EXCLUSIVEKate Middleton’s collection of sustainable jewellery is growing by the day… but guess who got in on the act first?

The Princess of Wales has become a leading advocate for sustainable jewellery, showcasing a range of necklaces and earrings from companies committed to environmental and ethical practices.

However, she wasn’t the first royal to champion sustainable jewels.

In 2019, Meghan Markle made headlines by endorsing Kimai, an ethical brand renowned for its dazzling lab-grown diamonds.

The duchess, who at the time was notably supporting independent sustainable labels, chose the intricate £630 ‘Felicity’ crawler earrings, set in recycled 18-carat yellow gold.

‘When the pictures went live, we immediately sold out, had hundreds of global press articles which really helped to get our brand name out there – and also spark a conversation around what lab-grown diamonds are,’ Jessica Warch, co-founder of Kimai, recalls.

Meghan’s well-timed appearance came a matter of weeks after the brand launched its website.

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In 2019, Meghan Markle made headlines by endorsing Kimai, an ethical brand renowned for its lab-grown diamonds

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Kimai’s £630 ‘Felicity’ crawler earrings feature lab-grown diamonds set in recycled 18-carat yellow gold

During a trip to Nigeria with Prince Harry in May, the royal opted for Kimai’s £695 Semi Hoop earrings, which feature 10 gleaming lab-grown diamonds.

Jessica expressed to MailOnline her gratitude for Meghan’s ongoing support.

She said: ‘We always love to see customers wearing our pieces, it never gets old!

‘It meant so much for Meghan to wear our pieces at such an early and pivotal stage of our business, getting her “seal of approval” really helped to get our brand name out there.

‘We love that she is still a customer of ours years later.’

Kimai emphasises supply chain traceability by using 100 per cent traceable lab-grown diamonds, with jewellery crafted in the founders’ native Antwerp.

The brand has opened a store on London’s Chiltern Street and is looking forward to expanding globally.

‘We always set out to disrupt the diamond industry. Growing up in Antwerp, the diamond centre of the world, we spotted a gap in the market to create a fine jewellery brand for modern women, with transparency at the heart of everything we do,’ Jessica said.

‘We want to democratize diamonds, without compromising on style or quality, and foster a more ethical and transparent approach.’

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During her recent trip to Nigeria with Prince Harry, the royal opted for Kimai’s Semi Hoop earrings

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Kimai’s £695 Semi Hoop earrings feature 10 gleaming lab-grown diamonds

Last year, sales for sustainable gems achieved a record high, accounting for 10 per cent of all global diamond jewellery sales, up from just 2 per cent in 2018.

Double-digit annual growth is expected to continue, driven by a growing interest from socially-conscious consumers who prioritise high quality and responsible sourcing that minimises environmental impact.

This trend aligns with Kate Middleton’s support for sustainable jewellery brands, as she increasingly selects pieces that reflect these values.

Below are some standout items from her collection.

Monica Vinader Nura Pearl necklace, £125 

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The Princess of Wales teamed a Self-Portrait dress with a delicate pearl necklace by Monica Vinader for a visit to the Royal College of Midwives in 2022

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Crafted from 18-carat gold-plated vermeil, with a single freshwater pearl, Monica Vinader’s £125 necklace is suitable for everyday wear

The Princess of Wales has frequently been seen wearing elegant pieces from Monica Vinader.

A memorable example is the £125 Nura Pearl necklace, which features a striking freshwater pearl set on an 18-carat gold-plated vermeil chain.

Monica Vinader has recently introduced the Odyssey collection, its first range of fully traceable gemstones.

This new collection continues the brand’s commitment to sustainability, using recycled gold and silver, and features gemstones mined by a female workforce at the Zimbaqua mine in Zimbabwe.

The brand’s ‘Product Passport’ initiative enables customers to trace the journey of over 300 styles.

Spells of Love Alia Hoop Earrings, £79

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Kate has donned the £79 Alia hoop earrings from Spells of Love on nine occasions

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The Alia earrings boast a contemporary angular silhouette, crafted from 18-carat gold-plated brass

Based in the heart of Wales, Spells of Love specialises in demi-fine jewellery that is combines exquisite craftmanship with eco-friendly and ethical practices.

Founded in 2016 by Hayley Jones, the brand celebrates individuality, confidence and self-expression.

One of its standout pieces, the Alia earrings, have been worn by Kate on nine occasions. They feature a modern angular design and are made from 18-carat gold-plated brass.

The jewellery is produced in Thailand by a family-owned factory that adheres to ethical standards and operates in small batches.

All gemstones are ethically sourced and fully traceable, and the factory is affiliated with the UN Global Compact and the Responsible Jewellery Council, which sets leading standards in the jewellery industry.

Daniella Draper personalised Midnight Moon necklace, £1,070

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Kate Daniella personalised her Daniella Draper necklace with G, C and L for her three children

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The £1,070 pendant is made from 9-carat gold and completed with a diamond

British jewellery designer Daniella Draper, a Central Saint Martins graduate, is known for crafting ‘future heirlooms’ using recycled gold and silver.

The Midnight Moon necklace is a particular favourite of Kate’s, having been worn by her 12 times.

Crafted from 9-carat yellow gold, the necklace features a sparkling diamond star and can be custom engraved.

Kate chose the initials G, C, and L to represent her children: George, Charlotte and Louis.

Shyla London Biaritz Squiggle Earrings, £74

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When launching her Shaping Us campaign in 2023, Kate accessorised her Victoria Beckham dress with Shyla London’s Biaritz Squiggle Earrings

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The £74 Biaritz Squiggle earrings are handmade from multiple layers of gold-plated silver

Kate owns four pairs of earrings by Shyla London, a contemporary label that utilises natural gemstones and ethically sourced or recycled metals.

Among Kate’s collection are the Biaritz Squiggle earrings, £72, which are handmade from multiple layers of gold-plated silver.

Founded by Alice Blofeld, the London-based company is driven by a passion for vintage jewellery and operates with a women-led team.

Shyla London also participates in charitable work, providing education in jewellery-making to impoverished women in India, helping them to support their families.

Laura Lombardi Portrait necklace, £185

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Kate delighted royal enthusiasts by showcasing the Laura Lombardi Portrait necklace during a visit to Boston in 2022. She rewore it while visiting a textile mill in Stanningley, Yorkshire, last year (pictured)

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Handcrafted from recycled 14-carat gold-plated brass, using a zero-waste technique, this chunky chain is a testament to Laura Lombardi’s commitment to both style and sustainability

Laura Lombardi is celebrated for its contemporary take on traditional jewellery, focusing on innovative materials and craftsmanship.

The brand is renowned for upcycling vintage and archive materials into new designs.

In 2022, Kate Middleton pleased royal enthusiasts by wearing the New York-based brand’s signature Portrait necklace during a Boston visit.

She wore it again with a forest green Burberry suit during a visit to a textile mill in Stanningley, Yorkshire, last year.

Handcrafted from recycled 14-carat gold-plated brass, using a zero-waste technique, this chunky chain highlights Laura Lombardi’s commitment to both style and sustainability.