Princess Diana engagement ring and jewellery: What happened to her collection?
PRINCESS Diana captured attention for her jaw-dropping wardrobe, and she also had a very impressive jewellery collection to go with it.
When she passed away, she left some of her iconic pieces to her sons’ future wives, so Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle now have access to a number of her necklaces, earrings and bracelets.
Some pieces went back into the Queen‘s estate and others were sold at auction, but here’s what happened to Diana’s most iconic pieces…
Who inherited Princess Diana’s jewellery?
After her death Diana’s sons, Princes William and Harry, were left three quarters of her £21 million estate – with the other quarter going to her 17 godchildren.
In a special “letter of wishes”, Diana explained that she was leaving her jewellery to her sons’ future wives.
The letter reads: “I would like you to allocate all my jewellery to the share to be held by my sons, so that their wives may, in due course, have it or use it.
MORE ON PRINCESS DI
“I leave the exact division of the jewellery to your discretion.”
But some of her gems were on loan from the royal collection, while others were not included in her estate.
What happened to the key pieces in Princess Diana’s jewellery collection?
The Spencer Tiara
One of Diana’s most memorable pieces was the tiara she wore on her wedding day in 1981.
The Spencer tiara had been in the princess’ family for almost a century and belongs to the Earl, who is currently Diana’s brother Charles.
It was heavily associated with Diana, and not been worn since her death.
Asprey ring
It is thought Prince Harry gifted Diana’s Asprey ring – featuring a large aquamarine gem – to his new wife Meghan Markle.
She was spotted wearing it on their wedding day, when she re-emerged after changing into her evening outfit.
Originally Princess Diana’s, she was pictured wearing it during a trip to Sydney in 1996.
And she was also spotted wearing it at a private viewing of the Christie’s auction of her dresses in 1997.
The ring comes with a matching bracelet, featuring a larger emerald-cut aquamarine nestled between six rows of pearls.
The late Princess wore the entire set on her trip to Australia, so we may see Meghan wearing the bracelet at some point in the future too.
Sapphire Brooch
Diana’s sapphire brooch was a wedding gift from the Queen Mother.
Originally, she wore it as a brooch – but soon opted to put her own spin on it, and fashioned it into a many stringed pearl necklace.
Diana continued to wear the necklace even after her divorce – and it was passed onto her sons after her death.
Harry has now used the gem to make a custom engagement ring for his beau Meghan, according to reports.
The actress’ ring includes a stone from Botswana, where she and Harry recently holidayed.
Engagement Ring
Diana’s most iconic jewel was her 12-carat sapphire engagement ring.
The sapphire is surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds, and set in 18-carat white gold.
William used the same ring to propose to Kate in 2010, in a nod to his beloved mum.
Swan Lake Set
Diana wore this necklace at one of her last public appearances before her death – a performance of Swan Lake ballet at London’s Royal Albert Hall.
The diamond and pearl necklace was part of a set which was not yet completed, meaning Diana never got to see the finished product.
The necklace contains 178 diamonds and five pearls and was produced by Garrard – the then Crown Jeweller.
After Diana’s death, the set was sold at auction. It was relisted for an eye-watering £9.6 million.
Saudi Suite
One thing’s for sure, this princess was never short of sapphires.
Diana was gifted this jewellery collection, known as The Saudi Suite, as a wedding present from Crown Prince Fahd.
It included a watch, earrings, a bracelet, ring and diamond necklace.
William gave the earrings to Kate shortly after their engagement. She put her own spin on them, and wears them in a drop style.
Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara
Also known as the Queen Mary Lover’s Knot Tiara, the Queen loaned this piece to Diana as a wedding gift.
Despite opting not to wear it on her wedding day, Diana was a big fan of this tiara – which went back into the Queen’s collection after her death.
The Duchess of Cambridge first wore the tiara in 2016.
Emerald Choker
This choker was also part of Queen Mary’s collection of the famed Cambridge emeralds.
Diana was a big fan of it, and wore it both as a necklace and a headband.
But, like the Lover’s Knot Tiara, it was part of the Queen’s personal collection – and was returned to Elizabeth II after Diana’s death.
Princess Diana - From her engagement ring and wedding dress to her tragic passing
When did Princess Diana die and how old was she?
When was Princess Diana’s funeral and what have Prince William and Prince Harry said since?
Princess Diana revenge dress: True story behind the iconic frock
Who was Princess Diana’s mother Frances Shand Kydd?
Princess Diana engagement ring and jewellery: What happened to her collection?
Princess Diana young pictures: What was Lady Diana Spencer like as a child?
Princess Diana car crash: What happened in Paris in August 1997?
Why was Princess Diana in Paris when she died?
Princess Diana birthday: How old would she be today?
Where is Princess Diana buried and can you visit her grave?
When did Princess Diana and Prince Charles get divorced?
Who are David and Elizabeth Emanuel, Princess Diana’s wedding dress designers?
Princess Diana wedding dress: Designers, cost, train length and back-up gown explained