MEDIA |
FEBRUARY 2023
The Royal Influence
Mia Katrin
What could be more royal than a crown…or a tiara? Jewels and royalty have been intertwined throughout the ages. Precious gems, jewels and metals were once so rare, they could only be accessed by those of immense wealth and power—kings and queens, gradually becoming a symbol of royalty itself. With the current media buzz due to dramatic state events and royal infl uencers, watch for rippling effects of royalty on jewelry styles in 2023 and beyond.
Dallas Prince Designs
14k RG Green
Tourmaline & Diamond
Jubilee Necklace
MSRP $6800
Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral cortege was watched by over half the world’s 8 billion people, exceeding any other event in history. It was attended by 500 heads of state and foreign dignitaries including the US President. Prominently visible throughout the ceremony were the royal regalia–the Imperial State Crown, orb and scepter. Royals themselves were prominently on display. Their attire eagerly monitored, including traditional pearl “mourning jewelry.” Catherine wore a multistrand pearl choker from Queen Elizabeth’s personal collection. And King Charles III’s highly anticipated Coronation on May 6, 2023, in Westminster Abbey—the fi rst British coronation since 1953, is already generating major media interest.
Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral cortege was watched by over half the world’s 8 billion people, exceeding any other event in history.
In addition to state events, and royal style infl uencers, Catherine, the newly minted Princess of Wales, is arguably the most important current style infl uencer in the world. The “Kate Effect” brings in an estimated $1 billion annually to the British fashion industry. Every new outfi t she debuts is eagerly embraced by social media on sites such as WhatKateWore.com, where manufacturer’s lines are often quickly sold out. And Catherine loves jewelry! Her impeccable classic style with a fresh modern take refl ects her own personality, in pieces ranging from the priceless formal Nizam of Hyderabad diamond necklace to trendy casual gold monogram necklaces and gold hoop earrings.
Smiling Rocks
High Jewelry – Angels’
Wings earrings in lab
grown diamonds
MSRP $31,125
212.596.4163
DALLAS PRINCE
“With the last name of ‘Prince,’ it seemed natural to be infused by anything royal. My love of design, art and architecture led me to visit historic palaces and my obsession was born. Each era was a plethora of design elements which eventually became my signature collection, ‘Meet the Royals’. I will forever continue to recognize those artisans for their royal contribution to my designs and pay it forward in remembrance of the late Queen Elizabeth.”
Dallas Prince Designs
14k RG Rose Zircon,
Tsavorite & Diamond
Cathedral Earring
MSRP $15,500
ERICA COURTNEY
“I think fancier jewelry is a trend right now. I’m selling more important pieces these days as opposed to a few years ago.”
Erica Courtney
Royal ring with black jade
tsavorite diamonds & spinal
MSRP $48,000
310.597.3887
DM KORDANSKY
“My ring was created with royalty in mind in honor of the Queen’s Jubilee.”
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
What trends are on the horizon? Look for crown motifs, such as rings in the form of crowns, and hair ornaments, including “mini tiara” sparkling combs and hair pins. Brooches or pins, a favorite style of the late Queen, are already enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Pearls, preferred by the first Queen Elizabeth I, have long been royal favorites. What projects a more classic, leveled UP style than a simple strand of pearls, pearl stud or drop earrings? The late Queen’s favorite triple strand pearl necklace is a style also associated with US “royalty. First Ladies from Jackie O to Barbara Bush and Michelle Obama.
Catherine’s iconic sapphire and diamond halo engagement ring, previously belonging to Lady Diana, projects a classic royal style. Look for precious gems, including rubies and emerald rings, pendants, and earrings, surrounded in diamond halos. Sapphires in general have long been favored by royalty. Already popular, expect this “royal blue” gem to continue to trend.
Also watch for signet rings, jewelry with monograms, insignias, crests, and royal themes, such as the Fleur de Lis.
And of course, diamonds reign. From tiaras and formal elaborate necklaces, to rings, dressy drop earrings, and bracelets, diamonds are quintessentially royal. Look for classic, elaborate styles, as well as simpler formal upscale styles, projecting a fresh, modern sensibility.
Royal jewelry is imbued with meaning. From the Crown jewels to jewels personally owned by royals and passed down through generations, the significance of jewels transcends their component parts. Many of the late Queen’s personal treasures were inherited by her from her family, including her grandmother Queen Mary, and loaned or gifted by her to the younger generations for special occasions. At the Queen’s funeral, seven-year-old Princess Charlotte wore a tiny diamond and gold horseshoe lapel pin gifted to her by her great grandmother as a token of their shared affection for horses. Jewelry that is personalized becomes endowed with meaning, magnifying its power. Expect this core quality of royal jewelry to continue to inspire what we most love about our own precious jewels.
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