Since she married Prince Harry three years ago the Duchess of Sussex has become known for her love of delicate jewellery steeped in symbolic meaning,
But since she officially stepped back from royal duty in March, Meghan Markle, 40, who lives with her family in a $14 million California mansion, has been wearing jewels that are particularly eye catching.
The mother-of-two has worn new pieces worth a staggering £14,715 throughout the year, as well as her usual accessories including Princess Diana’s tank watch, her £271,000 engagement ring and a £45,000 sparkler ‘made from Middle Eastern gift’.
FEMAIL presents all of Meghan’s jewellery additions to her expensive jewelry box for this year. It also explains the meaning and historical significance of each piece.
PENDANT, WHICH “BOOSTS SELF CONFIDENCE and PROVIDES STRONGER CONNECTION to INNER VOICE”
Second time worn: February, for James Corden appearance
Meghan, who was invited to appear in James Corden’s interview about Prince Harry, chose to wear a necklace made by TarynToomey, a close friend of Prince Harry’s.
Meghan, who was invited to appear in James Corden’s interview about Prince Harry’s health and well-being, chose to wear a necklace made by Taryn Toomey of The Class.
The Trapezoid Necklace in Lapis, £1,075.37, is described as being ‘widely regarded as a token of sincerity and wisdom.’
The Trapezoid Necklace in Lapis, £1,075.37, is described as being ‘widely regarded as a token of sincerity and wisdom’
A description online also mentions how it is “especially useful to anyone in need to boost their self-confidence, and strengthen their connection to themselves.”
This isn’t the first time that the Duchess of Cambridge has promoted the brand her friend.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex faced criticism in May 2019 for using a mental health campaign on their official Instagram account to promote an exclusive £900-a-night retreat run by Taryn.
The couple told their 7.6million followers that they wanted to ‘shine a light’ on those doing ‘amazing work for mental health’ – but among the many admirable causes is a lucrative business run by fashion industry executive turned fitness guru Taryn, who attended Meghan’s New York baby shower.
A CHIC COMPLEMENT TO EVERYDAY STYLE’: £2,264 MINI TENNIS BRACELET FROM JENNIFER MEYER
For the Oprah Winfrey interview, March was first worn
The piece was first worn by her during an Oprah Winfrey interview back in March. She has continued to wear the piece on numerous occasions throughout the year.
Meghan has added a more dainty £2,264 mini gold tennis bracelet designed by Jennifer Meyer, estranged wife of actor Tobey Maguire, to her jewellery collection
Meghan has added a more dainty £2,264 mini gold tennis bracelet designed by Jennifer Meyer, estranged wife of actor Tobey Maguire, to her jewellery collection.
The bracelet is described by the jewel designer as “chic complement to every day style” and “a true staple”.
It was her first time wearing the dress during Oprah Winfrey’s March interview. Since then, she has worn it multiple times throughout the year.
THE £2,950 DIAMOND JEWELS WORN IN ARCHIE’S CHICKEN COOP
For the Oprah WInfrey interview, March was first time I wore it
The Duchess of Sussex showcased her love for expensive jewellery as she donned glittering diamond earrings worth £2,950 while giving Oprah a tour of a chicken coop during the explosive interview
Meghan chose to wear diamond hoops by Jessica McCormack, a New Zealand-born London designer.
The Duchess of Sussex showcased her own take on ‘back to basics’ style by donning a pair of £2,950 earrings with a wax jacket and a pair of wellies during her explosive interview with Oprah Winfrey.
Jessica McCormack designed these stunning diamond earrings for the mom-of-one who is famously fond of expensive jewellery and designer brands.
Jessica’s line of delicate hoops featuring suspended sapphires, rubies and diamonds has quickly become a top seller.
These earrings are a hit among celebs. Rosie Huntington Whitley and Victoria Beckham shared Instagram photos of themselves sporting the jewelry.
While the Duchess is a big fan of the brand and wore the earrings twice on an International Women’s Day panel in 2012, while she was pregnant with Archie Harrison, the Duchess also adores the brand.
£100 ‘WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT’ NECKLACE WHICH ‘CELEBRATES SOCIAL JUSTICE’
First time worn: May, for the VaxLive appearance
The Duchess was seen wearing a diverse collection of jewelry when she attended the Vax Live broadcast in May. The brand behind Meghan’s new £100 necklace stated online that ‘celebrating intersectional feminism and social justice’ is at its ‘core’
The £100 ‘Woman Power Charm Necklace’ from jewellery brand Awe Inspired
As the Duchess was making an appearance on Vax Live, a star-studded telecast that took place in May, she wore a diverse collection of jewels.
