She was remembered as a creative and generous woman of faith, who also had a sweet tooth.
These Pearls are Meghan Markle’s Down Under Souvenirs
In collaboration with J Hunter Fiji Pearls, Assael will produce a limited number of “The Sussex Strand” pearl necklaces.

New York—All eyes were on newly royal, and newly pregnant, Meghan Markle during the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s recent royal tour of Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and Tonga.
The highly publicized tour was the Duchess’ largest royal engagement since getting engaged to the Duke of Sussex, née Prince Harry, last year and the first time she was photographed since the announcement of her pregnancy.
While in Fiji, J Hunter Fiji pearls presented the duchess with a multicolor 18-inch pearl necklace with 18-karat gold clasp, which the company named “The Sussex Strand.”
The 37 high-grade naturally multi-colored (meaning not dyed) cultured pearls range from rare green and blue shades to gold and black. They are a product of the Pinctada Margaritifera-Typica oyster, a sub-species of the black-lipped Tahitian oyster.
“The water is different in the Savusavu Bay, and the oyster shells are more vivid, with a rainbow display of pearls that is intoxicating,” explained Christina Assael, chairman of Assael, which is the sole North American distributor of pearls from J Hunter Fiji’s limited supply.
RELATED CONTENT: This Was the Best Royal Jewelry Moment of the DecadeAssael encountered the gems two years ago in Fiji, where the pearls are produced in small farms in cooperation with local villages around Savusavu Bay, sustaining the local economy.
Assael said it will produce a limited number of “The Sussex Strand” necklaces, similar to the style the Duchess of Sussex received, so even non-royals can appreciate and enjoy the rare specimens.
Editor's note: This story was corrected post-publication to clarify the fact that the pearls are not naturally occurring; they are cultured but the color is natural.
The Latest

The “Volume 7” bridal catalog features best-selling engagement rings, trending styles, and a new section highlighting anniversary bands.

The New York-based brand is set to launch a limited-time offering for the holiday season at Holt Renfrew in Toronto.

Holiday sales growth is expected to slow as consumers grapple with inflation and tariff-related uncertainty.


Jamie Turner Designs is among the winners of the local “Austin Shines” contest, hosted by Eliza Page, a jewelry store in Austin, Texas.

A trade deal with Switzerland seems probable, but reaching an agreement with India remains a challenge, David Bonaparte said.

With their unmatched services and low fees, reDollar.com is challenging some big names in the online consignment world.

Botswana’s president said his country wants a controlling share, while Angola envisions multiple countries holding minority stakes.

The manufacturer is adding 1,400 chemical vapor deposition (CVD) reactors to its growing facility in India.

The jeweler to the stars has worked with Drake, A$AP Rocky, Tyler the Creator, and other celebrities.

The Scarsdale, New York-based jeweler donated a professional-grade watch cleaning machine.

The 50 percent tariffs on diamonds shipped from India to the U.S. have pushed midstream manufacturers to the edge.

De Beers’ refreshed, multipronged approach, which includes generic promotions and retail partnerships, is delivering positive dividends.
They are trying to balance the need to sustain well-established relationships with the pressure higher tariffs have put on margins.

Jewelry manufacturer Jewelex has partnered with JOSH, an industry training center, on a program for people with disabilities.

The collection includes pieces dating back to the Victorian and Art Deco periods as well as mid-century and late 20th-century designs.

He previously served as co-chair of the nonprofit’s beneficiary committee.

Its second collaboration with the conservationist features jewelry with dove and olive branch motifs.

The diamond manufacturer’s new company will provide accessible and affordable high-quality medicines across India.

Emmanuel Raheb shares tips on how a jeweler’s showcases, marketing, and social media presence can whisper, instead of shout.

The private equity firm has a plan to revive the mall staple.

The “Super Book of Gems” dives into the Mohs Hardness Scale, the Four C’s, and designs from jewelers like Cartier and Bulgari.

Claudio Pasta will take the lead at the Italian fine jewelry brand, succeeding company founder Licia Mattioli.

The new lab-grown diamond jewelry offering is the latest expansion of the designer’s “Bliss” collection.

The miner is honoring the end of an era with an offering of 52 lots from the now-closed Argyle and the soon-to-close Diavik mines.

The California-based fine jewelry brand will retain its identity post-acquisition, with new collections launching next year.