The auction for Princess Diana's diamond necklace has been canceled

Princess Diana made a memorable public appearance in June 1997 at the British National Ballet's gala performance of Swan Lake. Little did we know then that it would be one of her last public outings.

For the event, Diana chose a glamorous costume that included a dazzling Jacques Azagury minidress and stylish Jimmy Choo pumps. However, the highlight of her attire was a custom-made South Sea pearl necklace by Garrard. Princess Diana had personally teamed with the renowned crown jeweler to design the necklace, along with a matching set of earrings, which were still unfinished at the time. After wearing the necklace, she returned it to Garrard to complete the earrings. Sadly, due to her untimely demise, the earrings were never completed.

The "Swan Lake Suite," which includes the necklace and earrings, is set to be auctioned by Gurernsey's in July and according to Guernsey president Arlan Ettinger, Diana's transformation from a young girl to a confident princess was reflected in the design of the necklace. The exquisite piece showcases 178 diamonds and five South Sea pearls, while the earrings feature two matching cultured pearls and six diamonds. The auction house is preparing to present this remarkable jewelry to potential buyers. According to Ettinger, Diana had not yet paid for the necklace and earrings, as they were intended to be a gift from al-Fayed. However, with al-Fayed's passing, the crown jeweler, now known as Garrard, faced the challenge of recovering the cost. Eventually, Diana's family gave permission for the items to be sold. They were purchased by a British lord who revealed in 1999 that his wife had decided not to wear them due to the lingering impact of Diana's tragic death.

Diana, adorned with a captivating necklace featuring 178 diamonds and five South Sea pearls, became the center of attention as she attended a performance of the ballet "Swan Lake" in London on June 3, 1997. The occasion took place almost a year after her high-profile divorce from Charles, a period marked by their ongoing quest for attention and acceptance. The photographs of Diana wearing the necklace became iconic, capturing a significant moment in her life.

It’s worth noting that Diana, the Princess of Wales, possessed an assortment of jewelry both as a member of the British royal family and as an individual. These pieces were distinct from the crown jewels used for coronations and state affairs. Many of her jewels were gifts from foreign royals, loans from Queen Elizabeth II, wedding presents, personal purchases, or cherished heirlooms from the Spencer family. Her collection featured a combination of valuable gemstones and costume jewelry, often acquired from London's Butler & Wilson. The media often referred to these pieces as "priceless" treasures, which amused the Princess. The majority of her jewelry originated from the 19th and 20th centuries. Additionally, she had an extensive assortment of gold accessories, which frequently went unnoticed and were downplayed by the media. On formal occasions such as banquets, Diana typically wore jewelry borrowed from the Queen, who possessed over 300 items of jewelry. Notably, Catherine, the Princess of Wales, and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, have been seen wearing various pieces from Diana's collection.