The Timeless Elegance of Princess Diana’s Iconic Sapphire and Pearl Chokers
Princess Diana, the beloved Princess of Wales, remains an enduring fashion icon whose impeccable style continues to inspire generations. Among the many pieces of jewelry she cherished, two chokers stand out as symbols of elegance, creativity, and historical significance: the iconic sapphire choker and the exquisite Spencer pearl choker. These treasures not only adorned her neck with radiant beauty but also told stories of sentiment, transformation, and legacy.
The Iconic Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Necklace
The sapphire choker necklace, often hailed as one of Diana’s most iconic pieces, originally began its journey as a dazzling brooch. Given to her as a wedding present by the Queen Mother, the breathtaking piece featured a striking duck-egg blue sapphire surrounded by two rows of sparkling diamonds. Originally designed as a brooch, the jewel epitomized the grandeur of royal adornments.
Diana first showcased the brooch in her early years as a member of the royal family. Notably, she wore it at a dinner at 11 Downing Street in February 1982, where it adorned the lace-trimmed neckline of her evening gown. Over time, Diana’s creative flair led her to reimagine the brooch as the centerpiece of a seven-strand pearl choker necklace, a transformation that perfectly blended royal tradition with contemporary elegance.
The sapphire choker reached its iconic status during Diana’s visit to the White House in 1985. Attending a glamorous dinner hosted by President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagan, Diana captivated the world in a midnight blue gown, with the choker radiating sophistication. That evening became legendary as she danced with Hollywood star John Travolta, an enchanting moment immortalized in photographs that remain etched in history. The sapphire necklace, shining against her graceful poise, came to symbolize romance, refinement, and timeless allure.
The versatility of the necklace reflected Diana’s ability to make royal jewels her own. Whether worn as a choker or returned to its original brooch form for special occasions, the piece accompanied her to countless events, each time exuding regal elegance. From royal banquets to charitable galas, the necklace stood as a testament to Diana’s impeccable taste and her unparalleled ability to reinvent classic pieces.
Diana’s last known appearance wearing the sapphire choker occurred in December 1996 at a high-profile event in New York City. Her poise and grace, as she stood alongside her friend Liz Tilberis, editor of Harper’s Bazaar, marked a fitting tribute to the necklace’s journey as a beloved accessory. Following Diana’s tragic passing, the fate of the iconic sapphire choker remained unknown, sparking speculation about its future custodian. Many anticipate it will one day grace the neck of another royal, such as the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, whose style and affinity for Diana’s sapphire engagement ring make her a natural successor.
The Spencer Pearl Choker: A Sentimental Favorite
Another cherished piece in Diana’s collection was the Spencer pearl choker, a gift bestowed upon her before her royal wedding. Symbolizing the dawn of her transition into royal life, the choker became a beloved staple in her early years as Princess of Wales. Consisting of delicate rows of pearls and a turquoise-clasp centerpiece, the choker exuded understated elegance.
Diana’s first public appearances with the Spencer choker reflected her radiant youth and emerging style. From intimate dinners to prestigious events such as Royal Ascot and Trooping the Colour, the choker complemented her ensembles with timeless grace. It became a constant companion during milestones like her honeymoon with Prince Charles in 1981, where she was photographed radiating bridal beauty as the choker enhanced her natural elegance.
The Spencer choker also bore witness to more personal moments in Diana’s life. During her first pregnancy in 1982, the choker graced her neckline as she carried herself with maternal poise, adding to the charm of her evolving role as mother and princess. It was during this period that the choker symbolized not only Diana’s grace but also her sense of continuity between her Spencer family roots and her new royal identity.
A significant turning point for the Spencer choker came in the mid-1980s, when Diana modified the clasp, replacing the turquoise with pearls. This subtle change reflected her growing maturity and evolving sense of fashion. The updated design seamlessly blended tradition with modern refinement, mirroring Diana’s ability to redefine royal style on her own terms.
While the Spencer pearl choker remained a treasured piece in Diana’s collection, its appearances became less frequent as her jewelry choices expanded to include more contemporary pieces. However, it made a rare yet poignant appearance in 1987 at a prestigious banquet at Claridge’s Hotel, where it served as a gentle reminder of Diana’s journey from a young bride to an established fashion icon.
A Lasting Legacy
Both the sapphire choker and the Spencer pearl choker remain powerful symbols of Diana’s legacy. The sapphire choker represents her creativity, romance, and the timeless glamour that enchanted the world, while the Spencer choker reflects her familial roots and enduring grace. Through these iconic pieces, Diana not only redefined royal fashion but also cemented her place in history as a style icon whose elegance transcends time.
Though Diana is no longer with us, her jewelry and the stories they tell continue to capture the public’s imagination. Whether worn by future royals or preserved as part of history, these cherished chokers stand as tangible reminders of a princess who combined tradition with individuality, leaving behind a legacy as radiant and enduring as the jewels she wore.
