Princess Delphine of Belgium Finds New Hope and Designs Jewelry Collection After Near-Death Experience
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A near-fatal battle with illness and a challenging adolescence have reshaped the outlook of Princess Delphine of Belgium, who recently unveiled a collaborative jewelry collection in Zurich while reflecting on life’s fragility and the importance of embracing the present.
Princess Delphine, 57, was in Zurich for the first time, though her connection to Switzerland extends back to her teenage years. Her visit, nearly derailed by flight complications – “It was a bit of a horror trip, I’m afraid of flying,” she shared – was centered around the launch of a jewelry line created in partnership with the Belgian brand, Baunat Eternal Bloom. From the Hotel Dolder Grand, she admired the view of the Alps, enthusiastically declaring, “What a beautiful view!”
From Party Girl to Artist: A Life Transformed
The princess’s life took a dramatic turn at age 27 when she fell into a coma due to meningococcal disease, a bacterial infection causing aggressive meningitis. “I was in a coma from one day to the next,” she recounted, describing a year-long struggle with her health. The experience fundamentally altered her perspective. “I don’t want to sound morbid, but since my near-death experience… I’m no longer a fan of putting things off,” she stated. This newfound urgency fuels her artistic pursuits and her desire to live fully.
Today, Princess Delphine is a recognized artist, known for her vibrant paintings and sculptures. She brought her artistic vision to Zurich, presenting her collection alongside Baunat’s designs.
The Eternal Bloom Collection: A Symbol of Love and Hope
At the heart of the six-piece jewelry collection is the rose, a symbol Princess Delphine has been exploring in her work for several years. “I have been devoting myself to the topic of love for several years,” she explained. “I want to prevent myself from becoming bitter as I get older… love is more in demand than ever. We need hope to survive.” The pieces, crafted with natural diamonds, range in price, with a ring costing approximately 7,000 Swiss francs.
The collaboration with Baunat was described as a fortunate alignment. “I grew up in England, but I always saw my home Belgium as a country full of talent,” Princess Delphine enthused, noting that Belgian creativity is often understated. Steven Boelens, co-founder of Baunat, agreed, adding with a laugh, “We are even more modest than the Swiss.”
A Difficult Past at Le Rosey Boarding School
While enjoying the cultural offerings of Zurich – with plans to visit local art galleries – Princess Delphine also reflected on a less positive experience with Switzerland during her youth. She attended the prestigious Le Rosey boarding school on Lake Geneva as a teenager, sent there because, as she put it, “I wasn’t a good student and didn’t learn much.” However, she left mid-year due to a pervasive environment of drug use. “There were a lot of drugs being taken at the time. If you didn’t participate, you weren’t cool,” she revealed.
Despite this challenging period, Princess Delphine has fond memories of Switzerland, having enjoyed skiing holidays in Zermatt and visits to Basel and Lausanne. She even confessed a preference for Swiss chocolate, particularly Toblerone, in the ongoing debate over Belgian versus Swiss confectionery.
Ethical Diamonds and a Legacy of Quality
Addressing concerns surrounding the ethics of natural diamonds, Boelens explained that the situation is nuanced. He pointed out that laboratory-grown diamonds are energy-intensive to produce, while Baunat utilizes solar energy to minimize its environmental impact. He also highlighted the positive impact of diamond mining in countries like Botswana, which he described as one of the ten wealthiest nations in Africa thanks to the industry.
Princess Delphine emphasized the enduring quality of natural diamonds, stating, “I wanted to create pieces of jewelry that I could pass on.” She noted that her children prioritize high-quality, vintage items over fast fashion, reinforcing her commitment to creating lasting pieces.
The jewelry collection is initially limited to eight of each piece, with plans for wider accessibility in the future. Princess Delphine’s journey, marked by adversity and transformation, continues to inspire her artistic endeavors and her dedication to finding beauty and hope in the world.
