Princess Diana, beloved for her compassion, elegance, and distinct sense of style, left behind a lasting legacy not only in her humanitarian efforts but also in the dazzling jewels she wore throughout her life. Many of these iconic pieces have become a significant part of royal history. Since her untimely death in 1997, her most famous pieces have found their way into the collections of other royals, continuing to shine in public events and special occasions.
This article takes a closer look at five of Princess Diana’s most treasured jewels that have been worn by her family members, and in some cases, even beyond her immediate lineage.
1. The Spencer Tiara: A Family Heirloom Reclaimed
Perhaps one of the most iconic pieces of jewelry associated with Princess Diana was the Spencer Tiara, a family heirloom from the Spencer family, which Diana belonged to before marrying Prince Charles. The tiara was made in the 19th century and features an elaborate design of diamonds and scrolls. It was passed down from Diana’s maternal grandmother and had been worn by several members of her family, including her mother and aunts.
Diana wore the tiara for her wedding to Prince Charles in 1981, marking the start of a new chapter in her life. It became one of her signature pieces, making multiple appearances in royal events, including state banquets and galas. After Diana’s death, the Spencer family retained ownership of the tiara.
In recent years, the Spencer Tiara has been worn by Diana’s nieces, particularly her niece, Lady Kitty Spencer, who donned it for her own wedding in 2021. The stunning diadem, which is still owned by the Spencer family, carries with it memories of Princess Diana’s elegance and grace, passed down to a new generation.
2. The Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara: A Symbol of Royal Continuity
Another iconic piece of jewelry linked to Princess Diana is the Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara. Originally made for Queen Mary, the grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II, the tiara is made up of large diamond knots and pearl drops. Princess Diana received the tiara as a wedding gift from Queen Elizabeth II in 1981. It was a favorite of Diana’s, and she wore it frequently during her royal engagements.
In the years after Diana’s death, the tiara was passed down to her daughter-in-law, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton). Kate has been photographed wearing the tiara on several significant occasions, including state banquets, formal dinners, and even her own state visit to the Netherlands in 2016. The tiara has become synonymous with royal elegance and has proven to be a lasting symbol of continuity between the generations of British royals.
The fact that Kate wears this tiara, which holds a direct connection to Princess Diana, speaks volumes about the enduring influence of the late princess. It has become an iconic piece that unites the past with the present in the royal family.
3. The Sapphire Engagement Ring: A Lasting Legacy
Perhaps the most famous of all of Princess Diana’s jewels is the Sapphire Engagement Ring, a striking 12-carat blue sapphire surrounded by 14 diamonds. It was selected by Prince Charles when he proposed to Diana in 1981. The ring has since become a symbol not only of their marriage but of Princess Diana herself.
After Princess Diana’s passing, the ring was given to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (Kate Middleton) by Prince William when he proposed in 2010. Since then, Kate has worn the ring on countless occasions, making it one of the most recognizable pieces of jewelry in the world. The ring’s deep blue sapphire, combined with the diamonds surrounding it, continues to captivate the world’s attention.
The engagement ring’s significance goes beyond the jewelry itself. It serves as a poignant reminder of the late Princess Diana, her impact on the royal family, and her ongoing influence on the next generation of royals. Its move from Diana to Kate also symbolizes the continuity of family traditions and the enduring legacy of love and commitment in the royal family.
4. The Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau: A Royal Family Treasure
The Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau, a piece that has an intricate and royal backstory, was worn by Princess Diana on her wedding day, although she did not receive it directly as a gift. The tiara was originally owned by Queen Mary (the grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II), who had it made in 1932. It was a piece that belonged to the royal family, and Diana wore it for several public occasions, most notably at her wedding to Prince Charles.
The bandeau features a beautiful series of diamonds set in platinum and was loaned to Princess Diana by the Queen for her wedding. In recent years, the bandeau has been worn by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (Meghan Markle). Meghan wore it for her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018, showcasing its timeless elegance. The tiara is also versatile, often seen in other royal events, continuing to link generations of royal women.
The fact that it has been worn by both Diana and Meghan Markle further strengthens its legacy as one of the most prestigious jewels in the royal collection. It symbolizes the regal elegance that has passed from one royal bride to another, maintaining its place as a royal treasure.
5. The Bahrain Necklace: A Symbol of Royal Diplomacy
Another jewel that was closely associated with Princess Diana was the Bahrain Necklace, a stunning piece given to her by the royal family of Bahrain. The necklace, made of diamonds and a single large ruby, was one of Diana’s favorites. She wore it on several occasions, including state visits, adding a pop of color to her signature black-tie ensembles.
Following Diana’s death, the Bahrain Necklace was passed to Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, who has been seen wearing it on several occasions. The necklace is a beautiful example of diplomatic gift-giving, as it was presented to Diana during an official visit to Bahrain in 1986. The Duchess of Cambridge has worn the necklace at several state banquets, as well as in more private royal events, further elevating its status in the royal jewelry collection.
Its significance lies not only in its beauty but in its connection to Princess Diana’s diplomatic efforts, her work for international relations, and her role as an ambassador of British grace and diplomacy.
Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy
The jewels of Princess Diana are more than just beautiful pieces of jewelry; they carry with them stories of love, royal tradition, and historical moments. Today, these jewels continue to be worn by the royal family, connecting the present with the past and ensuring that Princess Diana’s legacy remains a central part of the monarchy’s history. From the Cambridge Lover’s Knot Tiara to the Sapphire Engagement Ring, these iconic jewels are not just accessories; they are symbols of enduring elegance, history, and family tradition.
As the next generation of royals—such as Lady Kitty Spencer, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Meghan Markle—continue to wear these pieces, they keep alive the spirit of Princess Diana. These jewels remain shining emblems of her legacy, reminding us of her enduring influence on both the royal family and the world at large.