Policies & IssuesApr 10, 2025
Trump Presses Pause on Higher Tariffs for 90 DaysAn across-the-board tariff of 10 percent remains in place for all U.S. trading partners, except China.
EditorsMay 22, 2018
Royal Wedding Jewelry: I Wish There Had Been More Color
Senior Editor Brecken Branstrator takes a look at the jewelry the Duchess of Sussex chose for her wedding day.
Meghan Markle wore Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau tiara made in 1932, along with a Cartier bracelet and diamond studs, for the royal wedding on Saturday.
Saturday morning began with a very special wake-up call for me (and I’m sure for many of you as well): the royal wedding between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle or, as they now are called, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
Overall, I thought the wedding had a lot of fantastic aspects: the Kingdom Choir, the talents of 19-year-old Sheku Kanneh-Mason on the cello, Markle’s stunning veil, all the great fascinators and, of course, the look on Prince Harry’s face as his bride-to-be started down the aisle.
I think no matter how it goes, there’s something romantic and magical about a royal wedding, and this one meant so much in terms of the progress of the crown.
But when it comes down to why many of us largely were watching--to see the dress and the jewels--I have to admit that I was a bit underwhelmed.
The shape and design of the dress, beautiful. Understated and classy. And yet, I couldn’t help feeling like it was missing something.
Overall, I thought the wedding had a lot of fantastic aspects: the Kingdom Choir, the talents of 19-year-old Sheku Kanneh-Mason on the cello, Markle’s stunning veil, all the great fascinators and, of course, the look on Prince Harry’s face as his bride-to-be started down the aisle.
I think no matter how it goes, there’s something romantic and magical about a royal wedding, and this one meant so much in terms of the progress of the crown.
But when it comes down to why many of us largely were watching--to see the dress and the jewels--I have to admit that I was a bit underwhelmed.
The shape and design of the dress, beautiful. Understated and classy. And yet, I couldn’t help feeling like it was missing something.
Embed from Getty Images
It was so sleek and simple, without any lace or bejeweled details at her waistline, that I felt it was a chance for a woman already known for shaking things up to go big and bold with the jewelry or, even better, to add some color.
Thank goodness for her tiara. The platinum piece (designer unknown) was Queen Mary’s diamond bandeau tiara made in 1932 and lent to Markle by the Queen. The tiara is a flexible band comprised of eleven sections, set with ovals and pave-set with large and small brilliant diamonds.
The centerpiece was a diamond brooch dating from 1893, which the tiara was created specifically to display.
Embed from Getty Images
It was beautiful and regal but also provided something a little different from what we’re used to seeing when it comes to royal headpieces.
But, as I learned combing through royal wedding details while the ceremony was taking place, the tiara has been set with a sapphire in the center at times.
According to Kensington Palace, the diamond brooch was given as a present to the then-Princess Mary in 1893 by the County of Lincoln upon her marriage to Prince George, Duke of York. I suppose this history of the piece played a large part in why Markle chose to keep it that way, but to me it was a missed chance at adding a pop of color to her look.
She topped off her bridal jewelry with diamond and white gold Galanterie de Cartier studs (which, according to The Adventurine, she had been wearing for a few weeks prior to the big day) and a Reflection de Cartier diamond bracelet. Prince Harry capped everything with the Welsh gold Cleave & Co. band he put on her finger.
Thankfully, the day did end on a more colorful note.
As Harry and Meghan were leaving Windsor Castle to attend an evening reception at Frogmore House (in a dress I absolutely loved), we were treated to a large blue rock on her finger.
It turns out His Royal Highness gave her a lovely aquamarine ring from Asprey with an extra special meaning--it belonged to his mother, Princess Diana. The emerald-cut ring set in 24-karat gold was created in 1997.
Thankfully, the day did end on a more colorful note.
As Harry and Meghan were leaving Windsor Castle to attend an evening reception at Frogmore House (in a dress I absolutely loved), we were treated to a large blue rock on her finger.
It turns out His Royal Highness gave her a lovely aquamarine ring from Asprey with an extra special meaning--it belonged to his mother, Princess Diana. The emerald-cut ring set in 24-karat gold was created in 1997.
Embed from Getty Images
OK readers, I know you all have your own thoughts and opinions on what the Duchess of Sussex chose for Saturday. Please share them with me in the comments section below.
More on Editors
The Latest
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Brilliant Earth Taps Influencers, Their Moms for Mother’s Day CampaignBrigette Pheloung and Tania Sarin, and their mothers, star in the campaign wearing medallions they co-designed.
MajorsApr 10, 2025
Pary LeVian, Matriarch of the LeVian Family, Dies at 96LeVian is remembered for her unwavering commitment to her family, community, and helping others.
Events & AwardsApr 10, 2025
Hamptons Jewelry Show to Debut This SummerThe retail show is open to the public and will run July 24-27.
Weekly QuizApr 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Opens Flagship in BrazilThe new store in the upscale Iguatemi São Paulo mall is the storied brand’s first flagship in Brazil.
AuctionsApr 09, 2025
Bonhams to Offer Selection of Chaumet JewelsThe pieces span from the Art Deco period to the 1970s and will go up for auction at the Paris Jewels sale later this month.
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They DeserveBench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.
MajorsApr 09, 2025
Pandora Names Tyla as Its New Brand AmbassadorThe Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, who is set to perform at Coachella this month, also debuted a curated selection from the brand.
GradingApr 08, 2025
GIA Expands Overseas Services as Tariffs Kick InGIA’s labs in Dubai and Hong Kong are now accepting larger diamonds in light of the “logistical challenges” presented by the new tariffs.
WatchesApr 08, 2025
Here Are the New Rolex Watches for 2025The introductions include the Land-Dweller, Rolex’s first new model since 2012, as well as several new dials for its classic timepieces.
MajorsApr 08, 2025
Willis Cowlishaw, Zale Executive and Mentor to Many, Dies at 98Cowlishaw earned a degree in horology after serving in World War II, working at one of the first Zales stores in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Heading to Auction in Hong KongBonhams will offer the “Kat Florence Lumina” at its May 22 jewelry auction.
CrimeApr 07, 2025
Third Man Involved in $2.7M Smash-and-Grab Is SentencedIn March 2022, the men went into a jewelry store in Beverly Hills and smashed the display cases with sledgehammers and crowbars.
AuctionsApr 07, 2025
Sotheby’s ‘Area_51’ Watch Auction Totals $1.6MThe 51 unique watches from Sotheby’s three-day sale and immersive exhibition all found buyers, with the top lot selling for $229,955.
MajorsApr 07, 2025
Jewelers Mutual Expands to Australia Via New AcquisitionThe company has acquired Australian jewelry insurance provider Jewellers Loop.
Events & AwardsApr 07, 2025
Converge Taps Neuroscientist as Opening Keynote SpeakerBeau Lotto’s immersive presentation will be a blend of neuroscience, art, and entertainment.
AuctionsApr 04, 2025
25-Carat Burmese Sapphire Brooch Sells for $101KA pink topaz Belle Époque pendant-brooch and a Victorian Egyptian Revival choker were also highlights at a recent Anderson & Garland sale.
SourcingApr 04, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade to Hold Inaugural International Jade SummitThe event, which will co-locate with the Monterey Bay Jade Festival, will bring education sessions focused on jade to the United States.
CollectionsApr 04, 2025
Piece of the Week: Heather B. Moore’s ‘Lily of the Valley’ CharmThe charm is a celebration of springtime as April showers bring May flowers with the piece’s cluster of diamond raindrops.
SurveysApr 03, 2025
2025 Retail Sales to Grow More Slowly Amid ‘Uncertainty,’ Says NRFThe National Retail Federation expects retail sales growth to return to pre-pandemic levels as consumers continue to face inflation.
TrendsApr 03, 2025
Tallulah Willis Imbues Antique Engagement Ring With MagicThe 4-carat, old mine brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring was co-designed by Willis and New York City-based brand Karina Noel.
SourcingApr 03, 2025
Canadian Mine Produces 158-Carat Yellow Diamond Rio Tinto unearthed the diamond at its Diavik mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories.
CollectionsApr 03, 2025
Buccellati to Open Immersive Exhibition in MilanThe multisensory experience, open April 8-13, will feature the brand’s silver creations among dream-like scenes of natural landscapes.
Policies & IssuesApr 03, 2025
Jewelers of America to Hold Webinar on TariffsThe virtual event will take place April 7 at 3 p.m.
CollectionsApr 02, 2025
Bea Bongiasca’s ‘Tarallo’ Collection Expansion Is a ZooThe pieces in “Animali Tarallo” portray animals from stingrays to elephants through portraits and interpretations of their patterns.
