Princess Diana's Necklace from One of Her Final Appearances Is Now Up for Auction
The jewelry could fetch $12 million or more.
![Princess Diana necklace](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/6PrrupmnpMZTfs2xptgAii-415-80.jpg)
A stunning diamond and pearl necklace worn by Princess Diana is now up for auction—and could fetch a whopping $12 million, Us Weekly reports.
The Swan Lake Suite necklace, which was given its name because Diana wore it to that ballet, is now owned by a Ukrainian couple, who are now putting it up for auction. They originally purchased it for around $630,000, but they now say it has skyrocketed in value, according to The Sun.
"Right now they are just entertaining offers," a spokesperson for the auction house Guernsey's told The Sun. "I can't cite prices but obviously you're aware of what it sold for previously. Markets change and I think the family feel that originally they picked it up for a bit of a song."
The necklace was originally created by Garrard, which was then the Crown Jeweler, and includes diamonds and South Sea pearls. Originally it was supposed to come with matching earrings, but they were not ready in time for Diana to wear them to the Royal Albert Hall in London in 1997, one of her last public appearances before her death. According to Guernsey's, Garrard asked for the necklace back to make sure the earrings matched. Just when they were about to return it to Diana, the princess was tragically killed in a car accident.
According to The Daily Mail, Garrard later sold the necklace and earrings to a British businessman, who then put them up for auction in 1999 with part of the proceeds going to the Diana Memorial Fund. An American collector then bought it, and later, a Texas businessman bought it to display in his store. This current auction is a big deal for collectors of royal memorabilia. "It is the general belief that these may well be the only substantial jewels worn by Diana that will ever be sold," Guernsey's website reads.
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Megan Friedman is the former managing editor of the Newsroom at Hearst. She's worked at NBC and Time, and is a graduate of Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism.
-
Zendaya Delivers a Podium-Worthy Pre-Olympics Gown
She's shining brighter than the City of Lights.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
'Love Island USA' Star Kenny Rodriguez Is Not "Playing Around" with His and JaNa Craig's Romance Outside of the Villa
The prince and princess of season 6 have remained the cutest couple since filming wrapped.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
So Many Celebrity Beauty Favorites Are in Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale
Shop Jennifer Lopez, Meghan Markle, and Kaia Gerber's beloved picks.
By Julia Marzovilla Published
-
Critics Claim Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Tried to "Upstage" Prince George
"He wants to steal the thunder with his Invictus Games announcement."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Why the Royal Family's Income Just Increased By a Whopping $58 Million
Now that's an impressive pay rise.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
The British Royal Family Suddenly Cancels Numerous Planned Engagements Amid an Already Chaotic 2024
Expect to see very little of the royals for the next six weeks, as the fate of this year’s Trooping the Colour and a planned Japanese state visit hang in the balance.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Another European Royal Is Set to Abdicate the Throne—Though When, Exactly, Remains Unclear
This follows the shocking abdication of Queen Margrethe of Denmark earlier this year.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands Shares Swoon-Worthy Story of How He Met His Wife, Queen Maxima, in Spain 25 Years Ago
He raised a glass to the country during a state banquet at the Royal Palace in Amsterdam, held in honor of King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Royal Family Is Up Against Its “Biggest Crisis” Since the 1936 Abdication, Expert Says
“It’s been quite shocking.”
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
King Charles and Princess Kate’s Aligning Cancer Battles Show “The Cracks Turning Into Craters” for the Monarchy, Royal Author Says
The King always wished for a “slimmed-down monarchy”—but not like this.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
The Reason Members of the Royal Family Aren’t Allowed to Eat Sandwiches with Square Corners Goes Way, Way Back
Royal family protocol weirdness is possibly nowhere more pronounced than in their interesting food rules.
By Rachel Burchfield Published