SourcingMay 14, 2024
Anglo American Confirms It Is Looking to Sell De Beers The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”
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
AuctionsMay 14, 2024
2 Huge Yellow Diamonds Are Heading to AuctionChristie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.
GradingMay 14, 2024
Instappraise Adds Trifold Brochure to Appraisal OfferingsRetailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.
Brought to you by
Record Gold Prices Have Consumers Undeterred. Here’s Why.Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.
MajorsMay 14, 2024
Platinum Born Taps ‘Born Leaders’ for New CampaignThe ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.
Weekly QuizMay 09, 2024
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
AuctionsMay 13, 2024
Lab-Grown Diamond Brand Lightbox Cuts Prices by 25 to 40%The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.
TechnologyMay 13, 2024
Christie’s Website Brought Down by Hackers, Watch Auction Postponed The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a TradeshowTradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.
AuctionsMay 13, 2024
Madeleine Albright’s Jewelry, Pins a White-Glove Sale at Freeman’s | HindmanThe late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.
IndependentsMay 13, 2024
Zachary’s Jewelers Names Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest WinnersThree fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.
IndependentsMay 10, 2024
Frank Adams Jewelers Names New CEOKimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.
CollectionsMay 10, 2024
Piece of the Week: Carina Hardy’s ‘Birth of Venus’ NecklaceAs a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Pays $130M for Roberto Coin Inc.The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.
TrendsMay 09, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Shine Bright, Moms Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.
IndependentsMay 09, 2024
Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry to Close Salisbury StoreThe company’s Easton location will remain open.
MajorsMay 09, 2024
JBT Elects New ChairmanBrian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch ShowSponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler VhernierThe branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up CoutureThe six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s WatchesThe highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New CollectionThe “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler ScholarshipThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark ApplicationThe Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. ShowroomThe Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate ScholarshipIt will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.
