Nearly three decades after the world bid farewell to Princess Diana, her enduring legacy continues to shine—quite literally—through the treasured jewels she once wore with timeless grace. Now, with the unveiling of Diana’s final will, the world has learned that nine of her most iconic pieces have been passed on to Catherine, Princess of Wales, in a gesture that beautifully binds past and present.
Since becoming Princess of Wales in 2022, Catherine has made it a point to honor her late mother-in-law in quiet, powerful ways—none more poignant than through jewelry. Each piece she wears not only reflects Diana’s impeccable taste but also carries deep personal and historical significance.
1. The Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring
Perhaps the most recognizable of all, the 12-carat Ceylon sapphire surrounded by diamonds was Diana’s engagement ring, chosen personally from Garrard in 1981. Prince William used this very ring when proposing to Kate in 2010, explaining: “It is my way of making sure my mother didn’t miss out on today.”
2. Double-Drop Sapphire and Diamond Earrings
Gifted to Diana by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, these elegant cabochon sapphire earrings were long thought to have been refashioned. But at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022, Kate debuted the original design—an emotional nod to Diana’s regal presence.
3. The Lover’s Knot Tiara
One of Diana’s most beloved pieces, the Lover’s Knot Tiara—commissioned in 1917—was worn by Kate at several state occasions, including King Charles III’s first state banquet. Its pearls and diamonds, arranged in delicate arcs, are a symbol of enduring love and royal heritage.
4. Diamond and South Sea Pearl Earrings
With their distinctive horseshoe design and exquisite marquise-cut diamonds, these earrings graced Diana during her 1996 visit to Australia. Kate honored her memory by wearing them at the BAFTA Awards in 2019, adapted with a modern, smaller pearl.
5. Four-Row Pearl and Diamond Choker
Created with pearls gifted to Queen Elizabeth II by the Japanese government, this choker was first loaned to Diana in the 1980s. Kate later wore it to the Queen’s and Prince Philip’s funerals—an echo of quiet dignity and shared sorrow across generations.
6. Three-Row Pearl and Diamond Bracelet
Designed by Nigel Milne, this bracelet was part of a charitable effort for Birthright, one of Diana’s causes. With its elegant pearls and diamond spacers, the bracelet was worn by Kate during her Caribbean tour, linking her present-day work with Diana’s legacy.
7. Collingwood Pearl Earrings
A wedding gift to Diana, these elegant pearl drop earrings became part of her signature look. Kate has worn them on multiple occasions, including her 40th birthday portraits, making them a symbol of royal femininity and continuity.
8. The Prince of Wales Feathers Brooch
Steeped in royal symbolism, this brooch—featuring diamonds, emeralds, and the iconic Prince of Wales plumes—was worn by Diana as a pendant. Kate reintroduced it during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s state visit in 2022, honoring the weight of her new title.
9. Queen Mary’s Emerald Choker
Once worn by Queen Mary at the Delhi Durbar in 1911 and famously by Diana as a headband in 1985, this bold emerald choker was brought back to life by Kate at the Earthshot Prize awards in Boston. Paired with a modern green gown, the choker symbolized a perfect fusion of heritage and forward vision.
A Legacy Reimagined
Each jewel tells a story—of elegance, service, and love. For Catherine, these are not just precious heirlooms but tokens of a woman who changed the face of royalty. With every appearance, every carefully chosen accessory, she continues to carry Diana’s memory forward—gracefully, purposefully, and with heartfelt respect.
And so, through the shimmer of sapphires, the lustre of pearls, and the gleam of diamonds, Princess Diana’s spirit lives on—woven into the life and role of the woman who now walks in her footsteps.
