Princess Diana's diamond-encrusted handbag is up for sale

Princess Diana had a great many friends. But one of her best friends, designer Lana Marks, provided her with a woman’s greatest accessory: a handbag.

The South African accessories designer was asked by the royal to create a special handbag in 1995. Taking on the challenge, Lana came up with a truly unique design.

The small top-handle tote was made out of crocodile skin in a deep emerald hue and featured several small diamonds.

Diana was so pleased with the result that she ended up buying 15 of the chic bags.

To remember her late friend on the 20th anniversary of her death, Lana has updated the design, adding an 18 carat gold heart clasp encrusted with 225 white diamonds.

The bag is now set to be sold at a Beverly Hills auction for between £15,000 and £30,000.

Lana, who says she wanted to do “something special” to remember her friend, is sure that Diana “would love the bag.”

“It reminds me of her,” she told SWNS. “The heart is particularly soft and rounded. It may appear very simple but it is not.

“She was the princess of hearts. I want people to remember this beautiful person. She was somebody who inspired.”

Since Diana’s tragic death in a car accident in 1997, Lana has created luxury handbags for several more A-listers including Kate Winslet, Angelina Jolie and Helen Mirren.

“When Lana Marks and Princess Diana met they became friends instantly,” commented the director of luxury accessories at Heritage Auctions, Diane D’Amato.

“They had a very special relationship. They would call and speak to each other. It was much more than just a business relationship.

“We have never done this before and Lana Marks has never created a bag like this before. This is honouring Diana’s memory and we are expecting a lot of interest.”

If you’re interested in securing a piece of fashion history, the bag will go under the hammer at Heritage Auctions in Beverly Hills, California on September 26. Bidding kicks off on September 5 with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross; a charity close to Diana’s heart.

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