AuctionsJun 15, 2023
Rebekah Harkness’ Dalí Starfish Sells for Almost $1MAuctionsJun 30, 2023
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.
The South Sea pearl jewelry included in the late Princess Diana’s “Swan Lake Suite.” Originally scheduled to be offered at auction on June 27, a museum purchased the necklace and earring set prior to the public sale. (Photo courtesy of Guernsey’s)
Editor's note: This story was updated to include additional information obtained post-publication.
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.
Related stories will be right here …
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.
More on Auctions
The Latest
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
Weekly QuizDec 04, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
WatchesDec 04, 2025
Casio Shrinks its G-Shock WatchThe classic 5600 series G-Shock has been scaled down to about a tenth of its size, becoming a fully functioning watch ring.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
AGA Announces 2026 Tucson Speaker LineupThe association’s annual conference and gala will take place Feb. 4, 2026, during the Tucson gem shows.
Events & AwardsDec 04, 2025
CBG Announces Speaker Lineup for 2026 Miami Event The January show will include a workshop for jewelry retailers on implementing AI to strengthen their businesses.
TrendsDec 03, 2025
Miley Cyrus Debuts Edgy Engagement RingFellow musician Maxx Morando proposed to the star with a chunky, cushion-cut diamond ring designed by Jacquie Aiche.
Policies & IssuesDec 03, 2025
Costco Joins Growing Wave of Retailers Suing for Tariff Refunds The retailer, which sells billions in fine jewelry and watches, is suing the Trump administration and U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
SurveysDec 03, 2025
A Record 202.9M Shoppers Turned Out Thanksgiving WeekendBlack Friday is still the most popular shopping day over the five-day holiday weekend, as per the National Retail Federation’s survey.
AuctionsDec 03, 2025
Fabergé’s 'The Winter Egg' Achieves Record $30MThe historic egg, crafted for Russia's ruling family prior to the revolution, was the star of Christie’s recent auction of works by Fabergé.
FinancialsDec 02, 2025
Signet Jewelers’ Q3 Sales Up Amid Continued Focus on Lower Price PointsThe retailer offered more fashion jewelry priced under $1,000, including lab-grown diamond and men’s jewelry.
