Diana, Princess of Wales (born Diana Frances Spencer; 1 July 1961 – 31 August 1997), was a member of the British royal family. She was the first wife of King Charles III (then Prince of Wales) and mother of Prince William and Prince Harry.
As Princess of Wales, Diana undertook royal duties on behalf of Elizabeth II and represented her at functions across the Commonwealth realms. She was celebrated in the media for her unconventional approach to charity work. Her patronages were initially centred on children and the elderly, but she later became known for her involvement in two particular campaigns: one involved the social attitudes towards and the acceptance of AIDS patients, and the other for the removal of landmines, promoted through the International Red Cross. She also raised awareness and advocated for ways to help people affected by cancer and mental illness. Diana was initially noted for her shyness, but her charisma and friendliness endeared her to the public and helped her reputation survive the acrimonious collapse of her marriage.
The Spencer Tiara is one of the most famous diadems in modern history, which was worn by Princess Diana at her wedding. The jewel was made in 1937, for Cynthia Spencer. It was made using a set of nineteenth-century diamond ornaments that had once belonged to Lady Sarah Spencer. The first Spencer bride to be photographed in the tiara was Lady Jane Spencer in 1978. Two years later, in 1980, it was worn by her sister Lady Sarah Spencer at the wedding. And most famously, of course, Lady Diana Spencer wore the tiara on July 29, 1981, for her wedding to the Prince of Wales.
The Lover’s Knot Tiara was commissioned for Queen Mary in 1913 from Britain's House of Garrard. It consists of diamonds and a collection of 19 hanging pearls, all set in silver and gold. Later it was handed down to Queen Elizabeth. She then eventually gave it to her daughter-in-law, Princess Diana. It was through Diana that Lover’s Knot became one of the most recognizable pieces of jewelry belonging to the British royal family. (Allegedly, the piece was so heavy that she used to get headaches after wearing it.)
The Attallah cross is a pendant, distinctive through its flowery design details, created in 1920s by court jewelers Garrard. The cross was purchased by Naim Attallah from Garrard in the 1980s and through his friendship with Princess Diana, he loaned it to her several times over a number of years to wear it at events. The one documented occurrence of her wearing the cross was in October 1987 at a charity gala in support of Birthright, which works towards the protection of human rights during pregnancy and childbirth. She wore the pendant with a pearl rope.
Princess Diana Sapphire Pearl Choker Necklace, boasts a magnificent 65.00 carat oval-shaped sapphire as its centerpiece, surrounded by two rows of 60 natural diamonds totaling 7.71 carats. The necklace also features a magnificent 20.2 carat Japanese saltwater cultured pearl, consisting of seven rows that add an extra touch of opulence to this already spectacular piece. The last time the choker was publicly seen was when Diana, Princess of Wales attended the Met Gala in New York in December 1996. It hasn't been seen or exhibited since, and now belongs to Prince William and Prince Harry.
Originally called the Ladies of India necklace, in honor of the committee who presented it to Queen Mary, wife of King George V, the choker was redesigned a decade later by trusted royal jewelers Garrard. The original diamonds and emeralds were given a new platinum setting in the popular art deco style of the era. The choker was inherited by the late Queen Elizabeth II, although experts believe the choker was never worn by Her Majesty, and was instead passed on to Diana, Princess of Wales. It became a favorite piece in the late princess’s collection, worn by the royal at events including the London gala to mark her 36th birthday in July 1997, just weeks before her death.
Encircled by a halo of diamonds set in 18 carat white gold, the deep, intense blue of the 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire is magnificent, enhanced by its exceptional luster. Princess Diana’s engagement ring was neither a family heirloom nor a private commission (as are customs), but one that was simply for sale. This meant that it could also be available to anyone else who might have $60,000 to spare. And, as the People’s Princess, why wouldn’t she choose a ring that was, technically, available to all?
Featuring an emerald cut aquamarine flanked by small solitaire diamonds set in 24-carat yellow gold, the aquamarine was given to the Princess by her friend, Lucia Flecha de Lima, and created into a ring by Asprey in 1996. The first appearance of the ring came when Diana, Princess of Wales attended the Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute Fund raising Dinner in Sydney, in October 1996, a few months after the finalization of the couple’s divorce.