Among the pieces she wore was an £100 ‘Woman Power Charm Necklace’ from jewellery brand Awe Inspired.
According to the website of the company, “Celebrating intersectional feminisms and social justice are at heart of who and what we are.”
“20% of proceeds go to our amazing charity partners. Each partner is chosen because of the impact that they make on women who have overcome adversity.
THE £1,283 ASTROLOGICALS TRIBUTE TO ARCHIE AND LILIBET ON HER 40th BIRTHDAY
In August, for the 40×40 Birthday Video
Meghan Markle shared a sweet tribute to her two children as she marked her 40th birthday in a pair of necklaces featuring their star sign constellations
The $1,785 (£1,283) accessories were by LA-based designer Logan Hollowell and is available in 14k gold and diamond or white sapphire
Meghan Markle made a touching tribute to her kids by gifting them a pair necklaces with their constellations star signs.
The delicate silver necklaces worn by the Duchess of Sussex were reminiscent of the signs Taurus Archie and Lilibet (both born May 2018, respectively)
The $1,785 (£1,283) accessory is by LA-based designer Logan Hollowell and is available in 14k gold and diamond or white sapphire.
£450 HAND-SHAPED AMULET THAT’S REPUTED TO BRING FORTUNE, THE SIMPLE HOOP EARRINGS – WITH A £264 PRICE TAG AND THE £956 GOLD BRACELET ENGRAVED WITH ARCH LOVES LILI
When visiting New York in September, I was first to wear it
The Duchess of Sussex notably sported a small but glittering hamsa on the £450 necklace by Turkish-inspired jewellery designer Alemdara as she visited the United Nations, in New York, with husband Harry. The 18-carat yellowgold chain has an evil eye, which may have been because she needed protection.
Among the jewelery pieces Meghan showcased for the first time in New York was a 18-karat yellow gold, polished nameplate by Jennifer Meyer engraved ‘Archie ♡ Lili’. Right,the Duchess of Sussex notably sported a small but glittering hamsa on the £450 necklace by Turkish-inspired jewellery designer Alemdara as she visited the United Nations, in New York
Meghan wore the Adina Reyter Tube Hoops, £264, for the first time when she stepped out in New York with Prince Harry in September
It’s considered one of the most popular talismanic symbols.
Dangling from ears, adorning rings, worn as a pendant, even at the end of a keychain, the hamsa — a symbol in the shape of a hand and said to convey protective powers on the wearer — has become the accessory de jour for a veritable gallery of celebrities.
The Duchess of Sussex notably sported a small but glittering hamsa on the £450 necklace by Turkish-inspired jewellery designer Alemdara as she visited the United Nations, in New York, with husband Harry.
£396 PINKY PROMISE RING FOR FEMALE EMPOWERMENT
For the Time 100 cover, September 1999.
The royal has also sported two £396 diamond Duet Pinky Rings, from New York-based brand Shiffon, which are meant to represent female empowerment
For her Time magazine cover Meghan wore two £396 diamond pinky rings from New York-based brand Shiffon, which are meant to ‘represent one woman supporting another through a pinky promise’.
This delicate Duet Pinky Ring has two small, contrasting diamonds at the end of the spiral. They are intended to represent two women coming together.
Also, it has an evil eye attached to the chain of 18-carat gold. So perhaps she needed protection in particular.
What is the Hamsa, then? Alemdara describes it as follows: The hamsa is widely recognized across cultures for its ability to protect against negativity. Its spiritual currency, the hamsahand’s, has roots in the ancient world.
Legend has it that the talisman, which depicts the open right-hand, brings luck, happiness, and health to the owner.
Although interpretations vary on the meaning and power, the hamsa is widely used across many religions.
Hamsa, which means five in Arabic, refers to five of the hand’s digits. To protect against evil, a hand pointed upward is considered to be a sign of protection. A hand pointed down represents blessings.
Many believe that the amulet symbolises God’s Hand.
Meghan wore the Adina Reyter Tube Hoops, £264, for the first time when she stepped out in New York with Prince Harry in September.
She was a long-time fan of the brand founded by women and has worn earrings from it on numerous occasions.
