Access to the British Crown Jewels hasn’t stopped the Duchess of Cambridge from supporting affordable jewellery brands. The royal’s fine jewellery favourites from Kiki McDonough, Annoushka, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, along with—of course—loans from the Queen’s collection, are reserved for special occasions. But for everyday wear the Duchess has acquired a jewellery box brimming with accessible brands.
Eye-catching pieces by Monica Vinader, Missoma and Catherine Zoraida have all received the royal seal of approval; chosen for jet-setting royal tours, charity visits and—during the pandemic—many a Zoom appointment. “Kate shows that you can look elegant and put-together on any budget,” says British Vogue’s jewellery and watch director, Rachel Garrahan. “Just as many of us mix fine jewellery with fashion pieces, she does the same for a little added colour or drama.”
Glistening earrings from London Fashion Week veteran Simone Rocha—who is set to release her highly-anticipated collaboration with H&M in March—also feature in Kate’s expansive collection: she was pictured wearing a pearly pair in a portrait to mark her 39th birthday, and she donned the Irish designer’s elongated crystal earrings for a garden party in 2017.
Tempted to try out some of Kate’s favourites on your next Zoom? Look no further for the lowdown on the affordable jewellery brands she loves.
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Wimbledon-worthy earrings
Kate’s animated court-side facial expressions weren’t the only eye-catching element of her 2015 Wimbledon appearance: she accessorised her striking L.K. Bennett dress with a pair of trio-hoop Lolita earrings from Mirabelle Jewellery.
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Colourful stones
Monica Vinader’s mesmerising green Siren earrings have been given regular outings by the Duchess. Above, she is seen wearing them during a visit to the Sayers Croft Forest School and Wildlife Garden in October 2018.
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Statement pearls
Kate has worn pearly earrings from Swedish brand In2Design on the same date for two years running – first during a royal visit to Sweden in January 2018, then again the following year on 14 July, which happens to be the Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden’s birthday.
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Subtle stones
Various jewels from Missoma take pride of place in the Duchess’s jewellery box, including a pair of rhodochrosite gold mini pyramid charm hoop earrings that she wore for a visit to East London in November last year.
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Namesake jewellery
Azuni’s drop stone earrings have become known as the “Kate” earring in the brand’s HQ. A bestseller from the elegant Athena collection, Kate’s dainty gemstones boast a 24-karat gold-plated disc and aqua chalcedony drop stone.
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Flora-inspired pieces
Colombian jeweller Catherine Zoraida has been keeping Kate in gold jewellery over the years. She wore a shapely pair of fern earrings for a trip to Northern Ireland in February 2020.
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High-street bargain
Perhaps the most inexpensive pieces in her collection, Kate wore a pair of £5 Filigree earrings from Accessorize at the opening of the Back To Nature garden in autumn 2019.
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Layered necklace
For a summer visit to Battersea park in September last year, the Duchess opted for a double-chain necklace by Welsh brand Spells of Love, founded by Hayley Jones. The previous month, she was seen wearing angular hoop earrings by the same brand for a visit to Barry Island.
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Spells of Love
Double strand beaded satellite chain necklace, £85, available at Spellsoflove.co.uk
