A stunning diamond and pearl necklace worn by Princess Diana is now up for auction—and could fetch a whopping $12 million, Us Weekly (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab).
"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, (opens in new tab) 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 (opens in new tab).
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
-
Selena Gomez’s New Hair Transformation Is So MajorThe actress debuted super-long locks, freshly cut bangs, and an auburn hue.
-
The Very Best Memorial Day Fashion Sales of 2022
Time to find a new bathing suit, bag, or wedding guest dress!
-
The Wrong Formula
In the face of a baby food shortage, desperate moms are turning to strangers on Facebook to help—but social media shouldn't be the answer.
-
Who Is Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's Fiancé Riley Roberts?
AOC's husband-to-be is an "easygoing redhead" who lives with her in D.C.
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
-
Surprise! Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas Are Parents
They welcomed a baby via surrogate.
-
Meghan and Harry Share First Photo of Their Daughter Lilibet Diana
The Sussex's holiday card is here!
-
The Queen "Can't Stand" How Much Time Prince William and Kate Middleton Spend in the Kitchen With Their Kids, Apparently
OK...
-
The 50 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes Ever
Honestly, we're impressed.
-
Alicia Keys Gets What She Wants
With her jazzy new album, Keys, the singer stopped worrying about everything except what matters: Her own opinion.
