More than sparkle and shine, Diana’s jewels were symbols of defiance, grace, heartbreak, and duty. Each one reflected a chapter of her life, some louder than words ever could. Take a closer look at the treasures that turned moments into history.
A Sapphire Spark
Some gems start movements, and this one did exactly that. Chosen by Diana herself from Garrard’s catalog, the 12-carat Ceylon sapphire was surrounded by 14 diamonds and broke protocol. It currently belongs to Princess Catherine and is valued at around $400,000, according to Yahoo News.
The Spencer Tiara
Unlike most royal brides, Diana crowned her wedding day with a family heirloom—an 18th-century piece passed down the Spencer line. Its delicate diamond design stood out for its sentiment, not its status. That day, tradition bowed to personal history with extraordinary grace.
The Lover’s Knot Tiara
Heavy with pearls and royal lineage, this tiara dates back to 1914 and originally belonged to Queen Mary. Diana wore it often despite its weight, which caused discomfort. Intricately arched with 19 swinging pearl drops, the design later found a new generation through Princess Catherine.
The Sapphire Brooch Choker
Why wear a brooch when you can transform it? Given by the Queen Mother, this oval sapphire piece was reimagined by Diana into a pearl-string choker. The piece stole attention in 1994 when it was paired with her unforgettable “revenge dress” at a Vanity Fair event in London.
The Burmese Ruby Tiara
When glamour met diplomacy, this tiara shone. Gifted to Diana by the people of Burma via Queen Elizabeth II, it featured 96 rubies set in a wreath of diamonds. Each ruby symbolized a blessing for health, making it one of the most meaningful royal headpieces she had ever worn.
The Queen Mary’s Art Deco Emerald Brooch
This stunning square-cut emerald and diamond brooch was another royal heirloom loaned to Diana. Though not as frequently worn as others, she famously pinned it during state events. Its bold, geometric shape and vibrant green hue offered a rare glimpse into her regal-meets-modern aesthetic.
The Aquamarine Ring
Flashbulbs captured it on Diana’s right hand at a 1997 fundraiser—an emerald-cut aquamarine framed with diamonds. Commissioned after her divorce, the ring symbolized independence. Crafted by Asprey, it later resurfaced on Meghan Markle’s finger, offering a glimmer of continuity during the 2018 royal wedding reception.
The Collingwood Pearl Earrings
Before the wedding, Collingwood Jewelers gifted Diana a pair of dramatic drop earrings featuring large pearl drops and diamond studs. These became part of her go-to evening ensemble. She often paired them with tiaras—most famously, during state dinners and formal engagements throughout the mid-1980s.
The Sapphire and Diamond Drop Earrings
Matching her engagement ring and the Saudi Suite, these sapphire earrings brought symmetry to her signature look. Originally studs, Diana later had them redesigned into drop earrings. She wore them often with blue gowns—cementing her nickname as “The People’s Princess” in brilliant blue.
The Five-Strand Pearl Choker With Diamond Scroll Centerpiece
This dramatic piece turned heads during her 1985 White House dance with John Travolta. With its Art Deco clasp and layered pearls, it balanced opulence and poise. Captured in countless iconic photos, the choker became synonymous with her elegance during her transformation into a global style icon.