Among the jewelery pieces Meghan showcased for the first time in New York was a 18-karat yellow gold, polished nameplate by Jennifer Meyer engraved ‘Archie ♡ Lili’.
Online, the £956 piece is described as the ‘perfect, personal gift for yourself, someone special, or the new mom in your life.’
Jennifer was allegedly told by Buckingham Palace officials to delete images posted online that use the royal’s image to promote her business.
California-based jewelry designer Meghan has been attracting customers through her statement that Meghan “can’t stop” buying her jewellery, which includes rings and necklaces.
Jennifer, however, was accused of violating a nondisclosure agreement when she posted Instagram photos showing Prince Harry’s wife with her jewelry.
The Daily Mirror was told by a source close to the royal family that Jennifer Meyer had been instructed to remove the pictures and warned in clear terms about the potential damage this would cause Meghan and the Royal Family.
Jennifer wears many of her pieces with hidden or symbolic meanings. One necklace set and bracelet set that she wore is said to have been designed to repel evil.
THE SIMPLE £254 STUDS CRAFTED BY A NEW YORK DESIGNER
When visiting New York in September, I was first to wear it
The mother-of-two wore the £245 ($325) bars, which are made from yellow gold and diamonds, as she visited New York in September
The Duchess of Cambridge wore The Mini Diamond Bar bypass earrings while visiting New York in September to pay tribute to Mateo, a New York-based designer.
The Duchess of Cambridge wore The Mini Diamond Bar bypass earrings while visiting New York.
The £245 ($325) bars are yellow gold and diamonds.
THE £113 PERSONALISED NECKLACE CRAFTED FOR MEGHAN’s ‘MINIMALIST DREAM’
While reading The Bench, November was the first time this piece was worn.
Although it’s not clear what Duchess engraved onto the piece of jewelry, her husband and children are known to have worn items with their initials.
While reading The Bench, the Duchess wore an Elisa Pendant Necklace in 18k Gold Vermeil by American designer Kendra Scott.
£1,132 EVIL EYE BRACELET TO ‘WARD OFF UNDESIRED ENERGY’
For the New York Times DealBook Online Summit: First wear November
The Duchess of Cambridge wore the Mateo Eye of Protection Bracelet made of 14kt gold and diamonds when she stepped out to a New York Times Summit in November.
The Eye of Protection’s online description states that it is a classic and indispensable piece you’ll never want to remove.
While reading The Bench, the Duchess wore an Elisa Pendant Necklace in 18k Gold Vermeil by American designer Kendra Scott.
Online, the piece can be described as “the Elisa Pendant Necklace for minimalists.”
The ‘dainty’ and ‘delicate metallic chain’ can be combined to create the ‘new favorite wear-anywhere accessory’.
It is unknown what the Duchess inscribed on the piece. However, it is common for her to wear pieces that feature the initials of both her children and husband.
THE £660 ‘EVERYDAY STATEMENT’ NECKLACE FROM MEGHAN’S FRIENDS BRAND
For The Ellen Show, November was the first time it was worn
Jennifer Meyer added yet another piece of jewellery to the Duchess’ jewellery collection when she wore the Hammered Disc Pendant necklace on Ellen.
The £660 pendant is described online as ‘an everyday statement’ piece which has been handcrafted in hammered, subtly textured 18-karat gold.
THE £1547 ‘LUXURIOUS AND PERSONAL’ ZODIAC RING SET WITH ‘BRILLIANT DIAMONDS
For The Ellen Show, November was the first time it was worn
The Duchess of Cambridge, an avid collector and lover of personal jewels, also added another Mateo piece to her collection in November.
The royal wore the £1,547 14kt Gold Zodiac Coin Ring during her appearance on The Ellen Show.
This Zodiac coin ring, made from solid 14kt gold and set with stunning diamonds, is described as “timeless and beautiful”.
They are a great addition to your jewelry collection. Please choose your sign.
Jennifer Meyer added another piece to the jewelry box of the Duchess as she wore the Hammered Disc Pendant necklace on Ellen.
The £660 pendant is described online as ‘an everyday statement’ piece which has been handcrafted in hammered, subtly textured 18-karat gold
The Duchess of Cambridge, well-known for her passion for personal jewellery, purchased a Mateo third piece in November.
The royal wore the £1,547 14kt Gold Zodiac Coin Ring during her appearance on The Ellen Show