Yahoo News Kate Middleton’s gemstone necklace is surprisingly affordable: Here’s where to buy it
The lapis lazuli stone is said to represent healing and wisdom
(iStock/The Independent)From her sapphire engagement ring to her Cartier brooch, you might assume that most of the Duchess of Cambridge's pieces of jewellery are unattainable.
But, just like her high-street friendly wardrobe, the royal’s jewellery box is also bursting with affordable bling.
Read more: 10 best jewellery gifts for her this Valentine’s Day
From contemporary jewellery brands like Monica Vinader and Missoma, to budget buys from Accessorize, Kate regularly wears reasonably priced jewels and her latest piece is no exception.
Earlier this week, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took part in a video call with student nurses from the University of Ulster, to hear about their experiences during the pandemic.
Watch: The Duchess of Cambridge's style evolution: how to recreate her most memorable looks
For the call, the Duchess sported a cream knit and sleek tuxedo jacket designed by Alexander McQueen, which she first wore for a Wildlife Photographer of the Year Awards event in October.
However, it was the duchess’s gemstone necklace that really caught our eye. The piece, which is designed by Astley Clarke, is called the round stilla lapis lazuli pendant necklace and costs £160.
Kate has worn the necklace before, first for a call marking Holocaust Remembrance Day, and later when she spoke with nurses from the Midlands.
The beautiful stone is said to represent healing, wisdom, intuition and truth, and has been highly regarded throughout history. Lapis lazuli was used by ancient Egyptians for jewellery and was even ground by Cleopatra to create her famous dark blue eyeshadow. In the 13th and 14th centuries it was used by painters to create ultramarine pigments for works of art.
Owing to its popularity, Kate's exact necklace is currently available to pre-order only, with stock set to ship in May. If you really can't wait to replicate the royal's look, we've also rounded up our pick of other similar styles that you can shop right now.
You can trust our independent round-ups. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent.
Astley Clarke round stilla lapis lazuli pendant necklace: £160, Astleyclarke.com
If only the real deal will do, you can snap up Kate’s exact necklace online at Astley Clarke. The piece features an adjustable chain made from 18ct gold-plated sterling silver and a round pendant that displays the beautiful blue gemstone in all its glory.
The necklace is finished with a gold nugget detail and the brand’s signature Astley Clarke star-set lapis lazuli tag. Shoppers are in for a little wait before they can get their hands on it because, while the necklace is available to pre-order right now, delivery is not expected until 17 May 2021. However, we think it is well worth the wait.
Missoma lapis September birthstone necklace: £95, Missoma.com
In addition to the sapphire, the lapis lazuli is also considered to be the birthstone for those born in September. So, while this necklace would make a great gift for any jewellery lover, it will have special significance for anyone with a birthday during that month.
This style from Missoma features a round 18ct gold vermeil pendant with sunburst cut-out detailing and the blue gemstone set in the centre. The chain is also made from 18ct gold vermeil and has a shorter length of 450mm.
Accessorize healing stones gold-plated necklace: £17, Accessorize.com
Part of the "z for Accessorize" collection, this gold-plated necklace is made with a statement pyramid-shaped lapis stone pendant.
If you like the idea of a matching set, the good news is that co-ordinating items are available, including healing stone huggie hoops (£15, Accessorize.com) and a pair featuring chunky teardrop-shaped gems (£14, Accessorize.com).
Gemondo irregular lapis lazuli and diamond pendant: £45, Wolfandbadger.com
Designed by British jewellery brand Gemondo, which specialises in fine and demi-fine gemstones and metals, this necklace has a gold-plated pendant with an oval, cabochon-cut lapis lazuli gemstone in an asymmetrical setting that’s accented with a dainty, round-cut diamond.
The pendant comes with a matching 45cm gold-plated sterling silver chain and you can also pick up the matching ring (£55, Wolfandbadger.com).
For more royal-inspired style, read our guide to where to buy Kate’s sell-out cardigan
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