsey’s Auction
NZ City: Princess Diana's private jewellery said to have been a gift from Dodi Al-Fayed is being sold at auction at a starting price of up to £11 million
London World: Princess Diana’s ‘Swan Lake Suite’ jewellery up for auction by Guernsey’s at The Pierre in New York City
Calgary Sun: Princess Diana's jewelry gift from Dodi Al-Fayed being sold at auction