Editors

Royal Wedding Jewelry: I Wish There Had Been More Color

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.

20180522_Wedding-header.jpg
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.

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. 

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.
Brecken Branstratoris the senior editor, gemstones at National Jeweler, covering sourcing, pricing and other developments in the colored stone sector.

The Latest

The eight rings in Viviana Langhoff’s AU79 jewelry collection
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into Gold

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

Gold and diamond bangles on a pair of jeans
FinancialsJun 03, 2025
Signet Jewelers Sees Turnaround in Q1 With Sales Ticking Up 2%

On an earnings call, CEO J.K. Symancyk discussed what’s working for the company and how it’s preparing for the potential impact of tariffs.

Woman’s hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

DCA-student-cert-NJ1872x1052-2.png
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry Business

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

Dakota Johnson as Roberto Coin Brand Ambassador
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand Ambassador

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

Weekly QuizMay 30, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Mason Kay Jade necklace
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade Reports

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

Gemfields ruby
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat Ruby

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Adobe Stock image of skyline of Bangkok, Thailand
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Seaman Schepps pearl earrings
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

David Allouche
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein Diamonds

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

Movado Connect 2.0 watches
FinancialsMay 30, 2025
Movado’s Q1 Sales Slip Amid ‘Challenging’ Retail Environment

The company plans to raise the prices of select watches to offset the impact of tariffs.

Zoë Chicco Bracelets
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable Environment

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ Necklace

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs Invalid

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

Britney Spears
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry Line

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Inoveo Platinum Grain image.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by Stuller

Sponsored by Stuller

Grizzly Mining Pilala emerald
SourcingMay 29, 2025
Grizzly Auctions 6,620-Carat Emerald

It was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.

GemFind Logo
TechnologyMay 29, 2025
GemFind Launches AI Product Description Software

GemText AI uses artificial intelligence to generate tailored product titles, descriptions, and tags with jewelry-specific language.

Graff Fontainebleau Las Vegas
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Graff Unveils New Las Vegas Flagship

The 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.

Kim Kardashian
CrimeMay 28, 2025
8 Convicted in Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist Trial

Aging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.

New York Liberty 2024 WNBA Championship Ring
CollectionsMay 28, 2025
NY Liberty’s 2024 Championship Rings Honor Historic Win

The WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.

Jewelers Board of Trade logo
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Andrew Rickard Named JBT President

A longtime executive at RDI Diamonds, Rickard has served on the JBT board for the past five years.

Logos for Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America and Jewelers of America
MajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America

The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

Al Capone Pocket Watch
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
Al Capone’s Patek Philippe Pocket Watch Back Up for Auction

The platinum and diamond watch is part of Sotheby’s upcoming Important Watches sale.

Kat Florence Lumina
AuctionsMay 27, 2025
182-Carat Paraíba-Type Tourmaline Sells for $487K

Recovered in Mozambique, “The Kat Florence Lumina” was part of Bonhams’ Hong Kong jewelry auction held last week.

Mark Henry Gumdrop Bypass Ring
TrendsMay 27, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Candy-Colored Gemstones

Get a taste of the delicious candy-like gemstones in this Amanda’s Style File.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy