Strand by Strand: Kate Middleton’s, the Princess of Wales Most Iconic Heirloom Pearl Pieces.
The British royal family’s heirloom jewellery collection includes some of the most priceless pieces passed down through generations, including famous tiaras, necklaces, and rings. On many occasions, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, has incorporated these iconic jewels into her look, sometimes as timeless accessories, other times as a tribute to the royal family’s past. Beyond diamonds, sapphires, and other sparkling gemstones, Kate Middleton also shows a particular affinity for heirloom pearl pieces.
More recently, the Princess of Wales attended the world premiere of Alejandro G. Iñárritu’s Digger, starring Tom Cruise, at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square in London and made a striking fashion statement with her outfit. Middleton wore a deep-purple Jenny Packham gown, featuring a sweeping train and slightly puffed, sheer sleeves. While her floor-length evening gown perfectly followed the fall/winter collection cues, the amethyst-and-pearl necklace took precedence over everything.
The century-old royal heirloom that belonged to the late Queen Mother featured a massive heart-shaped amethyst at its centre, and its arresting dazzle even led social media users to compare it to the emblematic “Heart of the Ocean” necklace from Titanic.
The amethyst sautoir necklace was given to the Queen Mother in 1923, and has also been seen on Queen Camilla at the Skyfall screening in 2012.
It is arguably one of the most remarkable pieces of pearl jewellery worn by Middleton. From her signature pieces to those that made headlines, here is a look at the heirloom pearl jewellery pieces that Kate Middleton has worn in recent years.
The most spectacular heirloom and vintage pearl jewellery pieces worn by Kate Middleton
Susan Caplan five-strand pearl necklace.
While not an heirloom, this vintage piece from the 1980s is a fine example of Middleton’s connection with pearls. It has been a part of her wardrobe for a while, and the eye-catching piece features faux pearls and a Swarovski crystal clasp. The Princess of Wales previously used it to make a powerful statement when she wore the necklace belonging to the Jewish-founded, London-based vintage jewellery label on Holocaust Memorial Day last year.
It also elegantly sat around her neck during the 80th anniversary of VE Day, or Victory in Europe Day, event. However, the vintage necklace left its most striking impression when Middleton paired it with a black Burberry dress during the German President’s state visit in 2025.
Bahrain pearl drop earrings.
In terms of heirloom jewellery, the Bahrain pearl drop earrings, which belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth II, frequently feature in Middleton’s looks. They come with a fascinating story, as the delicate set was created from two of the seven pearls that the then-Princess Elizabeth received as a wedding present in 1947 from the Hakim of Bahrain.
Earlier this year, the timeless pearls were incorporated by Middleton into her Easter look. She wore them with a cream Self-Portrait dress. Each earring has one large round diamond at the top, baguette and smaller round diamonds beneath, and a Bahrain pearl dangling below.
Pearl and diamond bracelet by Nigel Milne.
When it comes to pearl pieces from the royal vault, Kate Middleton is known for her love of Princess Diana‘s jewels and never misses a chance to pay tribute to the late royal. In June 2026, the Prince and Princess of Wales attended the wedding of Peter Phillips, Princess Anne’s son, and Harriet Sperling, where Kate added a regal touch to wedding-guest style with a three-strand pearl bracelet that belonged to Diana.
To complement her understated Roland Mouret bouclé dress, she tapped the treasured piece designed by British jeweller Nigel Milne. The bracelet first became famous after Diana wore it during a 1989 tour of Hong Kong, when she reputedly wore it with the “Elvis” dress by designer Catherine Walker.
Collingwood pearl drop earrings.
Another keepsake in Kate Middleton’s collection that belonged to Princess Diana is the pair of Collingwood pearl drop earrings, which were originally given to the late Princess as a wedding gift in 1981. Featuring a white pearl in the shape of a teardrop, the earrings regularly appeared in Diana’s outings; in fact, they were also immortalised in the late royal’s legendary look, the “revenge dress”, in 1994.
Middleton has paid tribute to Princess Diana’s style and spirit on many occasions and has turned to this pair of earrings for several royal events, including state banquets and diplomatic receptions. Notably, the earrings also received a spotlight in her official 40th birthday portrait.
Pearl and diamond choker.
The Princess of Wales often turns to heirloom jewellery pieces for significant occasions, and nothing conveys quiet elegance better than pearls. This four-row pearl and diamond choker necklace is one such standout piece that belonged to Queen Elizabeth II. It was commissioned from Garrard, one of London’s oldest jewellery houses. While the choker was gifted to Queen Elizabeth from Japan in the 1970s, it later also became associated with Princess Diana, who wore it during her earliest royal engagements.
Meanwhile, Middleton has worn the sentimental pearl item many times in recent years, including at Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral in 2022 and at Prince Philip’s funeral in 2021. Last year, Kate paired it over a black coat dress by Catherine Walker at the Duchess of Kent’s funeral. She also gracefully paired it over an all-burgundy outfit in 2024.
South Sea pearl earrings.
These distinctive earrings will be instantly recognisable to anyone who has closely followed Princess Diana’s evergreen style. They regularly featured in the late royal’s outings throughout the 1990s. She was pictured wearing them with the Spencer Tiara at an English National Ballet Gala Performance in Budapest in 1992, and at a State Dinner in South Korea in 1992. Now in Middleton’s care, the prestigious earrings still serve a significant role as a go-to accessory to enhance monochrome looks.
The diamond and South Sea pearl earrings feature a circular cluster of diamonds, a single pear-shaped diamond, and a dangling pearl drop. In 2022, the opulent pair sparkled on Middleton’s ears at the Remembrance Sunday service at the Cenotaph.
Tags: Queen, Prince Charles, Camilla, Prince Louis, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Prince Charles, Prince Harry, Meghan, Lilibet
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