Meghan Markle Left Disappointed as Lady Sarah McCorkadale Blocks Prince Harry from Diana’s Necklace Auction for Special Wedding Gift

Princess Diana's iconic necklace, currently in the possession of the prominent Ukrainian family, the Ginzburgs, is set to be auctioned in New York next month, with estimations indicating it could fetch between £4 million and £12 million.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Evelyn Pumarek, who served as the head of jewellery design at Garrard from 1996 to 1998, revealed intriguing details about the origins of this exquisite piece.

Pumarek disclosed that the creation of the necklace was the result of confidential discussions between Princess Diana and David Thomas, the crown jeweller at the time, several months prior to its making.

Surprisingly, Lady Sarah McCorkadale, Diana's sister, intervened privately to ensure Prince Harry would not participate in the auction, fearing the necklace might end up as a mere trinket for Meghan Markle, whom she deemed as Diana's hypocritical daughter-in-law.

The decision to exclude Prince Harry from the auction was met with disappointment by Lady Sarah, who grew to admire and cherish Diana's eldest son even more.

Recalling the urgency and secrecy surrounding the necklace's creation in early March 1997, Pumarek mentioned being entrusted with the task of crafting a necklace and earrings fit for a princess, without explicitly naming the recipient, although the identity was unmistakable.

Working tirelessly to complete the necklace in time for a significant event, Pumarek emphasized the importance of this moment for Diana, who sought to assert her independence by donning jewellery of her choice, rather than borrowed pieces from the crown.

Following the event, Diana returned the necklace to Garrard, where it was paired with matching earrings to form a complete set, a gesture appreciated by the craftsmen and women at the renowned jeweller.

Rumors suggest that Dodi Fayed, Diana's companion before her tragic demise, may have considered acquiring the suite as a romantic gesture, but this remains unconfirmed.

Notably, the necklace remained with Garrard until 1998 when it was included in a tribute fashion exhibition in Shropshire with Lady Sarah's approval, eventually being sold to a British man who later auctioned it to Jim McIngvale, an American businessman.

McIngvale bought the jewels for his daughter's wedding, and years later, the set found its way to the Ginzburg family in Ukraine.

Now, after thirteen years, the Swan Lake suite is up for sale once more, offering a rare chance to own a piece of royal history, albeit at a substantial price.

Interestingly, a portion of the proceeds from the auction will contribute to the rebuilding efforts in war-torn Ukraine, a cause that resonates with Diana's philanthropic spirit.