The Princess of Wales once dedicated to her colorful Kiki gemstone earrings and ladylike pearls — has in recent years experimented with her jewelry and become more inclined to try trendy styles and funky designs.
While raiding the Crown jewels is always an available option for this pretty palace resident, the princess often selects affordable and economical earrings to maintain the admiration of her subjects and to assemble impressive high-low cost ensembles.
From hammered earrings to oversized floral dangle drops, she’s transitioned from prim and proper pieces to big and bold. Not unlike her sister-in-law, the Duchess of Sussex, who has embraced sculptural earrings, colorful clip-ons and knotted designs, the Princess of Wales has entered her statement earring era.
Here are 12 of Kate Middleton’s Statement Earrings from Least to Most Expensive:
1. H&M Gold Hammered Metal Hoop Earrings, $12.99
Defined by their heft, these large gold-tone earrings weigh 33 grams and have a modern, sculptural style. Featuring a rocky and edgy roughened texture, these strong statement earrings add a tough-girl vibe to any fairy tale fashion ensemble.
The princess has stepped out in the chunky $12.99 earrings on two occasions including for a Royal Foundation Dinner in November 2018 clad in a red Preen dress and again on a Royal Visit to Ireland two years later wearing an emerald silk midi dress by the Vampire’s Wife. (Similar budget dress)
2. Zara Golden Cascading Earrings, $27.90
Large cascading blooms give these romantic earrings plenty of pretty polish — the Princess wore the botanic drops made of metal and accented with delicate jewels for the February 2023 BAFTA Awards.
The princess’ affordable earrings caused quite a stir and thanks to the ‘Kate Effect’ spawned lookalikes and imitation earrings in mass.
3. Blaiz Red Beaded Earrings, $85
A clunky-chic pair of boho earrings, these oversized beaded teardrops feature a plethora of colorful resin red beads hanging from a post back closure.
The Wales matriarch has sported the fun and colorful earrings on just one occasion for a football match in July 2021. Due to their weight and size, the princess struggled to secure the earrings during the sporting event. (Similar on Amazon HERE)
4. Brora Gold Charm Earrings, $89
Adding a bit of gilded glamour to any ensemble, these earring feature eye-catching gold plated brass with two circular filigree charms. The handmade accessories with their ornate medallions hang from sterling silver gold-plated hooks. (Similar look on eBay HERE)
Kate has donned the playful drops on three occasions including twice in Bhutan in April 2016 and again at Wimbledon for the Men’s tennis finals in July 2016.
5. Chalk Florence Earrings in Regency Green, $91
A pair of appealing art deco earrings inspired by the ornate styling of the main auditorium ceiling of the Royal Opera House, these green acrylic, walnut and gold plated danglers have plenty of regal panache.
The princess has worn the pauper-priced geometric pair on two recent occasions in June 2022 in a white pantsuit for Windrush Day and the following year in a red McQueen blazer and trouser set for a Shaping Us launch event.
6. Nadia Irena Maya Earrings, $95
At just under $100, these affordable earrings are one of Kate’s most wallet-friendly accessories. The openwork hoops are reminiscent of coral reefs and were a perfect on-theme choice for a visit to the Caribbean in March 2022. (Similar on Etsy HERE)
The princess has worn the earrings on a total of three occasions including twice in the Bahamas and once in May 2022 for a fashion design awards ceremony wearing an Edeline Lee belted teal midi dress.
7. Kate Spade Pom Tassel Earrings, $98
Pretty and playful, these burgundy and scarlet earrings are made from sumac red silk thread and constructed with mini glass beads.
Kate has worn the striking red statement earrings on one occasion — to attend the 42nd Street musical in April 2017 clad in a tulle ballgown by Marchesa.
8. Sezane Esmee Earrings, $130
One of many of Kate’s many Sezane statement earrings, these bohemian earrings feature an ornate design with dangling fringe in the form of rows of black beads. (Similar on Amazon HERE)
Kate has worn the earrings publicly and privately and sported them in June 2023 for Royal Ascot and off-duty at a festival in Norfolk in August 2023.
9. O’nitta Crystal Drop Earrings, Bespoke Estimated $380
A pair of custom statement drops, these shiny gold discs feature sparkling crystal stones set in gold-plated metal drops. The exact price is unknown but speculated to be around $400. (Similar on Amazon HERE)
Preferring to wear the stunning earrings with red carpet dresses, she’s donned the sizable sunburst earrings on three occasions — including for a royal visit in Pakistan in October with a green floor-length sequin Jenny Packham gown as well as for the James Bond “No Time to Die” film premiere in September 2021 clad in a shimmering gold sequin cape dress. In addition, she’s sported the party-friendly earrings in March 2022 in a reflective shiny pink Vampire’s Wife Sleeper dress in Belize.
10. Erdem Floral Hoop Earrings, $440
Elegant and opulent, these unique designer earrings feature a dark and moody hazy round crystal embellished hoop offset by cream colored light-catching pearls as well as a central orange stone. The middle stone represents a flower with the encircled pearl studs serving as petals.
The princess has worn the Victorian era earrings hailing from Erdem’s Autumn/Winter 2018 collection on two official royal outings — in October 2018 at the V&A museum clad in an Erdem tweed gray midi dress with a frayed hem and again in November 2019 at a Royal Variety Performance wearing a custom black lace McQueen evening gown.
11. By Pariah Sabine Medium Hoop Earrings, $650
With chunky 80s button and post earrings back in vogue, Kate looked on-trend in these ultra-shiny gold vermeil hoops made from recycled sterling silver and 14 karat gold. The XL ‘puffy’ statement earrings have plenty of modern appeal and a bit of edgy attitude.
The princess debuted her striking polished hoops to sit courtside at Wimbledon in July 2014. (Similar on Amazon)
12. Cassandra Goad Temple of Heaven Earrings, $2400
One of the princess’ oldest pairs of statement earrings, these decorative chandelier earrings are designed with round ring and diamond shaped pendants with cutout centers. Elegant and timeless, the classic cascading earrings have plenty of art deco charm. (Similar at Macys HERE)
Princess Kate has worn the nine-carat gold earrings inspired by the jeweler’s travels to China on over a dozen occasions including for receptions, wedding celebrations and a trip to India April 2016.
