While royal fans are probably well aware that Kate Middleton's engagement ring [1] once belonged to Princess Diana, there's a matching set of earrings that have their own story, too. When Kate stepped out in her Alexander McQueen tartan coat [2] for her 2019 visit to Scotland, we were reminded of the sapphire gemstones that Kate received as a family heirloom [3] after her wedding, then debuted at Wimbledon in 2011.
But before she wore them for all to see, paying homage to Prince William's mother, she had the diamond drops altered, so that they worked less as costume jewelry to go with a cocktail dress and more as everyday pieces [4]. Ever since then, Kate's sported these for numerous appearances — and why wouldn't she, when they match so perfectly with the sparkler on her finger?
Scroll to see how these treasures looked when they belonged to Princess Diana and were worn with some very fancy outfits, then see Kate in her modernized earrings. Plus, shop a few similar jewels while you're at it, if you're a big fan of sapphires like we are.
Princess Diana Wore the Sapphire Earrings For a Concert at Royal Albert Hall in 1991
She Wore Them Again With a Catherine Walker Evening Dress at a Fashion Awards Ceremony in NYC in 1995
Kate Debuted the Tweaked Design at Wimbledon With Prince William in 2011
She Wore Them Again at the Province House in Canada in July 2011
In February 2015, Kate Wore Them For a Visit to the Emma Bridgewater Pottery Factory in England
Kate Wore the Earrings With Her McQueen Tartan Coat During Her Visit to Scotland in 2019
Shop Similar Earrings
Fantasia by DeSerio Cubic Zirconia Drop Earrings w/ Synthetic Sapphire [6] ($246, originally $410)
EFFY Collection Earrings
EFFY Collection
Royale Bleu by EFFY® Sapphire (3 ct. t.w.) and Diamond (1/3 ct. t.w.) Drop Earrings in 14k White Gold [7] ($3,500)
Amazon Collection Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver Pearl Shape Earrings
Amazon Collection Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver Pearl Shape Earrings [8] ($41)
LaFonn Blue Sapphire Drop Earrings
LaFonn Platinum Plated Sterling Silver Simulated Diamond & Lab-Grown Blue Sapphire Drop Earrings [9] ($69, originally $255)
Jiwinaia Studded Heart Earrings
Jiwinaia Studded Heart Earrings [10] ($180)
Sheryl Lowe Sapphire Teardrop Earrings
Sheryl Lowe Sapphire Teardrop Earrings [11] ($1,550)