Kate Middleton, the Duchess of Cambridge, has long been admired for her impeccable style and grace. One element that consistently captivates royal enthusiasts and fashionistas alike is her exquisite collection of jewelry. From heirloom pieces with a rich history to modern creations that showcase her evolving taste, Kate's jewelry choices have become an integral part of her public persona. In this blog, we will delve into the iconic jewelry adorning the Duchess and explore the stories behind these precious gems that have become symbols of elegance, tradition, and royal heritage.
Gold wedding band
The traditional gold wedding band that sits neatly beside the duchess’s engagement ring was made from the royal family’s collection of Welsh yellow gold and is similar to the same worn by both the Queen Mother and Queen Elizabeth II.
The Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace
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One of the most mesmerising additions to Kate's jewelry collection is the Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace, also known as the Queen's necklace. This diamond necklace with a stunning pendant was a gift from the Nizam of Hyderabad to Queen Elizabeth II in 1947. Decades later, the Queen loaned the necklace to Kate Middleton for a diplomatic reception at Buckingham Palace. The historic piece, with its art-deco design and intricate details, adds a touch of vintage glamour to Kate's ensemble, showcasing her ability to seamlessly blend tradition with contemporary style.
The Lover's Knot Tiara
The Lover's Knot Tiara, also known as the Cambridge Lover's Knot Tiara, is a piece of royal history that holds a special place in Kate Middleton's collection. Originally commissioned by Queen Mary in 1914, the tiara was later passed down to Queen Elizabeth II. In 1981, it found its way to Princess Diana, who frequently wore it to various events. Following Diana's tragic death, the tiara returned to the royal vaults until it was eventually borrowed by Kate. The timeless design, featuring a series of diamond arches and suspended pearls, embodies both grace and tradition. Kate has worn the Lover's Knot Tiara on several occasions, paying homage to her late mother-in-law while adding her own modern touch to this regal accessory.
The Cartier Halo Tiara
Another notable tiara in Kate Middleton's collection is the Cartier Halo Tiara. This elegant piece, made in 1936 and purchased by King George VI for the Queen Mother, was later gifted to Queen Elizabeth II on her 18th birthday. Kate chose to wear the Cartier Halo Tiara on her wedding day in 2011, making it a symbol of the beginning of a new chapter in her life as a member of the royal family. The tiara's delicate design, featuring a series of scroll motifs set with diamonds, perfectly complemented Kate's bridal ensemble, creating a look that is both timeless and contemporary.
The Festoon necklace
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Commissioned by King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II’s Festoon necklace features 105 loose diamonds that her father inherited when he ascended the throne. Featuring three strands, the monarch wore the piece on numerous occasions throughout her life, from attending state banquets to posing for official portraits. The Princess of Wales paid tribute to Her late Majesty by wearing the piece for the official Coronation photograph when King Charles III officially assumed the throne on 6 May.
The four-row pearl and diamond choker necklace
Queen Elizabeth II commissioned royal jeweller Garrard to create this four-strand pearl and diamond choker, using pearls sourced from Japan, in the early 1980s. Princess Diana was loaned the piece for a state banquet in honour of Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands in 1982, while the current Princess of Wales has worn the necklace on several occasions, including for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s 70th wedding anniversary in 2017 and Her Majesty’s funeral in 2022.
The emerald tassel earrings
The Princess of Wales debuted Queen Elizabeth II’s emerald and diamond earrings during an evening reception in Jamaica in 2022, along with a matching bracelet. Both pieces are from Her late Majesty’s emerald tassel suite, which the monarch first wore at a state dinner held for Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates at London’s Claridge’s Hotel in 1989.
The Shamrock brooch
Loaned to members of the royal family by the Irish Guards in celebration of St. Patrick's Day, Kate first wore the piece in 2011 and is reported to have exclusively worn it since then. Believed to have been created by Cartier, the brooch features a single emerald at the centre of the textured leaves. Previously worn by the Queen Mother and Princess Anne also, Kate has worn the brooch on several visits to Northern Ireland as well as St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Bahrain pearl drop earrings
Having received the pearl drop earrings on an extended loan, Kate has worn them for various significant royal events. In June 2017, she wore them for the first day of Royal Ascot, pairing them with a white lace dress and coordinating hat. The earrings belonged to Queen Elizabeth II. According to People, the diamond-studded earrings were purportedly made from a seven-pearl shell that was given to The Queen as a wedding present by the Bahraini king in 1947.
Kate Middleton's iconic jewelry collection is a tapestry woven with threads of tradition, sentiment, and modern elegance. From the historic sapphire engagement ring to the regal tiaras passed down through generations, each piece tells a story and adds to the narrative of the Duchess of Cambridge. Kate's ability to seamlessly blend timeless classics with contemporary pieces has solidified her status as a style icon and a symbol of the modern monarchy. As she continues to make her mark on the world stage, one can only anticipate the future additions to her remarkable jewelry collection, each likely to carry its own unique tale of regal splendour.
