12 of Princess Diana's Most Iconic Jewelry Moments
A look back at the royal's impeccable taste in gems—and how to incorporate her style into your jewelry collection
Every summer, August 31 marks the anniversary of the tragic death of Diana, Princess of Wales. Family, friends, and fans around the globe remember the iconic royal in their own special ways as she is still held up as a shining example of style, taste, and class, and her legacy lives on through the sharing of memories.
Princes William and Harry commissioned a statue in 2017 in Diana's honor that was installed in Kensington Palace's Sunken Garden on what would have been their mother's 60th birthday on July 1, 2021. The children Diana has her arms around in the statue are meant to commemorate her ability to connect with children around the world. The style of her dress chosen for the statue is also intended to represent her choice of clothes when she performed her humanitarian duties.
We're sharing our admiration for the princess and her legacy by highlighting the royal's best jewelry moments—from the signature pearl chokers she wore during good times and bad to the blazing blue gemstones she creatively donned as a headband. Many of these pieces have gone on to become some of the most famous jewels in the world—partly because of their provenance but also because of the amazing person who wore them and the effect her sense of style had on the world.
Sapphire-and-Diamond Engagement Ring
While a younger generation may know this iconic ring as belonging to Catherine, the current Princess of Wales, it first belonged to Diana. The 12-carat blue Ceylon sapphire would be a stunner on its own, but the 14 solitaire diamonds surrounding it ensure this ring is royal worthy. Plus, it serves as a sentimental reminder of Diana's lasting legacy within the royal family.
Oscar Heyman Platinum Sapphire Entourage Ring
Oscar Heyman Platinum Sapphire Entourage Ring
An unheated Ceylon sapphire takes center stage in this oval diamond ring. Just as Diana's, it has staying power on its own and needs no accompaniment.
The Spencer Tiara
This family heirloom belonged to Diana's father, John Spencer, the eighth Earl Spencer, and earned "icon" status when worn with her David and Elizabeth Emanuel gown on her wedding day. This stunning tiara was crafted by Garrard in the 1930s and was worn by Diana's two sisters on their respective wedding days. Though the princess didn't own it, it became widely associated with her.
The Delhi Durbar Emerald Choker
This Art Deco diamond-and-emerald choker was a gift to Queen Mary by the 1911 Delhi Durbar, or "Court of Delhi," held to commemorate the coronation of an emperor or empress of India during British imperial rule. Diana also wore this sparkling necklace as a headband.
Harry Winston Rainforest Necklace
Harry Winston's Rainforest necklace takes its cues from the brilliant greens found in tropical climates. Sparkling varieties of tsavorites and diamonds come together to create a lush setting.
Aquamarine Earrings
Diana had a penchant for aquamarines, which she had set in rings, bracelets, and earrings—like the fabulous diamond drop earrings she paired with a Catherine Walker gown and the Spencer tiara here for a banquet in Munich in 1987.
The Queen Mother's Sapphire Brooch
This jaw-dropping gem brooch was truly fit for a queen, as it belonged to the Queen Mother. Diana had this diamond-and-sapphire piece converted into a necklace with a seven-strand pearl choker, and it remained one of the few statement jewelry pieces she donned before and after her divorce from Prince Charles in 1996. She most famously paired the necklace with the "revenge dress" she wore the night Charles announced his affair.
The Asprey Aquamarine Ring
This glorious aquamarine ring was crafted by Asprey upon Diana's divorce so she would have something to wear on her ring finger. The ring was passed on to Prince Harry upon her death in 1997, and his wife, Meghan Markle, wore it to the couple's wedding reception in 2018. The stone is estimated to be 30 carats and serves as inspiration for costume jewelry to this day.
Retro 14kt Substantial Aquamarine Cocktail Ring 21ctw+
Retro 14kt Substantial Aquamarine Cocktail Ring 21ctw+
This stunning vintage ring from the 1940s is set with an aquamarine cut in an emerald shape. It harkens back to the princess's love for this bright and beautiful stone.
The Garrard Diamond-and-Pearl Necklace
While the princess had a say in the design of the elegant necklace she wore to the Royal Albert Hall's production of Swan Lake in 1997, she died before becoming the owner of it and the recently completed matching earrings. The set has since been purchased by a private buyer and sold by New York auction house Guernsey's as recently as 2017.
11-Strand Pearl Choker
It's no secret Diana was a fan of pearls, and this 11-strand choker is one of her most enviable pieces of pearl jewelry. While she had many pearl chokers, this one, made with 900 pearls and columns of diamonds and rubies, was a favorite of hers to wear to film premieres and nights at the theater.
Mastoloni Deco Collar Necklace
Freshwater pearls en masse make this choker a must-have piece of jewelry, and the diamond clasp adds an element of sparkle.
Queen Mary's Lover's Knot Tiara
This royal heirloom just might be the most magnificent piece of jewelry ever worn by the princess. The Lover's Knot tiara was commissioned by Queen Mary in 1913, and Queen Elizabeth II presented it to Diana before her wedding day in 1981. It has been worn by Princess Catherine several times since 2015 and now resides in Windsor vaults.
Pearl-and-Diamond Earrings
Diana also had a favorite pair of South Sea pearl drop earrings that Princess Catherine has also worn on occasion. Diana loved them so much that she would change the setting occasionally for a fresh look.
Assael Pineapple South Sea Pearl and Diamond Earrings
With a diamond setting inspired by the shapes found on the exterior of a pineapple, these South Sea pearl earrings are playful, yet elegant.
The Saudi Sapphire-and-Diamond Jewelry Suite
Few moments are more memorable in Diana's jewelry history than when she wore a stunning sapphire-and-diamond necklace gifted to her by the Prince of Saudi Arabia. Several years after receiving it, she had it redesigned as a headband. Made to complement her engagement ring, this suite also included matching earrings, and she wore the set for many public appearances throughout the years.
The Collingwood Pearl Earrings
These elegant drop-pearl-and-diamond earrings were a wedding gift from London jeweler Collingwood and were worn by the princess on many occasions, both formal and casual. They have reportedly been worn by Princess Catherine in recent years as well.
Lauren Wicks is a Birmingham-based writer covering design trends, must-have products, travel inspiration, and entertaining. She’s obsessed with globally inspired textiles, hosting dinner parties, and French cocktails.
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