No Royal Has Ever Worn Jewelry With As Much Ease As Diana
So much so, it’s been practically overlooked amidst the obsession with her clothes
Today at Julien’s in Los Angeles, an array of Princess Diana’s clothing, shoes, bags and related ephemera are hitting the auction block. The sale, and all the articles surrounding it, demonstrate the enduring affection for Diana and her flair with clothes. All of it got me thinking about her singular jewelry style which is so rarely reviewed.
Over the course of her life, Diana’s attire shifted dramatically from the demure outfits she wore when she married Prince Charles in 1981 at the tender age of 20 to more confident, glamorous looks. But the princess was never “Shy Di” when it came to big-time baubles. She seemed at ease from the get-go.
Following are a few of Diana’s favorite jewels that she sported repeatedly during the period when she was the Princess of Wales.
The Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara
Princess Diana received a treasury of precious wedding presents. The most impressive of them all was the Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara.
Made in 1914 by Garrard for Queen Mary, the diamond headgear had 19 pear-shaped pearl drops. Inspired by a popular 19th century design with diamond ribbons and floating pearls, the tiara is as feminine as it is majestic. Diana often paired the tiara with white gowns and diamond and pearl pendant earrings, a gift from Collingwood Jewellers in London.
Triple Strand Pearl Choker
Pearls were Diana’s favorite gemstone. She wore them in many different types of jewels, including a couple of chokers. Her triple-strand pearl choker was a gift from her family for her 18th birthday.
The cluster clasp at the center originally had turquoise, but Diana had the blue gems replaced with pearls. Usually she styled the cluster at the front of her neck though it was designed to be worn at the back.
Sapphire and Pearl Choker
The oval sapphire and diamond centerpiece of Diana’s beloved seven strand pearl choker was a wedding present from the Queen Mother. It was originally a brooch. Diana had it converted into a choker and wore it perpetually.
Certainly, the most well-known occasion was on her 1985 visit to Washington, when she took a spin on the White House dance floor with John Travolta.
The Spencer Tiara
Three-quarters of a billion people in 74 countries watched Lady Diana Spencer marry Prince Charles at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London on July 29,1981. For the big event the bride chose her “something borrowed” from her family’s jewelry collection. The Spencer Tiara anchored her veil.
Garrard designed the diamond jewel in 1937 around the motifs of a nineteenth-century family brooch with scrolls and a floral pattern. The tiara became world famous from the wedding and Diana continued to wear it happily ever after.
Gold Links:
Vogue.com has a story about Lauren Sanchez’s engagement ring, but they haven't guessed the designer. To me, it looks like a Lorraine Schwartz creation.