The Princess of Wales has become a leading advocate for sustainable jewellery, showcasing a range of necklaces and earrings from companies committed to environmental and ethical practices.
However, she was not the first royal to champion sustainable jewelry.
In 2019, Meghan Markle made headlines by endorsing Kimai, an ethical brand renowned for its dazzling lab-grown diamonds.
The Duchess, who was a notable supporter of sustainable independent brands at the time, chose the intricate £630 ‘Felicity’ chain earrings, set in 18ct recycled yellow gold.
“When the photos were published, they sold out immediately and we had hundreds of press articles around the world which really helped spread our brand and also spark a conversation about what lab-grown diamonds are,” recalls Jessica Warch, co-founder of Kimai.
Meghan’s timely appearance came just weeks after the brand launched its website.
In 2019, Meghan Markle made headlines by endorsing Kimai, an ethical brand renowned for its lab-grown diamonds.
Kimai’s ‘Felicity’ hoop earrings, valued at £630, feature lab-grown diamonds set in 18ct recycled 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 sparkling lab-grown diamonds.
Jessica told MailOnline she was grateful for Meghan’s continued support.
She said: ‘We always love seeing customers wearing our pieces, it never goes out of style!
‘It meant a lot to Meghan to wear our pieces at such an early and crucial stage of our business; getting her ‘stamp of approval’ really helped raise awareness of our brand.
“We love that she is still a customer of ours years later.”
Kimai emphasizes supply chain traceability by using 100 percent traceable lab-grown diamonds, with jewelry crafted in the founders’ hometown of Antwerp.
The brand has opened a store on London’s Chiltern Street and hopes to expand globally.
“We always set out to revolutionise the diamond industry. Growing up in Antwerp, the world’s diamond centre, we saw a gap in the market to create a fine jewellery brand for modern women, with transparency at the heart of everything we do,” said Jessica.
“We want to democratize diamonds, without compromising style or quality, and encourage 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 hit a record high, accounting for 10 percent of all global diamond jewelry sales, up from just 2 percent in 2018.
Double-digit annual growth is expected to continue, driven by increasing interest from socially conscious consumers who prioritize high quality and responsible sourcing that minimizes environmental impact.
This trend aligns with Kate Middleton’s support for sustainable jewelry brands, as she increasingly selects pieces that reflect these values.
Below are some highlights from his 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
Crafted from 18ct gold-plated vermeil, featuring a single freshwater pearl, Monica Vinader’s £125 necklace is suitable for everyday wear.
The Princess of Wales has frequently been seen wearing elegant pieces by Monica Vinader.
A memorable example is the £125 Nura Pearl necklace, which features a striking freshwater pearl set on an 18ct 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, using recycled gold and silver, and featuring gemstones mined by female labor at the Zimbaqua mine in Zimbabwe.
The brand’s ‘Product Passport’ initiative allows customers to track the journey of more than 300 styles.
Spells of Love Alia Hoop Earrings, £79
Kate has worn the Spells of Love Alia earrings, worth £79, on nine occasions.
The Alia earrings feature a contemporary angular silhouette, crafted from 18k gold-plated brass.
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 her standout pieces, the Alia earrings, have been worn by Kate on nine occasions. They feature a modern angular design and are made from 18-carat gold-plated brass.
The jewelry is produced in Thailand in a family-run factory that meets ethical standards and operates in small batches.
All gemstones are ethically sourced and fully traceable, and the factory is affiliated with the United Nations Global Compact and the Responsible Jewellery Council, which sets leading standards in the jewellery industry.
Daniella Draper Midnight Moon Personalised Necklace, £1070
Kate Daniella personalized her Daniella Draper necklace with G, C and L for her three children
The £1,070 pendant is made from 9-carat gold and topped with a diamond.
British jewellery designer Daniella Draper, a Central Saint Martins graduate, is known for creating ‘heirlooms of the future’ using recycled gold and silver.
The Midnight Moon necklace is one of Kate’s favorites and she has worn it 12 times.
Crafted in 9ct yellow gold, the necklace features a sparkling diamond star and can be custom engraved.
Kate chose the initials G, C and L to represent her children: George, Charlotte and Louis.
Shyla London Biaritz Doodle Earrings, £74
Launching her Shaping Us campaign in 2023, Kate accessorised her Victoria Beckham dress with Biaritz Squiggle earrings by Shyla London.
The £74 Biaritz Squiggle earrings are handmade from multiple layers of gold-plated silver.
Kate owns four pairs of earrings from Shyla London, a contemporary brand that uses Natural gemstones and ethically sourced or recycled metals.
Among Kate’s collection are the Biaritz Squiggle earrings, £72, which are handcrafted from multiple layers of gold-plated silver.
Founded by Alice Blofeld, the London-based company is driven by a passion for vintage jewellery and operates with a female-led team.
Shyla London is also involved in charity work, providing jewellery-making education to impoverished women in India, helping them 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 while visiting a textile factory in Stanningley, Yorkshire, last year (pictured)
Handcrafted from recycled 14k gold-plated brass using a zero-waste technique, this chunky chain is a testament to Laura Lombardi’s commitment to style and sustainability.
Laura Lombardi is renowned for her contemporary interpretation of traditional jewellery, focusing on innovative materials and craftsmanship.
The brand is known for recycling vintage and archival materials to create 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.
She wore it again with a forest green Burberry suit during a visit to a textile factory in Stanningley, Yorkshire, last year.
Handcrafted from recycled 14k gold-plated brass using a zero-waste technique, this chunky chain highlights Laura Lombardi’s commitment to style and sustainability.
