What happened to the last necklace Diana ever wore for a public engagement? trends now
Glittering with 178 diamonds, strung with 12 lustrous South Sea pearls and mounted on sparkling platinum, the necklace is a thing of dazzling beauty.
And its wearer, Diana, Princess of Wales, certainly dazzled the world when she debuted the stunning piece at a production of Swan Lake on June 3, 1997.
Gliding through the foyer at the Royal Albert Hall in a sequinned turquoise Jacques Azagury dress, the Princess stunned onlookers with her confidence and grace – and no-one could take their eyes off the mesmerising jewels around her neck.
It turned out to be Diana’s last official engagement before her death, ensuring the necklace — part of a matching set known as the ‘Swan Lake Suite’ made by British jeweller Garrard — became an iconic piece of jewellery with a price tag spiralling beyond seven figures.
It’s believed to be the fifth most expensive piece of jewellery ever worn by a royal and — second only to her wedding day — one of the most-photographed appearances Diana made.
The last necklace Princess Diana ever wore to a public engagement is set to go on sale
Diana wore the pearl necklace to a production of Swan Lake at the Royal Albert Hall
What happened to it after that night, however, was the subject of much rumour and speculation — which has once again reared its head as the necklace, now owned by the Ginzburgs, a prominent Ukrainian family, is put up for auction in New York, where it’s predicted to raise between £4 million and £12 million at a sale next month.
So what’s the true story of the necklace that entranced the world?
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail, Evelyne Poumellec, head of jewellery design at Garrard between 1996 and 1998, says the piece was the product of private discussions between the Princess and David Thomas, Crown Jeweller at the time, several months earlier.
‘In early March 1997, I was given clear instructions: it was urgent, I had to drop everything else I was working on, and it was to remain confidential,’ she says.
‘I was given seven pearls [the finished necklace holds 12] to create a necklace and earrings for a princess. Of course, we did not mention names, but I was fully aware of who this might be for.’
Evelyne, now living in France as an artist, recalls working ‘feverishly’ to get the necklace completed in time for the event — a moment so significant, she believes, because the newly-divorced Princess was eager to show her independence by wearing jewellery she had chosen; not borrowed from the Crown.
The necklace is now owned by a Ukrainian family who are selling it in New York
The stunning jewellery set made for Princess Diana and reputed to have been a gift by Dodi Al-Fayed is expected to sell for between £4 million and £12 million
The pear necklace is made of 178 diamonds and five matching South Sea pearls
She says: ‘I remember clearly sitting at my desk with those same pearls as those on the final necklace in front of me. I did not speak to Diana but I knew who I was designing for. I researched photos of her neck and shoulders to help me complete the design.
‘I am very used to working quickly; often, I do sketches before I find the main theme but in this case it was quick.’
The necklace was made deliberately to represent the Princess’s modern take on fashion.
‘It has movement by having one row at the back, allowing the wearer flexibility,’ Evelyne says. ‘It reflects modernity against a backdrop of formal jewellery; it is classic yet fashionable.’
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