Jewellery has played a central role in royal life for centuries. From coronation regalia to engagement rings, the pieces worn by kings, queens, and consorts often reflect wider cultural shifts and influence jewellery trends around the world. Whether gifted to mark a state occasion or passed down through generations, these items carry historical significance that extends beyond their aesthetic value.
Royal jewellery often attracts global attention. Public interest in royal weddings, official portraits, and state events frequently leads to increased demand for similar designs. The materials, styles, and jewellers favoured by royal families have had a lasting impact on what people buy, wear, and associate with status or sentiment. This influence remains strong today, particularly when a royal chooses a piece with heritage or symbolism.
A Tradition of Influence: The Royal Fashion Ripple Effect
Royal preferences in jewellery have long influenced public style. Queen Victoria popularised mourning jewellery in the 19th century following the death of Prince Albert. Her frequent use of black enamel and lockets containing hair or photographs turned deeply personal items into a widespread trend. Up until her reign, mourning jewellery often featured stark, macabre imagery such as skulls, crossbones, and even reapers. These earlier styles gave way under Victoria’s influence; her pieces reflected a more sentimental and romantic tone, with floral motifs, hearts, and miniature portraits of the deceased.
More than a century later, Princess Diana’s sapphire and diamond engagement ring sparked renewed interest in coloured gemstones. The same ring, now worn by the Princess of Wales (Catherine), continues to affect consumer demand for sapphires and halo settings. These examples show how royal choices resonate far beyond palace walls.
The Jewellers Behind the Thrones
Many of the most recognisable royal jewellery pieces were crafted by historic jewellery houses. Garrard, for example, was appointed Crown Jeweller in the UK in 1843 and has created numerous iconic items for the British monarchy. Van Cleef & Arpels and Chaumet have served European royal families for generations.
Cartier – The Jeweller of Kings and the King of Jewellers
Cartier received a royal warrant from King Edward VII in 1904. The king had ordered multiple tiaras from the house, including 27 for his coronation. He described Cartier as “the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers,” a phrase that continues to be associated with the brand’s reputation for excellence.
One of Cartier’s most well-known royal pieces is the Halo Tiara, made in 1936 and purchased by King George VI for his wife, Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother). It was later given to Queen Elizabeth II on her 18th birthday and became globally recognised when Catherine, Princess of Wales, wore it on her wedding day in 2011. The tiara’s design, featuring scroll motifs and pavé-set diamonds, sparked renewed interest in traditional tiara styles among jewellers and brides.
Cartier’s relationship with royalty extended far beyond the UK. In 1928, the brand created the Patiala Necklace for Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala. The piece included more than 2,900 diamonds and featured the 234.65-carat De Beers diamond. It remains one of the most elaborate royal jewellery commissions in history, combining Indian grandeur with French design expertise.
Modern Monarchs and the New Jewellery Narrative
In the 21st century, royal jewellery choices are still closely watched, though their significance has evolved. Today’s royals often strike a balance between heritage and modern values, using jewellery not just to represent lineage, but also to convey personal identity and cultural awareness.
The Princess of Wales, Catherine, frequently rewears historic pieces from the royal collection, including jewellery that once belonged to Princess Diana. This approach blends tradition with sustainability, subtly aligning royal choices with wider consumer interest in conscious fashion. Similarly, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, has drawn attention to minimalist, ethically sourced jewellery brands. In 2019, she wore a bracelet from a lesser-known sustainable designer that uses recycled metals in its pieces. The choice received widespread media attention and helped raise the profile of smaller jewellery makers committed to environmentally conscious practices.
Beyond the British royal family, figures like Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and Queen Rania of Jordan incorporate bold colour, contemporary design, and regional influence into their jewellery selections. These choices demonstrate how royal taste now encompasses a wider spectrum of global styles and how it continues to guide public conversations around cultural relevance and modern elegance.
Legacy Brands, Enduring Impact
For jewellery houses with royal ties, heritage is a powerful asset. Royal warrants and historic commissions offer long-term credibility, especially in the high jewellery sector, where provenance adds value.
Cartier is a leading example. Its associations with Edward VII, Queen Elizabeth II, and international royalty have helped define its identity. Many of its current designs nod to earlier royal commissions, such as tiara motifs or Art Deco styles, appealing to clients who value both craftsmanship and tradition.
Other brands, including Boucheron and Chaumet, also continue to reference their royal connections. For modern buyers, these pieces often serve as contemporary heirlooms.
Crowning Touches That Shape the World
Royal jewellery has always been more than decoration. Whether worn in public ceremonies, weddings, or portraits, these pieces help define how luxury is understood across generations. Their influence is evident in everything from gemstone preferences to bridal trends, and from marketing strategies to collector interest in historic styles.
Jewellers like Cartier, who built their reputations in royal circles, continue to benefit from this legacy. Their designs remain relevant today, not just for their beauty, but for the heritage they represent. In a world where fashion cycles move quickly, royal jewellery remains a rare constant: timeless, symbolic, and always influential.
