Why Kate Middleton’s Jubilee Diamond and Pearl earrings are so special

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 regularly wear them for big events? 

Most recently, on the Queen's 95th birthday, Kate wore the glitzy earrings along with a black D&G coat as she joined husband Prince William on a tour of the 282 East Ham Squadron Air Training Corps.

However, Kate also wore the diamond and pearl drop earrings on her first solo engagement to the Netherlands in 2016. 

So what do we know about these earrings?

The diamond and pearl drop earrings actually belong to the Queen, with Kate borrowing the earrings in honour of her birthday. Queen Elizabeth was first seen wearing the earrings in 1977, while celebrating her silver jubilee. 

This is not the only Kate's chosen sentimental jewelry in the past few weeks. For Prince Philip's funeral, she wore a four-strand pearl and diamond choker, also borrowed from the Queen.

The necklace was originally gifted to the Queen from Japan in the 1970s and she wore it frequently. Interestingly, she also lent the piece to Princess Diana for one of her first royal engagements.

Kate also wore the Queen's Bahrain Pearl Earrings, made from pearls gifted to the Queen on the event of her wedding to Philip in 1947. The earrings contain a large round diamond with a smaller circle diamond hanging below it. Three baguette diamonds hang from there, with three more small diamonds making way to the dangling pearl.

Why are pearls used in sentimental jewellery? 

Pearls symbolise loyalty, integrity, generosity, and purity, making them a fitting choice for the Duchess, who is known to have a close relationship with the Queen. 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. 

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