Kate Middleton’s collection of sustainable jewelry is expanding rapidly. But who was the first to embrace this eco-friendly trend?
The Princess of Wales has emerged as a prominent advocate for sustainable jewelry, regularly showcasing necklaces and earrings from brands dedicated to environmental and ethical practices.
Certainly. For example, Queen Elizabeth II supported ethical and sustainable jewelry practices, notably through her use of vintage and repurposed pieces. Similarly, other royals like Princess Anne and Queen Máxima have also been involved in promoting sustainable jewelry and ethical fashion.
In 2019, Meghan Markle drew attention to ethical jewelry by endorsing Kimai, a brand known for its lab-grown diamonds. She wore the £630 ‘Felicity’ crawler earrings, made from recycled 18-carat yellow gold. Jessica Warch, Kimai’s co-founder, noted that Meghan’s endorsement, which coincided with the brand’s website launch, led to an immediate sell-out and extensive media coverage, sparking widespread discussion about lab-grown diamonds.
During a trip to Nigeria in May with Prince Harry, Meghan Markle chose Kimai’s £695 Semi Hoop earrings, featuring 10 lab-grown diamonds. Jessica Warch of Kimai expressed appreciation for Meghan’s support, highlighting how her endorsement at a crucial time for the brand significantly boosted its visibility. Kimai, which emphasizes supply chain traceability with 100% traceable lab-grown diamonds and crafts its jewelry in Antwerp, has since opened a store on London’s Chiltern Street and aims for global expansion.
Jessica Warch explained, “We always set out to disrupt the diamond industry. Growing up in Antwerp, the diamond center of the world, we identified a gap in the market for a fine jewelry brand catering to modern women, with transparency as a core principle. Our goal is to democratize diamonds without compromising on style or quality, and to promote a more ethical and transparent approach.”
Last year, sustainable gems reached a record high, making up 10% of all global diamond jewelry sales, a significant increase from 2% in 2018. This growth is anticipated to continue, driven by consumers who value high quality and responsible sourcing with minimal environmental impact. This trend aligns with Kate Middleton’s support for sustainable jewelry brands, as she increasingly chooses pieces that reflect these values. Here are some notable items from her collection.
The Princess of Wales has often worn elegant pieces from Monica Vinader. A notable example is the £125 Nura Pearl necklace, featuring a striking freshwater pearl on an 18-carat gold-plated vermeil chain. Recently, Monica Vinader launched the Odyssey collection, its first range of fully traceable gemstones, emphasizing its commitment to transparency and sustainability.
The Odyssey collection maintains Monica Vinader’s commitment to sustainability by utilizing recycled gold and silver and featuring gemstones mined by a female workforce at the Zimbaqua mine in Zimbabwe. Additionally, the brand’s ‘Product Passport’ initiative allows customers to trace the journey of over 300 styles, enhancing transparency and accountability in their supply chain.
