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Bethan Holt is the fashion news and features director at the Telegraph.
OPINION
In a social media post congratulating Team GB at the Paris Olympics, Princess Kate’s choice of jewellery has caused a lot of chatter.
A lifetime’s supply of diamonds is all part of the quintessential dream of what it must be like to be a princess. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to tiaras and could wear a different precious parure every day. Indeed, this was exactly how royals less than a century ago operated. For example, Queen Mary (great-grandmother of King Charles) was famous for her magpie eye and vast collection of jewels.
But for the Princess of Wales, the diamond dream is rather far from the reality of being a 21st-century royal, especially one who has always seemed more at ease in trainers and jeans than dazzling ballgowns (even if she does wear the latter beautifully when the occasion calls for it).
Take the latest addition to the Princess’ jewellery collection, revealed on Sunday evening in a video congratulating Team GB for their Olympic successes. Despite her hand being shown only briefly, it was obvious she had eschewed her world-famous 12-carat diamond-and-sapphire engagement ring for a never-seen-before eternity ring.
Although the images are blurred, it seems her new ring is a rather more understated model comprising small gemstones. Some have speculated these might be sapphires to reflect her original ring or garnets, which are Kate’s January birthstone.
It wasn’t the only new (to the public) item of jewellery the mother of three sported. She also wore a thin metallic chain choker around her neck that appeared to be devoid of any charms, trinkets or stones, bringing only the subtlest element of bling to her casual Ralph Lauren striped top.
Although Kensington Palace declined to comment on Kate’s new eternity-like ring, it wouldn’t be surprising if Prince William had treated his wife to an alternative to her famous Garrard engagement ring, which was first chosen and worn by his mother Diana, Princess of Wales. “It’s the same ring and it was exactly the same size when I tried it on.” Kate told a member of the public in Wales last year of her unmissable heirloom: “I’m honoured to wear it, I never sadly got to meet her.”
Despite the emotional significance of her original ring, it’s hardly a practical style for activities like tennis, gardening and playing with children. Besides, it has been a challenging year for the couple, who have been married 13 years. The Princess underwent major abdominal surgery in January, subsequently discovering that cancer was present. Since the spring, she has been receiving preventive chemotherapy. So a new ring could be a heartfelt gesture from the Prince to his wife.
Jessie Thomas, founder of Jessie Thomas Fine Jewellery, felt there are several reasons women like Kate are opting for eternity rings rather than engagement rings. Kate joins a growing number of women who are opting for an easy-to-wear eternity ring. “It’s low profile and small stones are practical and less obvious,” she said. “Many want a stacking ring they can layer up with other bands for everyday wear. Some feel that a traditional single-stone engagement ring is something they’d never wear, whereas an eternity ring is something they will just have on all the time and isn’t a big statement piece.”
Read More: Prince Harry gave Diana’s engagement ring to William, to propose to Kate
For Eliza Walter, founder of ethical jeweller Lylie, the eternity ring has appeal not only for its simplicity, but for the impact it has on every angle. “We are really seeing a desire for fully set eternity rings where the diamonds or gemstones go the entire way around the finger,” she said. “Whilst they are harder to resize, they are also a delight to wear as you get a sparkle from all angles of your hand.” Her Freyr Eternity Ring can be created to achieve a similar effect.
The idea of bringing sentimental meaning with your choice of stones is also one that resonates with many people commissioning eternity rings. “I have clients who combine their birthstones with their children’s birthstones, usually with diamonds as the dominant stone,” explains Thomas. “Birthstone eternity rings are a great way to add a little colour into your ring stack,” adds Rachel Boston, whose eponymous jewellery label specialises in modern fine pieces. “Unless, of course, you’re an April baby. As diamonds are that month’s birthstone, you might opt for some colour by choosing grey or yellow diamonds like our coloured bands. Another trend we see is mixing two stones, so alternating sapphires and diamonds together for a pattern effect.”
The choice to wear a more subtle eternity ring and minimal chain necklace while she’s enjoying the summer holidays also chimes with a jewellery pattern we have seen play out throughout her working royal life. She has often championed low-key pieces, meaning-laden sentimental items or high-street buys over the expensive and ultra-precious that might usually be associated with being a Princess. It’s a reminder not only of her middle-class roots, but the more casual, approachable attitude she and William reportedly want to bring to the monarchy.
Read More: Why Princess Kate wears ‘cheap’, high-street jewellery
In the past, she has worn necklaces inscribed with her children’s initials, often choosing these on occasions when meeting fellow mothers. She has also showcased pieces with emotional resonance given to her by members of the public, like the Issy Star earrings given to her by Sarah Renton, whose daughter Issy had died by suicide. The £25.50 ($54.10) earrings were made by Issy’s cousin Sophie McGown to raise money for Brave Mind, a charity helping to improve the mental health of people in the rugby community. They have since raised more than £15,000 ($31,826) for the charity thanks, in part, to the Princess’ support.
These affordable, relatable jewellery statements show Kate as a down-to-earth royal. Notably, in her 13 years as a senior royal, she has worn tiaras only 16 times — donning one only when protocol requires.
The Princess is also tapping into trends with her understated jewellery choices, eschewing easily identifiable statement earrings (even if they’re from Accessorize or Sezane, two of her high-street favourites) for more under-the-radar designs like Sunday’s necklace.
“I think the desire for quiet luxury last year meant we saw the rise of subtle fine jewellery like skinny diamond bands or delicate chains which are classic and timeless,” reflects Boston. “They’re great additions to any jewellery wardrobe as you can enjoy them in a more understated style this year and then layer them all for a maximalist approach when the mood strikes.” A jewellery strategy perfectly suited to a very modern princess.
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