August 31st will mark the 20th Anniversary of the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, one of the most iconic women of the last century. In honour of her death anniversary, we are featuring 20 of her most iconic jewels. Today’s feature is her Saudi Sapphire Choker-

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Made from parts of a suite given as a wedding present from the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, an oval sapphire from the ring was set in the diamond sunray frame of the watch and became the centrepiece of a choker of midnight-blue velvet backed with Velcro.  On either side of the sapphire is a chain of small diamonds, three deep, which runs halfway round the choker.

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One of the earliest appearances was at a ballet performance in 1985…

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… which was followed by another appearance, with the Spencer Tiara and the same velvet lace gown, for a state dinner in Melbourne.

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The most famous appearance of the Saudi Sapphire Choker was when the Princess of Wales wore the piece as a headband at a dinner hosted by Emperor Hirohito at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo in 1986.

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In 1987, the Princess of Wales, wore her choker with a navy blue Murray Arbeid gown and shocking pink long gloves for a performance of the Phantom of the Opera.

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The last known appearance of the choker was at an event in Cardiff in 1995. It has not been seen since, and IMHO, it is unlikely to be seen again because the style for wearing chokers (popular in the 80s and 90s) has gone out of fashion.