Princess Catherine of Wales maintains a diverse jewelry collection that spans from priceless royal heirlooms to budget-friendly high-street finds... Her accessories range from the iconic sapphire engagement ring once owned by Princess Diana to £2 earrings from Accessorize.
The £2 Accessorize earrings and Zara finds that humanize the monarchy
While the world often associates the British royal family with unattainable luxury, the Princess of Wales frequently blends high-end pieces with accessible fashion. According to the report, Catherine has worn shoulder-grazing earrings from Zara at the 2023 BAFTAs and "doorknocker" style earrings from Accessorize in 2022 that had been marked down to just £2 during a seasonal sale.
This "high-low" approach to dressing is a calculated move that mirrors a broader trend in internet culture known as "quiet luxury," where the focus shifts from loud logos to a curated mix of quality and accessibility. By wearing pieces that an average shopper could find at a mall, the Princess of Wales creates a bridge between the rigid formality of the crown and the daily lives of her audience.
The 12-carat Ceylon sapphire that links Catherine to Princess Diana
The most historically significant piece in the collection is the engagement ring given to Catherine in 2010 during a holiday in Kenya. As reported, the ring features a 12-carat oval Ceylon sapphire surrounded by 14 brilliant round solitaire diamonds set in white gold. The piece originally belonged to Princess Diana, and Prince William chose it to keep his late mother "sort of close to" the couple's new beginning.
The ring's provenance is a frequent topic of royal fascination, including a mention in a book by the Duke of Sussex, who clarified that he never gave the ring to his brother because it was not his to give.. For the Princess of Wales, the ring is more than a luxury asset; it is a symbolic weight that connects her to the legacy of the previous generation.
From Robinson Pelham oak leaves to personalized Daniella Draper initials
Beyond the royal vaults, Catherine favors jewelry that reflects her personal history and her role as a mother. her wedding earrings, a gift from her parents Carole and Michael Middleton, were crafted by Robinson Pelham. The design features diamond-set stylized oak leaves and acorns, which are direct references to the Middleton family's coat of arms.
The Princess also frequently wears "sentimental" jewelry to keep her children close. This includes a Midnight Moon Necklace from Daniella Draper featuring the initials of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. She has also been seen wearing a gold alphabet necklace from the same brand and a personalized piece from the independent business All The Falling Stars, which was gifted to her during a visit to Galway.
The £60,000 Art Deco set and Kiki McDonough 'push presents'
The collection also includes significant gifts from the royal inner circle. King Charles reportedly gifted his daughter-in-law an Art Deco diamond set—comprising a bracelet, earrings, and a ring—with an estimated value of £60,000. additionally , the Princess has received a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch from Prince William for their third wedding anniversary in 2014.
The Prince of Wales has also established a tradition of "push presents" following the births of their children. For Princess Charlotte in 2015, Catherine received green tourmaline, green amethyst, and diamond earrings by Kiki McDonough. Following the birth of Prince Louis in April 2018, she was gifted a citrine ring, which she later wore to Wimbledon.
Why a Victorian rose gold promise ring replaced the sapphire during chemotherapy
In 2024, observers noted a shift in the Princess's jewelry choices as she underwent chemotherapy treatment. She was seen wearing a rose gold Victorian band featuring pearls and garnets—the birthstone for Catherine. This promise ring, given by Prince William during their university days, is far more practical for daily wear than the 12-carat sapphire ring, which is typically removed during physical activities or hospital visits for health and safety reasons.
While the report highlights this switch as a practical choice during her medical treatent, it leaves a few questions unanswered. It remains unclear if the "new sparkling band" seen in 2024 is a separate gift from Prince William or a repurposed piece from the royal archives. Furthermore, the source does not specify if other heirlooms have been rotated out of her wardrobe during her period of recovery.
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