Arts & Antiques by Dr. Lori: Princess Diana inspired many collectibles

Over the course of her short life, Princess Diana (nee Diana Spencer, 1961-97) inspired the production and manufacture of many works of art, antiques, souvenirs and collectibles from the time of her highly publicized engagement to HRH Prince Charles to her shocking death.

While she is best known for her philanthropic and charity work during her time as Princess of Wales when she was the wife of Prince Charles of Great Britain, Diana prompted the making of many items based on her likeness and her informed good taste.

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In 1975, Lady Diana Spencer accepted her title when her father inherited his title as EarlSpencer. On July 29, 1981, after a courtship that began in 1977, Lady Diana Spencer married HRH Prince Charles of Great Britain. Prince Charles was 13 years Diana’s senior. She was one of the most beloved members of the British royal family and was known widely as the “People’s Princess.” The royal couple had two sons, PrinceWilliam (William Arthur Philip Louis), heir to the throne, who was born in June 1982, and Prince Harry (Henry Charles Albert David), who was born in September 1984. After much turmoil, both privately and in the public eye, the royal couple divorced in 1996. On Aug. 31, 1997, Princess Diana, aged 36, died from her injuries following an automobile crash in Paris, France.

Princess Diana was known for her fashion sense and jewelry, interest in popular culture, humanitarian work and various collections. Her clothes have been featured in charity auctions and her jewelry is part of the collection of the crown jewels. She had a flair for both the fun and the fashionable. PrincessDiana’s spectacular engagement ring is an 18-karat white gold ring featuring a 12-carat oval Ceylon blue sapphire surrounded by 14 solitaire diamonds hand-made by British crown jeweler, Garrard. The ring was inspired by a brooch given to Queen Victoria from Prince Albert for their wedding in 1840.

Princess Diana’s high-end keepsakes characterized 1980s-style. A few years ago, I had the good fortune to lecture with a high-ranking member of Princess Diana’s staff, Patrick Jephson, her chief of staff. Mr. Jephson was privy to much classified information about the Princess, which he did not reveal and was a kind colleague and fascinating gentleman. As we became friends, I asked him to tell me something about Princess Diana as a collector. He offered that she enjoyed collecting hand-painted Herend of Hungaryporcelain figurines of animals. Like any mother of active young boys, she kept the delicate figurines out of reach yet on display in her private office within the living quarters of her Kensington Palace home.

This year, we mark the 25th anniversary of the Princess’ untimely death, many collectors will be bringing objects associated with Princess Diana to market. Collectibles relating to Princess Diana have continued to be among the most coveted items in the realm of royal collecting. Objects run the gamut such as Princess Diana paper dolls, costume jewelry tiaras based on the Spencer tiara, Wedgwood jasperware trinket boxes, porcelain dolls and figurines in her likeness, souvenir Charles and Diana engagement mugs, photographs of Princess Diana dancing with actor John Travolta, autographed biographical books, Ty Inc. beanie babies (Princess), royal wedding invitations, tickets to the 2007 Diana charity concert, postage stamps, commemorative coins, etc.

These pieces will enjoy a spike in interest and value during the summer of 2022 leading up to the anniversary date of her death. Values for Princess Diana collectibles expect to increase as much as 10% to 25% during this time with collectors actively seeking to add to their collections. Online buyers and sellers will be ready to remember the People’s Princess by exchanging objects relating to this royal figure dating back to the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

Anniversaries of any kind always impact interest, especially in the active royals and celebrity markets. This anniversary remembers the work of a humanitarian and celebrity of the late 20th century.

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Ph.D. antiques appraiser, author and award-winning TV personality, Dr. Lori appeared on "The Curse of Oak Island" on History Channel. She offers appraisals and advice at www.DrLoriV.comandwww.Youtube.com/DrLoriV. Visit www.DrLoriV.comor call (888) 431-1010.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Arts & Antiques: Princess Diana inspired many collectibles