Why Kate Middleton's jewellery box is a tribute to Diana

Publish Date
Tuesday, 22 August 2017, 4:19PM
Photo / Getty

Photo / Getty

It is no secret that the impressive engagement ring that Prince William presented to Kate in 2010 had previously belonged to his mother, Princess Diana.

However, the glistening sapphire and diamond rock is not the only tribute the Duchess of Cambridge makes to her late mother-in-law.

It seems that Kate's jewellery box is littered with hand-me-down pieces belonging to the Princess of Wales as well as items she has been inspired to buy because of Diana.

From the iconic tiara that has been passed down through generations of royals to the necklace that new mother Kate purchased after seeing Diana's - here FEMAIL reveal the Duchess' most sentimental accessories.

THE SECOND HAND BRACELET BELOVED BY BOTH WOMEN 

The Duchess of Cambridge was pictured wearing an elegant pearl bracelet during a reception at Berlin's Clärchens Ballhaus on their final night of their royal tour of Germany in July.



Images: Getty

Milne and his wife Cherry decided to produce several pieces of jewellery with proceeds of the sales going to charity BIRTHRIGHT, of which Diana is patron.

One of the pieces was the bracelet that could be seen adorning Kate's wrist and that Diana wore on several occasions including at the Birthright Ball in 1989 and with her iconic Catherine Walker ‘Elvis’ dress.

On his website the British jeweller writes: 'I am delighted to see in the national press that the Duchess of Cambridge chose to wear one of her late mother-in-law's favourite pearl and diamond bracelets on the Royal Tour in Germany last week.

'This look was very typical of the style of jewellery that we were making at that time. The Princess of Wales was the most wonderful inspiration for us jewellers in that she wore her jewellery with such style and panache.'

THE FAMILY HEIRLOOM TIARA

Despite her title it is a rare occasion to see the Duchess of Cambridge in a tiara, however, when the occasion does arise, there is one crown that Kate seems to favour. 

Her royal highness is most often seen in a pearl Cambridge Lover's Knot tiara a piece beloved by William's late mother, Diana, Princess of Wales.

The tiara was made by Royal jewellers Garrard in 1914 to Queen Mary's personal design, from pearls and diamonds already in her family's possession.

It was a copy of one owned by her grandmother, Princess Augusta of Hesse, who married the first Duke of Cambridge, seventh son of King George III, in 1818.

In her will Queen Mary left the tiara to to the Queen who wore it frequently, including at an evening event in 1955.

In 1981 she gave it as a wedding present to Prince William's mother, Diana, who wore it for the first time at the state opening of parliament that November.

Diana also wore the tiara in 1985 on an official visit to Washington with Prince Charles. And since her death the glistening head piece has been worn by the Duchess of Cambridge who was most recently spotted wearing it at the state dinner during Queen Letizia and King Felipe VI's visit. 

THE ENGAGEMENT RING THAT GOT A SECOND CHANCE 

The ring Prince William gave to Kate Middleton in late 2010 is among the most famous in the world. Lady Diana Spencer chose it for her engagement to Prince Charles in 1981 from a selection presented to her by the then Crown jewellers, Garrard of Mayfair. 

The statement piece consists of an oval 12-carat Ceylon sapphire surrounded by a cluster of 14 solitaire diamonds set in white gold. 

It cost £28,500 in 1981, but its legacy as the engagement ring worn by both Princess Diana and the Duchess of Cambridge makes it priceless.  

Unusually for a member of the Royal Family, it was not unique and any member of the public could buy the same ring from the Garrard catalogue. 

Source: Daily Mail.




 

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