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.
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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.