Everyone knows royals and sparkly jewelry go hand in hand. Time after time, the royal ladies get decked in gorgeous family jewels and heirlooms – from sparkly tiaras to gemstone earrings, special settings and more dazzling pieces. Since the beginning of time, royal ladies have worn precious jewels as a political power play, or a national treasure and 2019 was no exception.
The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton , and the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle , each had memorable moments in which their glitzy accessories stood out. Princess Beatrice ’s brilliant engagement ring was also a top stunner this year. And in case you’re curious to learn more about their pretty baubles, famed diamond expert and gemologist Grant Mobley has given us a detailed look at six some of the most memorable jewelry moments of 2019.
Scroll through the gallery to learn more behind some of the British royal ladies’ remarkable jewels!
Kate Middleton’s Diamond and South Sea Pearl Dangle Earrings - February 2019
“The Duchess of Cambridge paid tribute to her late mother-in-law when she attended the BAFTAs earlier this year wearing a pair of her earrings. The diamond-encrusted pearl drop earrings that Kate wore on the night were one of Princess Diana's favorite pairs. The fact that Kate chose to wear them many years later is an example of just how timeless and classic natural diamonds are, transcending time and generations. The stunning earrings perfectly complemented her elegant one-shouldered chiffon gown and her sophisticated up-do.”
Queen Elizabeth’s Burmese Ruby and Diamond Tiara - June 2019
“We are always in awe of the Royal's collection of gorgeous diamond tiaras, and in typical Royal fashion, the Queen chose to wear the stunning Burmese Ruby and Diamond Tiara to a state banquet she hosted in the summer in honor of President Donald Trump's official visit to the United Kingdom. Her Majesty nearly always wears a diamond tiara to events of this nature. In fact, she always wears natural diamonds when she is in the public eye, which is kind of an unwritten royal tradition. For centuries, the royals have understood the everlasting value of natural diamond jewelry. They appreciate their timeless, heirloom-quality, and pass them down through generations.”
Her Majesty’s Brigade of Guards brooch - June 2019
“Her Majesty is known for her beautiful array of diamond brooches, all of which hold great meaning and significance for the Royal Family. She frequently chooses her breastpins according to the theme of the day, and her birthday celebrations are no exception to this tradition. The Brigade of Guards Brooch is a piece that the Queen has worn to her birthday celebrations, Trooping the Colour, every year for the past 30 years. This pin combines the badges of the five regiments – the Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Irish, and Welsh Guards – which take turns each year trooping their colours for Her Majesty. She wears it every year as it is the perfect accessory to celebrate her special day because it is made from natural diamonds, which are both rare and precious, and are the best accessory for life's most meaningful moments.”
Meghan Markle’s Eternity Ring - June 2019
“Meghan was seen wearing a beautiful new piece of jewlery to Trooping the Colour – her eternity ring designed by her husband, Prince Harry, and Lorraine Schwartz. The delicate pave band works beautifully alongside her engagement ring and her Welsh gold wedding band. In addition to natural diamonds, the ring also features three extra stones representing Meghan, Harry and Archie's birthstones. It's not the first time Harry was involved in the design process of Meghan's most treasured jewels, he also helped design her engagement ring in which the center diamond famously comes from Botswana, the largest diamond producing country in the world. Sourcing a diamond from Botswana was most certainly a deliberate decision of Harry's because the country means so much to both of them, and the diamond industry there has helped transform the country from one of the poorest in the world into one of Africa's most prosperous nations. Support from the diamond industry allows every child in Botswana to receive free primary and secondary education.”
Princess Beatrice\'s Engagement Ring – September 2019
“Princess Beatrice is the most recent Royal to get engaged, and her engagement ring is a stunner. It is quite comparable to Meghan Markle's engagement ring because both have chosen a natural diamond center stone. The ring is a beautiful mix of modern craftsmanship and art deco style. It features a round brilliant cut center diamond flanked by four smaller round diamonds and double tapered baguettes on either side set in platinum. It is clear that her fiancé Edoardo Mapelli put a lot of thought into the design of the ring and knew that the most appropriate stone for an engagement ring is a natural diamond because natural diamonds have been tied to everlasting love and commitment for thousands of years.”
The Duchess’ Lorraine Schwartz Diamond Earrings – July 2019
“Although Meghan has had to change her wardrobe slightly since joining the Royal family, she still has a knack for putting a contemporary twist on her outfits and accessories. Back in July, she was seen sporting a gorgeous pair of newly-customized Lorraine Schwartz diamond earrings to The Lion King premiere in London. Instead of wearing them in their original form, Meghan, with the help of Schwartz's vision, decided to wear the diamonds encased with a bold black onyx jacket, which made them look like a completely new pair of earrings.”
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