Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, may have access to the royal vault, but she’s got a pretty impressive jewelry collection of her own, too. Evidence: the chunky 14-karat gold-plated chain by Laura Lombardi she wore on a visit to BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge on October 10, which elevated her simple cream top, cream blazer, and black trousers. The Princess appeared on the Newsbeat program alongside her husband, the Prince of Wales, where they heard from guests on World Mental Health Day.
The statement necklace was something of a curveball compared to the more delicate jewelry she’s worn in the past. From Kiki McDonough citrine earrings to sweet pendants from Astley Clarke or diamond-encrusted pieces by Mappin & Webb, the Princess typically favors subtle, dainty and elegant accessories. Her chunky chain is more in line with the long-standing trend for piling on statement gold necklaces (see every understated editor at fashion week in their familiar uniform of crisp white tee, blazer, and chain).
It’s easy to see the appeal of Laura Lombardi’s gold chains. The New York-based designer specializes in contemporary pieces with a twist—the Princess’s necklace features a sculptural pendant in the shape of a heart.
For formal occasions Kate Middleton often wears historic diamonds, pearls and precious gemstones that have been passed down through generations of the royal family—and of course, she always wears her sapphire Garrard engagement ring, which once belonged to Princess Diana. She’s got some sentimental pieces in collection, too, notably a 9-karat yellow personalized gold necklace by Daniella Draper that’s inscribed with the initials of her three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.
This article first appeared on British Vogue.
