When Lady Diana Spencer became the wife of Prince Charles on July 29, 1981, she was showered with gifts from royal houses all over the world. The most significant among them was the astonishing sapphire-and-diamond set from King Fahd of Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Sapphire Suite consisted of a statement sapphire and diamond necklace, matching earrings, rings, and bracelets, all matching her engagement ring. But the most astonishing part of this jewel tale is what happened to it after it entered Diana’s jewellery box.
What happened to the Saudi Sapphire Suite after Diana’s demise?
She wore it around her neckline sometimes, but mostly as a headband. (Image Credits: Pinterest) The majority of Diana’s jewellery collection was handed down to her children, Prince William and Prince Harry, after she passed away in 1997.
The key element or gemstone of the necklace was the large Burmese sapphire surrounded by baguette diamonds, and everything around it simply felt vague. (Image Credits: Pinterest) A set of statement sapphire earrings complemented the necklace’s design, featuring sapphires surrounded by diamonds in both pieces of jewellery, according to jewellery historian Leslie Field. Rather than a traditional metal strap, the watch was said to have seven oval sapphires set in clusters of diamonds on its strap. The focal point of the necklace was a huge Burmese sapphire framed by baguette diamonds apparently arranged in the form of pointed ribbons. A diamond chain carrying the sapphire pendant hung from it, making a lavish necklace. Diana wore them in several combinations, which are now owned by the current Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton. Its versatility became very important, as even decades later, it is being worn with different components and has survived even after Diana’s demise. (Image Credits: Pinterest) The set also included a beautiful sapphire ring with diamond detailing. In comparison to Diana’s much-publicised engagement ring, this was not the one given with her marriage. It represented another segment of the wedding-gift set from the Saudi Arabian king. She also owned a two-row bracelet consisting of sapphires and diamonds with brilliant-cut stones and a central statement motif. (Image Credits: Pinterest) The watch was possibly the most remarkable part of the jewellery set. Framed by diamond rays, it was indeed a fine example of royal jewellery from the 1980s. (Image Credits: Pinterest) Diana was never thought to be someone who would keep jewellery in its original state. She would often wear jewellery in unusual ways, and the same went for the Saudi suite. She turned the sapphire necklace choker into a stunning forehead headband, featuring the sapphire ring at the very centre. The Saudi sapphire set is with Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, after she received some jewels from Diana’s collection. This allowed the set to have a new role. Kate’s style is clearly different from Diana’s. Kate carries a more minimalistic styling of the Saudi sapphires. (Image Credits: Pinterest) While Diana preferred bold pieces.
