The earrings have a storied history and were beloved by Princess Diana. Each earring features a round, diamond stud from which is suspended an additional round diamond, a diamond-set bell cap and a large, pearl drop, making them a truly statement piece. Princess Diana was given the earrings by Collingwood, a jewellery firm often favoured by the Spencers, which lent gems to the young Diana while she was engaged to the then Prince Charles.
Diana made her debut in the pearls at a dinner held in honour of King Khalid of Saudi Arabia at Claridge’s in June 1981, several weeks before her wedding. They quickly became a mainstay in her jewellery collection and remained a favourite throughout her marriage. On grand state occasions, the Princess normally paired them with other pearl pieces, such as the Queen Mary Lover’s Knot Tiara – a combination which has also proved popular with Kate Middleton.
Princess Diana, pictured in November 1985, wearing the Lover’s Knot Tiara and the Collingwood earrings during a visit to the British embassy in Washington DC
Tim Graham/Getty Images
The current Princess of Wales is just as fond of the Collingwood earrings as her late mother-in-law was. She has been spotted wearing them on a number of occasions, including to the annual Festival of Remembrance in 2024, for a service of thanksgiving to commemorate VE Day last year, and to welcome President Macron of France and his wife, Brigitte, for their official state visit to Britain in July.