The Princess of Wales was seen wearing a striking pair of earrings that once belonged to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, on Monday—but eagle-eyed fans may have noticed a missing jewel.
Kate, 41, attended the Commonwealth Day celebrations at Westminster Abbey in a dazzling red outfit, accessorizing with the iconic Collingwood Pearl Drop earrings. However, one of the small silver diamonds encircling the elegant teardrop-shaped pearl was missing.
The earrings, a gift from Collingwood Jewellers—a Spencer family favorite—were frequently worn by Diana on significant occasions, including with her iconic black “revenge dress.” She first showcased the jewels in June 1981, just a month before her wedding to Prince Charles, at a banquet at Claridge’s hotel for King Khalid of Saudi Arabia. Diana later wore them on her wedding day in July 1981 with her going-away ensemble.
The last time the late Princess was seen wearing them was in 1994. Over two decades later, in 2017, Kate honored her memory by donning the heirloom at the Spanish State Banquet. The earrings have since become a staple in Kate’s jewelry collection, even making an appearance in her 40th birthday portraits.
As for the missing diamond, it remains unclear when it was lost. However, photos from 2019, when Kate wore the earrings to the Order of the Garter Service at St George’s Chapel, already show the gem missing.
The Story Behind the Earrings
According to reports, the luminous pearl earrings were originally a wedding gift to Princess Diana. Collingwood Jewellers had intended to present her with a matching necklace as part of a set, but royal intervention deemed the full set too extravagant, leaving Diana with just the earrings.
