Catherine’s jewellery: Bahrain Pearl Earrings

The Princess of Wales has long been celebrated for her impeccable style and ability to incorporate meaningful elements into her wardrobe. Among her most iconic accessories is the pair of Bahrain Pearl Earrings, a dazzling piece steeped in history and sentimentality.

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Queen Elizabeth II’s wedding to Prince Philip in 1947 saw the then-Princess receive a magnificent array of gifts from world leaders and dignitaries. Among these gifts were seven large pearls presented by the ruler of Bahrain. Shortly after the wedding, two of these pearls were selected to create the exquisite Bahrain Pearl Earrings.

Each earring features a round diamond and a baguette-cut diamond at the top, which connect to the lustrous drop pearl by way of a smaller, circular diamond. The understated yet striking design is a testament to mid-century jewellery craftsmanship and remains an enduring symbol of royal sophistication. Their versatility lies in their ability to seamlessly elevate a variety of looks, from traditional royal attire to modern silhouettes, while always exuding timeless elegance.

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Throughout her 70-year reign, Elizabeth II wore the Bahrain Pearl Earrings on numerous occasions, making them a cherished part of her jewellery collection. One of the most iconic appearances of these earrings was during her 1951 tour of Canada. However, they gained international recognition in the portraits taken by Dorothy Wilding, where the late Queen paired the earrings with the George IV State Diadem and the Nizam of Hyderabad Necklace. These portraits later featured on banknotes, coins, and stamps, cementing the earrings as an enduring symbol of Her Majesty.
Portrait of Elizabeth II. (RCT 2024)
The earrings were also loaned by Elizabeth II to other members of the Royal Family. Diana, Princess of Wales, wore them during the Dutch State Visit to the UK in 1982, pairing them with her iconic sapphire and diamond tiara. Similarly, the then-Countess of Wessex wore the earrings in 2014 for a performance at the Royal Albert Hall.

The Bahrain Pearl Earrings first made their way to Catherine, the Princess of Wales, in 2016 when she began incorporating pieces from the royal collection into her wardrobe. She debuted the earrings at the Remembrance Sunday service that year, immediately showcasing her ability to honor royal traditions while adding her own modern flair.

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Since then, the earrings have become a staple in Catherine’s jewellery repertoire, often chosen for occasions of great significance. They were worn at the Platinum Jubilee service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in 2022, as well as the funerals of Prince Philip in 2021 and Queen Elizabeth II in 2022.

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Image Licensed to i-Images Picture Agency. 03/12/2024. London, United Kingdom. Prince William and Kate Middleton at a Ceremonial Welcome for The Amir of Qatar and his wife Sheikha Jawaher, at Horse Guards Parade in London, during the first full day of their State Visit to the United Kingdom. Picture by i-Images / Pool
Most recently, the Princess wore the Bahrain Pearl Earrings for Holocaust Memorial Day 2025, pairing them with a five-strand pearl necklace and a tailored black coat dress. The ensemble underscored her thoughtful and respectful approach to royal fashion, demonstrating how she uses her style to convey subtle messages of grace and reverence.

The Princess of Wales has shown a masterful ability to balance tradition and modernity in her fashion choices, and the Bahrain Pearl Drop Earrings are a prime example of this. Whether paired with a contemporary gown or a more traditional ensemble, they highlight Catherine’s commitment to honoring royal heritage while making each piece her own.