The significance behind Duchess Catherine's stunning (and affordable!) Astley Clarke necklace

Did you spot this show-stopping piece?

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge meets staff and pupils from Holy Trinity Church of England First School as part of a working visit across the UK ahead of the Christmas holidays on December 7, 2020
(Image credit: Photo by Andy Commins - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Duchess Catherine’s necklaces are what jewelry dreams of made of and in her latest appearance, she showcased a particularly significant piece. 

The Duchess of Cambridge dazzled royal fans as she made her latest video call appearance wearing a particularly stunning necklace. She and Prince William spoke to student nurses from Ulster University, learning more about their experiences of studying during the pandemic and undertaking frontline placements. Duchess Catherine looked as stylish as ever for this important call, wearing a smart blazer and cream knit.

But it’s the stunning gemstone necklace she was wearing that’s really caught some people’s attention.  Even keen jewelry makers would have to have one of the best jewelry making kits to try and replicate this at home. Standing out against the Duchess of Cambridge’s jumper, the blue stone added an elegant touch of color to her outfit.

It has now been reported as being the 'Round Stilla Lapis Lazuli Pendant Necklace' from Astley Clarke. 

What is the significance of Duchess Catherine’s necklace?

Not only is lapis lazuli beautiful, but it also has some historic royal connections too. This was a stone used in the famous death mask of Ancient Egyptian Pharoh King Tutankhamun, whilst it’s thought that Cleopatra used it ground up as eyeshadow. 

So Duchess Catherine is certainly following in some pretty impressive royal footsteps with this jewelry piece!

Funerary mask of Tutankhamun, gold, lapis lazuli, carnelian, quartz, obsidian, turquoise and glass paste, from the Tomb of Tutankhamun.

(Image credit: Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)

Where can you buy the Duchess of Cambridge’s necklace?

The Duchess of Cambridge has long been a style icon to many people around the world and her jewelry particularly delights royal fans. Whilst some of Duchess Catherine’s jewelry, like her amazing sapphire engagement ring, that once belonged to the late Princess Diana, is definitely out of a lot of people’s price range, this lapis lazuli necklace is much more affordable.

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Round Stilla Moonstone Pendant Necklace |<a href="https://go.redirectingat.com/?id=92X1623315&xcust=hawk-custom-tracking&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.astleyclarke.com%2Fuk%2Fround-stilla-moonstone-pendant-necklace&sref" data-link-merchant="SkimLinks - astleyclarke.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Astley Clarke | £160

This stunning demi-fine Stilla gemstone pendant features a beautiful rose-cut moonstone gem, set in 18 carat yellow gold plated sterling silver. This elegant necklace is finished with a gold nugget detail and the signature Astley Clarke star-set lapis lazuli tag. Perfect for showcasing on its own, or stacked with other jewelry for a multi-layered look, this would make for a wonderful Valentine's Day gift. 

The lapis lazuli version of the necklace is currently available for pre-order and will be back in stock next month. In the meantime, there is a range of other stones available in exactly the same necklace style at Astley Clarke. Moonstone, labradorite and green onyx are just a few options, each beautifully crafted. 

The stunning necklace is £160 and would make for a thoughtful Valentine’s Day present for a loved one - or yourself!

Emma Shacklock

Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!