Born into a wealthy British aristocratic family and later marrying the heir to the throne, Diana, Princess of Wales, had an enviable jewel collection. However, the late princess had a fondness for pearls, particularly chokers.
In June, the month where the precious stone features as the associated birthstone, Royal Central looks back at her extensive collection.
Pearl and Sapphire Choker
Embed from Getty ImagesProbably her most famous piece of jewellery was Diana’s Pearl and Sapphire Choker. The large sapphire stone is surrounded by diamonds, which is the centrepiece of this exquisite choker that began life as a brooch. The pin was given to Lady Diana by the Queen Mother as a gift when she married Prince Charles.
The Princess of Wales later had seven strands of pearls added to the brooch, turning it into a choker that she wore on many memorable occasions, including when she twirled around the dance floor with John Travolta at the White House in 1985.
Floral Choker
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Diana’s love of pearl chokers started with a very simple and elegant piece she received from her father on her 18th birthday. The darling necklace features three strands of pearls with a pearl and turquoise floral cluster clasp. A family tradition, her elder sisters Lady Sarah McCorquodale and Lady Jane Fellowes, each received a similar one to celebrate their milestone birthdays.
The late princess wore this meaningful piece with the floral clasp worn at the front as a centrepiece and also at the back.
Bounty of Pearls Choker
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The Bounty of Pearls Choker proved that to Diana, there was no such thing as too many pearls. This bold piece was created by the Princess of Wales, who combined an eight strand pearl choker with a large and daring pearl drop necklace.
The Eleven-Strand Pearl Choker
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A statement piece, the eleven-strand pearl choker is made up of over 900 of the precious gemstones and also features columns of diamonds and rubies. Diana wore the piece to many occasions where she hoped to make a grand entrance, including film and theatre premieres.
Twisted Pearl Necklace
Embed from Getty ImagesDiana, Princess of Wales also owned an extensive collection of stunning pearl necklaces, including this simple and elegant design featuring two strands of twisted pearls.
Swan Lake Diamond and Pearl Necklace
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Though stunning, the Swan Lake Necklace holds a tragic place in history. Designed by British jeweller Garrard in the spring of 1997, it was worn by Diana, Princess of Wales to her last official engagement – a royal gala performance of Swan Lake at Royal Albert Hall on 3 June 1997.
Featuring a scroll centre made from brilliant and marquise cut diamonds and five large cultured pearls, Diana returned the piece to the jewellers after the performance for them to make a matching pair of earrings for her. She would be killed in a car accident in Paris, France, on 31 August 1997, before she would be given the completed set.
Floral Pearl Earrings
Embed from Getty ImagesReportedly a wedding gift from the Emir of Qatar, the earrings feature white diamonds shaped like a flower and a pearl drop to make them even more dazzling. Diana wore these throughout her life.
