Kate Middleton’s Jewelry Taste ‘Classic, Refined’; Meghan Markle’s ‘Unexpected, Youthful,’ Jeweler Says

Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle have different tastes in jewelry.

The Duchess of Cambridge and Duchess of Sussex have access to Queen Elizabeth II’s jewelry vault. However, while Middleton is often seen wearing pieces from the monarch’s collection, Markle hasn’t been seen loaning an item except for the tiara on her big day. According to jeweler Pippa Small, this could be due to their different preferences in accessories.

“Kate is more traditional, classic and refined, whereas I feel Meghan is a little more unexpected and youthful with her choices,” Small told People.

Although Markle has not borrowed any accessory from the Queen’s vault, she has been using Princess Diana’s collection. For instance, during her royal tour in Sydney with Prince Harry, Markle was photographed wearing the late Princess of Wales’ butterfly earrings and gold bracelet.

“That was a beautiful symbol and a lovely gesture,” Small said. “She made them look totally contemporary, and it really showed the emotional value of jewelry.”

Just like Markle, Middleton has some jewelry from Princess Diana. The Duchess of Cambridge received a matching pair of sapphire and diamond earrings from her mother-in-law. Middleton modernized the double sapphire studs into a simpler drop earring style.

According to Small, Middleton and Markle’s gesture of using the Queen and Princess Diana’s accessories sends a message that one should not always buy a new one. Middleton and Markle both reuse the pieces they received and the Duchess of Cambridge often loan an item from the Queen’s vault.

Lauren Teff, a London-based stylist, also noticed Markle and Middleton’s different preferences in fashion, especially in jewelry. According to Teff, the Duchess of Sussex keeps her accessories simple but stylish. She also supports small designers to make an ethical impact.

On the other hand, Middleton, who often borrows the Queen’s collection, has a more classic taste. She tends to wear diamond earrings and pearl necklaces.

All The Pretty founder Charlotte Balbier added that Prince William’s wife is into "royal traditional styling." She pointed out how Middleton loves to wear sets that match and colored stones that make a statement.

Meanwhile, for Balbier, Markle favors delicate and small pieces. If one notices, the pregnant royal opts for petite bangles and small earrings.