Kate Middleton has been spotted on numerous occasions wearing a pair of stunning diamond and pearl drop earrings.
But what makes these earrings so special and why does she tend to wear them for big events?
Fine jewellery experts at Steven Stone have done some digging and revealed everything there is to know about them.
The diamond and pearl drop earrings actually belonged to Queen Elizabeth II.
The late monarch was first seen wearing the small pear drops suspended from a diamond stud in 1977, while celebrating her silver jubilee.
Kate first borrowed the jewels from Queen Elizabeth II during a tour of Canada, before sporting them during her first solo overseas visit without Prince William – which was to the Netherlands in October 2016.
They obviously have sentimental value for Kate as she was also seen wearing them at a Remembrance Day event in 2020
The Princess of Wales most notably wore the earrings for a series of occasions following the late Queen’s passing in September 2022.
Kate was first seen donning the jewels in Sandringham where her and Prince William toured the 30,000 flower bouquets, balloons, notes and other tributes left by well-wishers in Queen Elizabeth II’s honour
The earrings were also part of Kate’s attire when she joined the royals to receive the Queen’s coffin at Buckingham Palace.
And finally, she wore them while greeting Commonwealth troops, who had arrived in the United Kingdom to take part in the state funeral,
“Kate Middleton has been known to make subtle nods to the late monarch – who was renowned for her lifelong love of pearls – by wearing either pearl earrings or a pearl necklace.
Originally worn by Her Majesty during her Silver Jubilee in 1977, this particular pair of diamond and pearl earrings are always a particularly sentimental choice from Kate as Queen Elizabeth II loaned them to her for her first solo trip abroad in 2016.
The Princess of Wales touchingly wore the earrings for a series of occasions following the late monarch’s passing last September – most notably when she joined the royals to receive her coffin at Buckingham Palace.
The earrings are often mistaken for those that Queen Mary gifted to her beloved granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II as a wedding present in 1947. The only noticeable difference is that those feature round pearls, rather than teardrop pearls.
I’d estimate the earrings to be worth £10,000.”
maxwell stone, creative director, steven stone
Why are pearls used in sentimental jewellery?
Pearls symbolise loyalty, integrity, generosity, and purity, making them a fitting choice for the Princess of Wales, who was known to have a close relationship with the former monarch.
Pearls also represent wisdom gained through experience.
The gems of the sea are believed to offer protection to the wearer, as well as attract good luck and wealth.
If you’re looking for jewellery to rival royalty, our team can design bespoke creations, tailored to you. From engagement rings and wedding rings to necklaces and pendants, your options are endless.
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