The Queen’s Sparkling Sapphire Tiara in Pakistan

In October 1997, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh made a state visit to Pakistan, timed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the nation’s independence. There, they were hosted by President Farooq Leghari for a state dinner, where she discussed the links between Pakistan and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. “I pay tribute here to the work in Pakistan during the life of Diana, Princess of Wales,” she said during her remarks at the dinner. “It has been a source of comfort and strength to know that people around the world, including here, have shared our grief at Diana’s tragic, early death.”

The Queen met with a range of Pakistani dignitaries during the state dinner, including the late Benazir Bhutto.

For the dinner, the Queen wore one of her white evening gowns—by then a trademark of her diplomatic style—with the green and white sash of the Order of Pakistan. She also wore diamonds and sapphires from her personal jewelry collection. Her tiara, the Belgian Sapphire Tiara, is a converted necklace that once belonged to Princess Louise of Belgium. The Queen purchased the necklace and had it renovated to be worn as a tiara in the 1960s.

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With the tiara, the Queen wore the King George VI Sapphires, a wedding gift from her father. The set, which dates to the nineteenth century, originally included earrings and a necklace. Over time, the Queen has tinkered with the set, shortening the necklace and adding a pendant to the jewel, as well as adding a bracelet to coordinate with the suite. She also wears a coordinating sapphire and diamond ring. (This photograph, FYI, is mirrored.)

You get a good look at the sapphire and diamond bracelet in this photograph. She also secured her order sash with the Dorset Bow Brooch, one of Queen Mary’s wedding presents, and wore diamond rings on her left hand.