South Sea Shell Pearl Earrings of Princess Diana & Princess Catherine (Kate Middleton)
The ornaments selected by the Princess of Wales for the 2023 investiture of King Charles III are regarded as one of the most historically resonant assets in her ceremonial rotation. Formally identified as the Collingwood Pearl and Diamond Earrings, this pair entered the royal archives as a nuptial gift presented to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. Produced by a long-established London-based jewelry firm with historical ties to the Spencer lineage, the set was designed to integrate seamlessly into the new Princess's emerging collection. For over fifteen years, the original wearer utilized these earrings for their adaptability, featuring them in numerous international diplomatic missions and high-profile state functions.
Architecturally, the set represents the refined aesthetic of late 20th-century craftsmanship. Each ornament is anchored by a brilliant-cut diamond stud, which supports a delicate, diamond-set foliate cap. Suspended from this mounting is a substantial, pear-shaped South Sea pearl. These gems are characterized by their exceptional luster and symmetrical dimensions. While occasional colloquial references describe them as "south shell" pearls based on their maritime origins, they are officially categorized as high-caliber cultured South Sea pearls. The teardrop silhouette is engineered to facilitate rhythmic movement, making the set a preferred choice for the requirements of formal court attire.
In the contemporary era, the earrings have transitioned into the primary wardrobe of the current Princess of Wales. She has strategically selected them for events of significant national importance or emotional gravity. Her choice to wear them during the coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey was documented as a deliberate tribute to the legacy of her predecessor. Combined with her formal robes and state regalia, the pearls provided a tangible link to the family's recent history amidst the broader traditional rites. By utilizing these specific heirlooms, the Princess maintained a visual continuity between the previous generation and the modern sovereign court, ensuring the historical narrative of the piece remains active in the 21st century.
