Yesterday, Prince William and Kate Middleton attended a poignant ceremony in London to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day, marking 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp.
For the solemn occasion, the Princess of Wales was dressed in all black, with a long dress paired under a tailored blazer. She completed her look with a stunning pearl necklace and a pair of familiar earrings.
Known as her Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings, the earrings have a particularly rich history. Once owned by Queen Elizabeth II, they’ve also been worn by Princess Diana and the Duchess of Edinburgh. Kate has worn them on several meaningful occasions, including at the funerals of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II.
As for the necklace, it was confirmed by vintage jeweller Susan Caplan as one of their pieces – an especially touching choice, given that the brand is Jewish. Interestingly, the design closely resembles a piece once worn by a late royal, adding an extra layer of significance to the occasion.
Fine jewellery experts at UK retailer Steven Stone have revealed everything there is to know…
“Originally a wedding gift to Queen Elizabeth II, the Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings were crafted from a shell containing seven lustrous pearls. After the royal wedding, two pearls were repurposed into a new pair of earrings, set with round and baguette-cut diamonds. Kate Middleton first wore them on Remembrance Sunday in 2016 and has since worn them on several significant occasions – including to the funerals of Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth II. The earrings hold deep sentimental value, having also been worn by Princess Diana and the Duchess of Edinburgh, further strengthening their symbolic connection to the royal family. Given their history and craftmanship, I’d estimate them to be worth $9,000 (£7,000).
While Kate’s five-strand faux pearl necklace is reported to retail at a modest £275, its sentimental value far exceeds its price. The piece not only honours Holocaust survivors through its association with Susan Caplan, a Jewish-owned brand, but it also carries a poignant connection to Princess Margaret. The design closely resembles a necklace once worn by the late princess, which was auctioned in 2006 to help cover her son’s inheritance tax. Originally gifted to Princess Margaret by Queen Mary on her 18th birthday, the necklace symbolised not just a milestone in the princess’s life but also the deep, enduring bond between the two women. I’d estimate the art deco piece to be worth around £60,000 ($75,000).
maxwell stone, creative director, steven stone
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