Fashion editor Suzy Menkes recently called the Princess of Wales’s use of the royal jewelry collection a “disappointment”, complaining that she only wears the jewelry “when she really has to”.
But Kate raiding the royal vault only for occasions like state banquets is a deliberate move.
Her love of demi-fine and even costume jewelry – something previous royals would never wear – is all about the “Kate effect.”
Whatever the princess wears flies off the shelves, and Kate chooses to use this power to defend British brands.
The past decade has seen the emergence of a bevy of female-founded mid-range jewelry designers, and the Princess has been at the forefront of their success.
The future queen with garnet earrings plated in gold? Not surprisingly.
Accessories
The iconic High Street store loved by teens and grandmas alike is a permanent fixture for Kate: the princess has worn Accessorize earrings four times.
A pair she wore on a museum visit in 2022 cost just £2.10. Earrings cheaper than your average coffee – who said royals don’t like bargains?
The current collection of beaded earrings rivals that of Oscar de la Renta.
Freya Rose
Originally established in 2010 as a shoe brand, founder Freya Rose made the crucial decision to design a complementary jewelry line as the pandemic hit shoe sales.
It was a risk that paid off. The Princess of Wales performed her first out-of-lockdown engagement – visiting Wolverhampton in May 2021 – wearing a pair of mini pearl hoops from the brand (£125).
She has since worn them two more times. Freya says: ‘Her Highness’ support brought us an influx of new recognition and sales in 2021, turning what could have been a disastrous year into an extraordinary year of growth.
I was able to invest in the marketing and wholesale development of the company in ways that were not possible in the past, growing our online reach globally.”
Who can turn around a business just by wearing a pair of branded earrings? Only Kate.
Emily Mortimer
Founder Emily Foskett says, “I always design with the idea that my pieces are for women to wear forever; be timeless with a contemporary look.’
In a fashion landscape dominated by a throwaway culture, this is an ethos that no doubt appealed to Kate, who is not a slave to a trend.
That said, Emily’s brand was born out of a desire to create jewelry that matches the different styles of her three sisters. As a result, there is something for everyone.
Classicists like the princess will go for the diamond designs, while chrysoprase – a vibrant green gemstone – and topaz will seduce modernists.
Kate chose the Hera earrings (main photo) for a visit to a maternity ward in October 2022.
Named after the goddess of womanhood and childbirth, they were a fitting nod to women’s empowerment.
Ashley Clarke
Design, innovation and color are the cornerstones of Astley Clarke.
Mainly working with precious stones – always semi-precious or precious – these are luxury jewelry made in a modern way.
The brand’s pricing is also decidedly modern, based on the belief that jewelry shouldn’t be saved for special occasions.
For maximalists, there are gobstopper cocktail rings in lavish colors; for the more understated, small gemstone necklaces like the lapis pendant favored by Kate – she’s worn it nine times since January 2021.
Monica Vinader
Headquartered in Holkham, just down the road from home in Anmer, Norfolk in Wales, Monica Vinader burst onto the scene in 2008 and revolutionized the way women shop for jewelry.
Many of her pieces are gold vermeil – sterling silver layered with 18kt gold. This technique gives the appearance of pure gold, but at a much lower price, creating a new niche in the market for ‘demi-fine jewelry.
Suddenly bling was democratized. Accessible and luxurious? It’s an oxymoron the Princess of Wales is on board with.
The brand’s Nura pearl necklace (£125) is a favorite of Kate’s, while she’s worn her green Siren earrings (also £125) on numerous occasions
Auree.
Amelia Carmichael’s company is named after her grandmother, whose middle name, Auree, means “golden” in Italian.
And the name perfectly captures the brand’s aesthetic: think dainty gold chains with flashes of color.
The choice of the Princess of Wales? A necklace and a pair of earrings featuring her January birthstone — she wore them in a Jubilee baking video.
Amelia called it a “wonderful surprise,” saying, “The Princess is a brilliant supporter of so many little British designers.
“Not only is this hugely encouraging for young brands, many of which are run by women and mothers, but it also brings such recognition and credibility to the UK jewelry industry.”
Style, affordability and the feel-good factor of supporting an independent brand? Triple check mark.
