By Victoria Engelmann in London
Elegant, classic and flawless have all been used to describe the Duchess of Cambridge's style, so it makes sense that her jewellery choices follow suit.
On her recent Royal Tour of Australia and New Zealand, Kate packed in more than 22 wardrobe changes in just 16 days. With dresses such as the Diane von Furstenberg Patrice selling out in just a few hours, it is safe to say the 'Kate effect' is alive and well.
But what of Kate Middleton's jewellery? While there was much talk of the pieces she wore from the Queen's priceless collection, such as the Wattle brooch featuring a diamond and ruby hibiscus flower, there has been less focus on Kate's contemporary choices, which is why we have picked out our top four contemporary jewels from the Duchess' royal tour.
Opting for jewellery by Asprey, Annoushka and Kiki McDonough, Kate remained true to her British heritage. Included in her epertoire was a whimsical Asprey Woodland charm necklace by Asprey, created in collaboration with acclaimed jewellery designer Shaune Leane. Inspired by English woodland flora, it is classic Kate: timeless, chic and original. Available in yellow gold, with or without diamonds, these cute Asprey charms cost from £2,200.
Another British designer favoured by the Duchess is Annoushka Ducas, whose designs have earned her an MBE. Kate wore her favourite Annoushka pearl drop earrings several times during the Royal Tour, in keeping with her reuse and recycle approach to dressing. You can buy the baroque pearl earring drops, which Kate wears paired with the Eclipse Porcupine Hoop Earrings in gold and diamonds, on the Annoushka website.
Kate didn't play it safe entirely, however. Channelling British flair in springtime-bright colours, the Duchess wore earrings by Kiki McDonough set with oval green amethysts and pear-shaped citrines. One of Kate's favourite jeweller designers, Kiki McDonough was also much-loved by the late Princess Diana.
Of course no royal outfit is complete without a dash of Cartier. Known as 'the jeweller of kings and the king of jewellers', Kate was continually spotted during the royal tour wearing a Cartier Ballon Bleu watch in stainless steel - reportedly a gift from Prince William.
While Kate Middleton's jewellery may be more valuable than her sell-out high-street dresses, it shows a similar degree of restraint, which might explain the 'Kate effect'. With her Kiki McDonough citrine earrings costing a very reasonable £495, it's within many of our budgets to dress like a duchess.
