Chic Spotlight: “Diana, A Celebration”

“Diana, A Celebration” is on display at the Cincinnati Museum Center now through August 17, 2014

Cincy Chic: Tell us more about your involvement with the “Diana, A Celebration” exhibit at the Cincinnati Museum Center!
Lee Krombholz, Owner of Krombholz Jewelers: Diana, Princess of Wales and I were born on the same day! She is very special to me. It is an honor to be involved with the last time this exhibit will be shown anywhere in the world. Krombholz Jewelers adopted the title of “The Crown Jewelers of the Queen City” back in the 1980s. We are honored to serve Cincinnati families for 74 years. We work hard to earn their respect and trust, just like the jeweler of the Royal Family would.

Heather and Lee Krombholz of Krombholz Jewelers

Cincy Chic: We heard you designed a custom engagement ring similar to Princess Diana’s. Can you tell us about it?
Krombholz: Lady Diana Spencer and Charles, Prince of Wales, became engaged in February 1981. Her engagement ring consists of 14 round diamonds surrounding a 12-carat oval blue Ceylon sapphire set in 18-karat white gold. It was created by jeweler Garrard and cost at the time, 28,000 pounds sterling. The ring we made to raise money for the Museum Center was made in platinum and features an oval sapphire weighing 4.33ct surrounded by 14 diamonds totaling 1.5 carats. This was sold in advance of the Opening premiere for $15,000. With that successful sale, the Museum Center asked us to make another Diana inspired item, a matching pair of earrings. The earrings are set in white gold with two sapphires having a total weight 6.05ct surrounded by 28 diamonds totaling 1.40 carats. This was also sold in advance of the Premiere for $15,000.

Krombholz’s replica of Princess Diana’s engagement ring.

Cincy Chic: Do you have any Diana-inspired pieces at Krombholz Jewelers?
Krombholz: The earrings I designed were at the store until the Premiere Event. Also, our collection of estate jewelry usually includes many things that reflect the styles of the Royal Family.

Cincy Chic: Were you involved in any other special attraction at the museum?
Krombholz:I was honored to be the only Cincinnati jewelry designer to be included in the Museum Center’s “Gold” exhibit in 2010.

Cincy Chic: Where can readers go to learn more about the exhibit?
Krombholz: Readers can visit “Diana, A Celebration” exhibit website or stop by the Museum Center now through August 17, 2014 to check it out for yourself!