From Cleopatra to The Devil Wears Prada, Lillie Langtry’s necklace takes centre stage at Hancocks London

Historic royal necklace given by Edward VII to his mistress returns home after travelling around the world and Hollywood stardom

A piece of British history with ties to royalty, stage, and screen has returned home after an extraordinary journey around the world.

The Lillie Langtry necklace, made by Hancocks & Co. and dated circa 1870s, has captured imaginations for over a century and now, first after appearing on stage in the West End in the late 1800s, then travelling to America, and subsequently being worn by Meryl Streep in the film The Devil Wears Prada. It has now returned home to Hancocks London, the jewellers that originally made it following a commission from the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII).

Guy Burton, Managing Director, Hancocks London, says: “The Prince of Wales commissioned Hancocks to make this piece for his mistress at the time, Lillie Langtry, who was regarded as one of the most glamorous and beautiful society women of her era. He was known to be deeply enamoured with Ms Langtry and is believed to have presented her with the necklace during their time together, marking it as a token of affection from a royal admirer.

The necklace’s illustrious journey did not end with Langtry’s stage career. In 2003, it was put up for auction by a private vendor whose grandmother received it as a gift from the actress. Hancocks London was the highest bidder, and it returned to its original home for the first time. It then made a memorable appearance in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, worn by Meryl Streep in her role as the formidable fashion editor Miranda Priestly, introducing the historic piece to a new generation and adding a layer of Hollywood glamour to its rich provenance.

Hancocks London later sold the necklace to an American collector and, after a life as varied and storied as the woman who once wore it, more than 15 years later, the jeweller has re-acquired for the second time to add to its own historic archive.

To coincide with the West End production of The Devil Wears Prada, the necklace will be on display at Hancocks London from early October in the Sackville Gallery at Hancocks London located at 62 St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LY.

Designed as a graduated fringe featuring motifs such as a winged enamel scarab, a large faience scarab, and a carved carnelian shell, it boasts tassels of coral drops, Ram’s heads, turquoise cabochons, and carved moonstones. A patterned yellow gold neck chain with a serpent’s head clasp completes the necklace, which is still housed in its original Hancocks’ brown leather fitted case stamped with

The Queen (Victoria) and the Prince and Princess of Wales’ royal warrants.

According to family sources, the necklace was worn by Lillie Langtry as Cleopatra on the opening night of Anthony and Cleopatra at the Princess Theatre in 1890. It was later replaced by a larger stage copy for her continued performances.

Hollywood calling….. 

The necklace’s illustrious journey did not end with Langtry’s stage career. In 2003, it was put up for auction by a private vendor whose grandmother received it as a gift from the actress. Hancocks London was the highest bidder, and it returned to its original home for the first time. 3

It then made a memorable appearance in the 2006 film The Devil Wears Prada, worn by Meryl Streep in her role as the formidable fashion editor Miranda Priestly, introducing the historic piece to a new generation and adding a layer of Hollywood glamour to its rich provenance.

Hancocks London later sold the necklace to an American collector and, after a life as varied and storied as the woman who once wore it, more than 15 years later, the jeweller has re-acquired for the second time to add to its own historic archive.

Guy Burton adds: “We’re delighted to have this storied necklace back where it all started, bringing with its tales of royal romance, theatrical triumph, and silver screen stardom. Its homecoming marks a poignant chapter in a narrative that spans centuries, continents, and the evolving tapestry of fashion and society.”

To coincide with the West End production of The Devil Wears Prada, the necklace will be on display at Hancocks London from early October in the Sackville Gallery at Hancocks London located at 62 St James’s Street, London SW1A 1LY.