The Princess of Wales has become a leading advocate for sustainable jewellery, showcasing a range of necklaces and earrings from companies committed to the environment and ethical practices.
However, she was not the first royal to champion sustainable jewelry.
In 2019, Meghan Markle made headlines by supporting Kimai, an ethical brand known for its stunning lab-grown diamonds.
The Duchess, who has championed independent, sustainable labels at the time, opted for the intricate £630 ‘Felicity’ crawler earrings, set in recycled 18ct yellow gold.
“When the photos went online, we sold out immediately and hundreds of articles appeared in the international press. That really helped to get our brand out there and started a conversation about what lab-grown diamonds are,” recalls Jessica Warch, co-founder of Kimai.
Meghan’s appearance came at just the right time, a few weeks after the brand launched its website.
In 2019, Meghan Markle made headlines by endorsing Kimai, an ethical brand known for its lab-grown diamonds
Kimai’s £630 ‘Felicity’ crawler earrings feature lab-grown diamonds set in recycled 18k yellow gold
During a trip to Nigeria with Prince Harry in May, the royal opted for Kimai’s £695 Semi Hoop earrings, which feature 10 glistening lab-grown diamonds.
Jessica expressed her gratitude to MailOnline for Meghan’s continued support.
She said: ‘We always enjoy seeing customers wearing our creations, they never get tired of looking at them!’
‘It meant so much to Meghan to wear our clothes at such an early and crucial stage in our business. Her ‘seal of approval’ really helped to get our brand out there.
“We are pleased that she is still a customer of ours years later.”
Kimai emphasizes supply chain traceability by using 100 percent traceable, lab-grown diamonds and manufacturing the jewelry in the founders’ hometown of Antwerp.
The brand has opened a store on Chiltern Street in London and is looking to expand globally.
“We have always tried to disrupt the diamond industry. Growing up in Antwerp, the diamond center of the world, we saw a gap in the market to create a fine jewelry brand for modern women, with transparency at the core of everything we do,” says Jessica.
‘We want to democratize diamonds, without compromising on style or quality, and promote a more ethical and transparent approach.’
During her recent trip to Nigeria with Prince Harry, the royal opted for Kimai’s Semi Hoop earrings
Kimai’s £695 Semi Hoop Earrings feature 10 sparkling lab-grown diamonds
Last year, sales of sustainable gemstones reached a record high, accounting for 10 percent of all global diamond jewelry sales, compared to just 2 percent in 2018.
Double-digit annual growth is expected to continue, driven by growing interest from socially conscious consumers who prioritize high quality and responsible sourcing that minimizes environmental impact.
This trend ties in with Kate Middleton’s support for sustainable jewelry brands, as she increasingly chooses pieces that reflect these values.
Below you will find some notable items from her collection.
Monica Vinader Nura pearl necklace, £125
The Princess of Wales paired a Self-Portrait dress with a delicate pearl necklace by Monica Vinader for a visit to the Royal College of Midwives in 2022
Monica Vinader’s necklace, made from 18k gold-plated vermeil, with a single freshwater pearl, costs £125 and is suitable for everyday wear
The Princess of Wales is often seen in elegant creations by Monica Vinader.
A memorable example is the £125 Nura Pearl necklace, which features a striking freshwater pearl on an 18k gold-plated vermeil chain.
Monica Vinader recently introduced the Odyssey collection, her first range of fully traceable gemstones.
This new collection continues the brand’s commitment to sustainability by using recycled gold and silver, featuring gemstones mined by female workers at the Zimbaqua mine in Zimbabwe.
The brand’s ‘Product Passport’ initiative allows customers to track the journey of over 300 styles.
Spells of Love Alia Hoop Earrings, £79
Kate has worn the £79 Alia earrings from Spells of Love nine times
The Alia earrings have a contemporary angular silhouette and are made of brass with 18k gold plating
Based in the heart of Wales, Spells of Love specialises in semi-fine jewellery that combines exquisite craftsmanship with eco-friendly and ethical practices.
Founded in 2016 by Hayley Jones, the brand celebrates individuality, confidence and self-expression.
One of the standout pieces, the Alia earrings, were worn nine times by Kate. They have a modern angular design and are made of 18k gold plated brass.
The jewelry is produced in Thailand by a family business that applies ethical standards and works in small series.
All gemstones are ethically sourced and fully traceable. Furthermore, the factory is affiliated with the UN Global Compact and the Responsible Jewellery Council, which sets leading standards in the jewellery industry.
Daniella Draper Personalised Midnight Moon Necklace, £1,070
Kate Daniella Personalized Her Daniella Draper G, C, and L Necklace for Her Three Children
The £1,070 pendant is made from 9-carat gold and is finished with a diamond
British jewellery designer Daniella Draper, a graduate of Central Saint Martins, is known for her ‘future heirlooms’ made from recycled gold and silver.
The Midnight Moon necklace is one of Kate’s favorites. She has worn it twelve times.
The necklace is made of 9-carat yellow gold and has a sparkling diamond star. You can also have the necklace engraved to your liking.
Kate chose the initials G, C and L to represent her children: George, Charlotte and Louis.
Shyla London Biaritz Squiggle Earrings, £74
At the launch of her 2023 Shaping Us campaign, Kate paired her Victoria Beckham dress with Shyla London’s Biaritz Squiggle earrings
The £74 Biaritz Squiggle earrings are handmade from multi-layered gold plated silver
Kate owns four pairs of earrings from Shyla London, a contemporary label that uses natural gemstones and ethically sourced or recycled metals.
Kate’s collection includes the Biaritz Squiggle earrings for £72, which are handmade from multiple layers of gold-plated silver.
Based in London, the company was founded by Alice Blofeld and is driven by her passion for vintage jewellery and works with a team led by women.
Shyla London is also involved in charity work, teaching impoverished women in India how to make jewelry so they can support their families.
Laura Lombardi Portrait necklace, £185
Kate delighted royal fans by showing off the Laura Lombardi Portrait necklace during a visit to Boston in 2022. She wore it again when she visited a textile factory in Stanningley, Yorkshire, last year (pictured)
Handmade from recycled brass and 14k gold using a zero-waste technique, this chunky chain is a testament to Laura Lombardi’s dedication to both style and sustainability.
Laura Lombardi is known for her contemporary interpretation of traditional jewelry, with an emphasis on innovative materials and craftsmanship.
The brand is known for upcycling vintage and archive materials into new designs.
In 2022, Kate Middleton delighted royal fans by wearing the New York-based brand’s signature Portrait necklace during a visit to Boston.
Last year she wore it again with a dark green Burberry suit during a visit to a textile factory in Stanningley, Yorkshire.
Handcrafted from recycled brass and 14k gold using a zero-waste technique, this chunky necklace highlights Laura Lombardi’s commitment to both style and sustainability.