Katherine has consistently honored her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, by wearing some of Diana's most iconic pieces of jewelry. Catherine brings these timeless items into a new era while preserving their original sentiment and significance.
Perhaps the most symbolic piece Katherine wears is her engagement ring—a stunning 12-carat oval blue sapphire surrounded by diamonds. Chosen by Princess Diana in 1981, this ring became one of the most recognizable symbols of her marriage to Prince Charles. When Prince William proposed to Catherine in 2010, he gave her his mother's ring, a deeply sentimental gesture connecting Catherine to Diana's legacy. The sapphire ring remains one of Catherine's most iconic accessories, often seen during important royal engagements. It serves as a striking tribute to Diana and signifies the bond between two women who have held the title of Princess of Wales.
Catherine has also been seen wearing various pieces of Diana’s pearl jewelry, which have become signatures in both women’s royal wardrobes. One notable piece is a three-strand pearl bracelet designed by Nigel Milne, which Diana wore with her famous "Elvis" dress, a pearl-embroidered Catherine Walker gown during her 1989 tour of Hong Kong. Catherine revived this bracelet during the G7 Summit in 2021, paying tribute to Diana's enduring influence.
Another stunning example of Katherine honoring Diana through jewelry is the diamond and South Sea pearl earrings. These earrings, featuring a diamond top with detachable pearls, were frequently worn by Diana in the 1990s. Catherine has reimagined this classic look by replacing the large pearls with smaller, more delicate ones, reflecting her preference for understated elegance. Her version of the earrings showcases her ability to honor the past while adapting it to her personal style, creating a modern royal look that still carries Diana’s essence.
One of the most famous pieces from Diana’s collection that Catherine has worn is the four-strand pearl choker with a central diamond clasp. Diana famously wore this choker in the 1980s, and it has since become a symbol of royal sophistication and heritage. Catherine donned this striking piece during Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022, pairing it with a somber black ensemble, evoking memories of Diana’s bold fashion choices at formal occasions. The choker represents more than just jewelry; it is a bridge between generations of royal women, with Catherine continuing to carry Diana’s legacy forward through fashion.
Another cherished item in Catherine’s royal wardrobe is the "Lovers Knot" tiara. Featuring pearls and diamonds, this tiara was one of Princess Diana’s favorites, often seen at state banquets and formal events. Since 2015, it has been loaned to Catherine for similar occasions, and she has worn it with the same grace and elegance that Diana once did. The tiara, originally made for Queen Mary in 1914, has a deep connection to royal history and now symbolizes continuity within the family.
Catherine’s choice to wear Princess Diana’s jewelry is a powerful tribute to a woman who left an indelible mark on the royal family and the world. Through her selection of these iconic pieces, Catherine not only keeps Diana’s memory alive but also showcases her own sense of style and respect for royal traditions. Whether it’s the sapphire engagement ring, the pearl earrings, or the stunning tiara, each piece tells a story of love, legacy, and the enduring bond between two generations of royal women. In wearing these pieces, Catherine bridges the past and present, offering a modern twist on the timeless elegance that Diana embodied.
