Princess Diana’s ‘Swan Lake Suite’ Sold to Private Buyer
According to auction house Guernsey’s, a prominent museum bought the necklace and earring set.
New York—Guernsey’s announced on its website that the Princess Diana “Swan Lake Suite” has been sold to a “prominent” museum.
The necklace and earring set was slated to be auctioned Tuesday at The Pierre Hotel in New York City.
That morning, Guernsey's told National Jeweler the auction was canceled due to the jewels’ sale via a pre-auction private treaty but declined to provide any further details.
It updated its website with the museum information the following day.
The Swan Lake Suite is comprised of a South Sea pearl necklace and matching earrings made by Garrard with design input from the princess.
On June 3, 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales, attended the opening night of the British National Ballet’s performance of “Swan Lake” at the Royal Albert Hall in London wearing the necklace. This was one of her final public appearances.
Following the ballet, the princess returned the piece so Garrard could craft a pair of matching earrings, but she was tragically killed in Paris before receiving them.
The necklace is comprised of 178 marquise- and round brilliant-cut diamonds and seven 12 mm South Sea pearls. It’s mounted in platinum and includes more than 50 carats of diamonds.
The coordinating earrings feature a round brilliant-cut and marquise-cut diamond cluster with a South Sea cultured pearl drop. They are also mounted in platinum and are claw-set with peg and clip fittings.
Because of Diana’s independence from the royal family following her divorce from Prince Charles, the suite was left without an owner after she died in August 1997 and was not subject to any royal protocol.
Garrard contacted a British lord, who purchased the jewels for his wife. However, she reportedly never wore them because she was too uncomfortable with their connection to the late princess.
Next, the jewels went to Guernsey’s auction house where in December 1999, they sold to Texan businessman James McIngvale for $1 million.
In 2008, the suite changed hands again. The jewels were purchased via private sale by current owner the Ginzburgs, a Ukrainian family who has been deeply affected by the war in their homeland.
“I know their hope is that money from the sale can be used in the rebuilding [of Ukraine],” said Guernsey’s president, Arlan Ettinger.
The pre-auction estimate for the Swan Lake Suite was $5 million to $15 million.
The Latest
The necklace is featured in the brand’s “Rebel Heart” campaign starring Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo.
The two organizations will host a joint event, “Converge,” in September 2025.
Big changes appear to be on the horizon for the diamond miner and its parent company, Anglo American.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
Padis succeeds Lisa Bridge, marking the first time the organization has had two women board presidents in a row.
Jesse Cole, founder of Fans First Entertainment, shared the “five Es” of building a fan base during his AGS Conclave keynote.
The Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar "John Mayer" was celebrated at a star-studded party in LA last week.
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The announcement came as the company reported a 23 percent drop in production in Q1.
The three-time Pro Bowler continues to partner with the retailer, donating to a Detroit nonprofit and giving watches to fans.
A double-digit drop in the number of in-store crimes was offset by a jump in off-premises attacks, JSA’s 2023 crime report shows.
Inspired by the Roman goddess of love, the designer looked to the sea for her new collection.
The luxury titan posted declining sales, weighed down by Gucci’s poor performance.
The selected nine organizations have outlined their plans for the funds.
The mining company’s Diavik Diamond Mine lost four employees in a plane crash in January.
The crown introduced a dozen timepieces in Geneva, including a heavy metal version of its deep-sea divers’ watch.
Emmanuel Raheb recommends digging into demographic data, customizing your store’s communications, and retargeting ahead of May 12.
Located in the town of Queensbury, it features a dedicated bridal section and a Gabriel & Co. store-in-store.
A 203-carat diamond from the alluvial mine in Angola achieved the highest price.
Ruser was known for his figural jewelry with freshwater pearls and for his celebrity clientele.
The “Rebel Heart” campaign embodies rebellion, romance, and sensuality, the brand said.
Editor-in-Chief Michelle Graff shares the standout moments from the education sessions she attended in Austin last week.
The overhaul includes a new logo and enhanced digital marketplace.
The money will go toward supporting ongoing research and aftercare programs for childhood cancer survivors.
A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.