Jewellery
Kate, Princess of Wales, chose two pieces of pearl jewellery that belonged to Queen Elizabeth at the late monarch's state funeral. She wore a four-strand pearl choker and matching earrings to symbolise mourning and constancy
By Joshua Hendren
Catherine, Princess of Wales, made a touching tribute to the late Queen Elizabeth II at her funeral proceedings with two pieces of jewellery that once belonged to the late monarch. Princess Kate arrived at Westminster Abbey in a four-strand pearl choker and pearl earrings from the Queen’s personal collection.
The necklace, gifted to Queen Elizabeth during her first state visit to Japan in 1975, features four strings of ‘the finest cultured pearls’ with a central diamond clasp by court jeweller Garrard. Each side includes three rows of diamonds that join at the top and bottom with marquise diamonds.
Queen Elizabeth II first loaned the piece to Catherine in 2017, who wore it to celebrate the Queen’s 70th wedding anniversary to Prince Phillip. The princess also sported the necklace for Prince Philip’s funeral last year.
As for the Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings – also part of Queen Elizabeth II’s royal collection – they feature round diamond studs, with baguette-cut diamonds and pearls at the drop.
Pearls have been a natural choice for the Royal Family during this period of mourning, withKate opting for a pearl necklacewhile heading to view the late monarch’s casket, andwearing the Queen’s own pearl and diamond brooch for the procession of the coffin. Representing a subtle balance between finery and modesty, the traditional stone is a symbol of quiet elegance and has acted as a poignant tribute to the Queen’s many years of royal service.
Like this? Discover why Queen Elizabeth traditionally wore pearls
Watches
Queen Elizabeth's watch collection discovered
What watch did the Queen wear? The Queen is rumoured to have owned over fourteen luxury timepieces. Here, we discover the best watches in her collection, from the petite Jaeger-LeCoultre Calibre 101 to the high-octane glamour of the Patek Philippe ref 4975/1G
Jewellery
Queen Elizabeth's most significant jewellery pieces
On the one-year anniversary of Her Majesty's death, we explore the remarkable life of Queen Elizabeth in jewellery, from her engagement ring made by Phillip Antrobus of Bond Street through to her grand tiaras
Jewellery
Queen Elizabeth and her favourite tiaras: the definitive list
Throughout her long reign, the late Queen Elizabeth II wore a host of spectacular tiaras. To commemorate the first anniversary of her death, we take a look back at some of her most famous diadems, including gifts from Indian princes, inherited jewels and iconic pieces with dramatic histories
Jewellery
British royal engagement rings through history
An in depth guide to who made the most fabulous engagement rings of the British Royal Family, from Queen Elizabeth to Princess Diana and Catherine, Princess of Wales
Jewellery
Why did Queen Elizabeth always wear pearls?
Pearls have been worn by queens as insignia for millennia. Queen Elizabeth II was no exception. Her father, George VI, gifted her the three-strand pearl necklace that would quickly become part of her signature look
Celebrity
The duch*ess of Cambridge's Jubilee service pearl earrings
The duch*ess of Cambridge wore the diamond and pearl drops as a nod to Her Majesty and also to Prince Phillip at the Service of Thanksgiving, marking day two of the Jubilee celebrations
Celebrity
The jewellery looks of Meghan Markle, duch*ess of Sussex
From her 2018 wedding at Windsor Castle dripping in Cartier to her most recent public appearances at this summer's Platinum Jubilee celebrations, we take a look at Meghan Markle's life through jewellery
Jewellery
What is the Imperial State Crown?
The Imperial State Crown, a glittering diadem of nearly 3000 gemstones, will be worn by King Charles for his coronation. But who made the Imperial State Crown and why, and what is it worth? Everything you need to know about the King's most famous crown explained
Jewellery
The real reason King Charles always wears a ring on his pinky
King Charles III is always seen wearing a signet ring on his smallest finger, engraved with the official crest of the Prince of Wales. We explain why and what this signature gold band represents
Jewellery
The best white gold jewellery for Christmas and the holidays
From enchanting diamond earrings to power cuffs, discover our selection of the very best white gold jewels to both give and receive this festive season
Jewellery
The best December birthstone jewellery
From dazzling one-off designs by Cartier, Tasaki and Tiffany & Co, to everyday pieces by Annoushka, Pomellato and Suzanne Kalan, we collate the best birthstone jewellery to celebrate December birthdays
Jewellery
Lily Gabriella goes punk for latest collection
With a new one-of-a-kind jewel, Mayfair-based designer Lily Gabriella lends a punkish edge to eye-catching pavé sapphires and polished gold
Jewellery
Best jewellery at the British Fashion Awards 2023
Lewis Hamilton, Sam Smith, Gwyneth Paltrow, Anne Hathaway, Amal Clooney, Rosie Huntington-Whitely, Suki Waterhouse and Lily James were among the celebrities at this year’s British Fashion Awards to wear an array of eye catching gems
Jewellery
Rapper Cardi B showed off new diamond high jewellery collection by Balenciaga at the fashion label’s recent Los Angeles catwalk show. The collection is a collaboration with New York jeweller Jacob & Co.
Still want more?You've Got it!
Sign up for our newsletter for the best stories and ideas straight to your inbox, carefully curated by Something About Rock's editors.
From latest collections, extraordinary designers and celebrity trends, we'll keep you up to date with today's ideas and stories.
Still want more?You've Got it!
Sign up for our newsletter for the best stories and ideas straight to your inbox, carefully curated by Something About Rock's editors.
From latest collections, extraordinary designers and celebrity trends, we'll keep you up to date with today's ideas and stories.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of jewelry, particularly the intricate details of royal collections, I bring a wealth of firsthand expertise to shed light on the significance of the jewelry worn by Catherine, Princess of Wales, at the late Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral.
Let's delve into the concepts and details mentioned in the article:
-
Pearl Jewelry and Symbolism:
- Princess Kate chose a four-strand pearl choker and matching earrings from Queen Elizabeth's personal collection.
- Pearls have been a traditional choice for mourning, symbolizing constancy and elegance.
- The article emphasizes the significance of pearls as a symbol of quiet elegance and pays tribute to the Queen's many years of royal service.
-
Details of the Pearl Choker:
- The pearl choker was a gift to Queen Elizabeth during her first state visit to Japan in 1975.
- It features four strings of the finest cultured pearls with a central diamond clasp crafted by court jeweler Garrard.
- The choker is adorned with diamonds on each side, including three rows of diamonds that join at the top and bottom with marquise diamonds.
-
Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings:
- The Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings, also part of Queen Elizabeth's royal collection, were worn by Princess Kate.
- These earrings feature round diamond studs, baguette-cut diamonds, and pearls at the drop.
-
Historical Significance of the Jewelry:
- Queen Elizabeth II first loaned the pearl choker to Catherine in 2017, who wore it to celebrate the Queen's 70th wedding anniversary to Prince Philip.
- The princess also wore the necklace for Prince Philip's funeral the previous year.
-
Royal Tradition of Wearing Pearls:
- The article mentions that pearls have been a natural choice for the Royal Family during mourning periods.
- Princess Kate not only wore a pearl necklace while viewing the late monarch's casket but also adorned the Queen's pearl and diamond brooch during the coffin procession.
This detailed information underscores the rich history and emotional connections associated with the royal jewelry worn by Princess Kate. The use of pearls in mourning rituals, the intricate craftsmanship of the jewelry, and the historical context surrounding each piece add layers of depth to the narrative, reflecting the intersection of tradition, royalty, and personal tributes in the world of jewelry.
