Along with husband Prince William, Kate Middleton welcomed South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the first meeting of his trip to the UK today. The royal couple were called upon to do the initial welcome at London’s Corinthia Hotel in their roses as next-in-line to the throne.
While the Prince and Princess of Wales looked undeniably regal carrying out their duties, fine jewellery and engagement ring experts at Steven Stone couldn’t take their eyes off the stunning jewel on Kate’s coat and have revealed everything you need to know about it.
Though Kate has been seen wearing the jewel as a brooch, it’s actually a pendant that dates back to 1863, when the future King Edward VII married Princess Alexandra of Denmark. As was traditional at the time, Alexandra was presented with wedding gifts from societies around the UK – including the Ladies of North Wales society, who presented her with the pendant to emphasise her new positions history.
The central piece of the pendant is the Prince of Wales crest, which is flanked by blue sapphires and features small white diamonds, rubies and emeralds that are likely to represent the Welsh flag. Surrounding the crest are eighteen edwardian cut diamonds and 36 small round cut emeralds. Hanging from the bottom of the pendant is a 15 carat detachable green cabochon emerald.
When Alexandra died in 1925, the pendant was inherited by the Queen Mother, who gifted it to Princess Diana, who wore it frequently during her engagement and marriage to the then Prince Charles. It’s also been worn by Camilla. Whilst Diana tended to wear the jewel as a necklace, Camilla opted to wearing it as a brooch.
Featuring a total weight of approximately 25 carats, our experts estimate the piece to be worth $400,000.
“Laced with history, the Prince of Wales Feathers Pendant is an incredibly interesting piece that dates back to 1863, when the future King Edward VII married Princess Alexandra of Denmark. As was tradition at the time, various organisations from around the UK presented Alexandra with wedding gifts – one society was the Ladies of North Wales, who presented her with the striking pendant that emphasized her new positions history.
It’s heartwarming to see that Kate Middleton has been seen wearing the pendant as a brooch today as it not only serves as a nod to her new position, but it pays homage to her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, who wore the pendant regularly during her marriage to the then Prince Charles. Camilla has also previously worn the jewel.
The central piece of the pendant is the Prince of Wales crest, which is flanked by blue sapphires and features small white diamonds, rubies and emeralds that are likely to represent the Welsh flag. Surrounding the crest are eighteen edwardian cut diamonds and 36 small round cut emeralds. Hanging from the bottom of the pendant is a 15 carat detachable green cabochon emerald.
Featuring a total weight of approximately 25 carats, I’d estimate the piece to be worth $400,000.”
maxwell stone, diamond expert, steven stone
If you’re looking for jewellery to rival royalty, our team can design bespoke creations, tailored to you. From engagement rings and wedding rings to necklaces and pendants, your options are endless.
Want to stay up to date?
Follow us at @StevenStoneUK to keep up to date on the latest news and events.
