The Untold Story Of Kate Middleton's Secret Jewelry Collaboration That Is Still A Bestseller Today

Few people know that before Catherine, Princess of Wales, became one of the world's most influential fashion icons, she had a brief but impactful career as a jewelry designer. This surprising stint in the fashion world, which took place in 2007, resulted in a collaborative piece that is still a top-selling item for the British jewelry brand Claudia Bradby today, proving the future Queen's early eye for timeless design. As of December 10, 2025, the story of this unique partnership continues to fascinate royal and fashion enthusiasts alike, offering a rare glimpse into the Princess’s life before her marriage to Prince William.

The piece in question, the enduring "Mother and Child Pendant Necklace," is a sterling silver and pearl design that perfectly encapsulates the simple, elegant aesthetic Kate Middleton is now famous for. The collaboration occurred while she was working as an accessories buyer for the high-street retailer Jigsaw, a role that positioned her perfectly to spot emerging trends and high-quality design.

The Royal Designer: Kate Middleton’s Pre-Palace Career and Collaboration

The foundation of this unique collaboration lies in a little-known chapter of Kate Middleton's professional life. After graduating from the University of St Andrews in 2005, where she met Prince William, she took a job in London.

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The Accessories Buyer Role at Jigsaw

From 2006 to 2007, Kate worked as an assistant accessories buyer for the fashion chain Jigsaw, specifically for the Junior Jigsaw line. This role was more than just retail; it involved directing the selection and sourcing of luxury merchandise, giving her hands-on experience in the fashion supply chain and design process. It was during this period that jewelry designer Claudia Bradby reached out to her with a proposition.

Claudia Bradby, known for her modern take on classic pearl jewelry, was looking to create a special piece. She specifically commissioned Kate to collaborate on a design for the Junior Jigsaw collection. Kate, then known as Catherine, was keen on the idea, marking her first and only known foray into jewelry design.

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The Mother and Child Pendant Necklace: A Design with Meaning

The resulting piece was the "Mother and Child Pendant Necklace," a design that was intended to be worn by both mothers and daughters. This sentimental theme resonates deeply with the family-focused image the Princess of Wales maintains today. The final design features a 16-inch sterling silver chain adorned with three key elements: a solid silver nugget, a smaller silver charm, and a delicate pink pearl.

• The Silver Nugget: Represents the enduring strength and bond of family.
• The Pink Pearl: Traditionally a symbol of love, which aligns perfectly with the mother-daughter theme.
• The Sterling Silver Chain: Provides a timeless, high-quality foundation for the charms.

Interestingly, while Kate was instrumental in the design, she did not wear this specific necklace publicly. However, she was seen wearing another Claudia Bradby piece—the 'Camellia' necklace, featuring rose quartz and amazonite—at the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2007, cementing her early appreciation for the brand’s aesthetic.

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The Enduring Legacy of the Collaboration

The "Mother and Child" necklace has proven to be a truly timeless piece, remaining a best-seller for Claudia Bradby over 18 years after its initial launch. Its longevity speaks volumes about the quality of the design and the powerful emotional connection of its name.

A Testament to Timeless Style

The Princess of Wales’s style is defined by its accessibility, elegance, and classic nature. The necklace perfectly embodies these traits. It is a subtle, yet meaningful, piece of jewelry that can be layered or worn alone, making it a versatile accessory for any woman. The fact that the piece is still actively sold and promoted highlights the enduring power of anything associated with the future Queen.

Claudia Bradby’s Brand Philosophy

The collaboration also aligns perfectly with the core values of the Claudia Bradby brand. The company is built on creating handcrafted, cultured, freshwater pearl jewelry that tells a story. Claudia Bradby’s design philosophy, influenced by figures like Gabrielle Chanel, is centered on creating pieces fit for the way women live their lives.

The brand views the pearl not just as a beautiful gem, but as a symbol of power and potential for growth within us all. This focus on meaningful, high-quality pieces made the 2007 partnership with the then-Catherine Middleton a natural fit, resulting in a piece that is as precious in its story as it is in its materials.

Why This Piece Remains a Royal Style Secret Worth Knowing

For royal watchers, the "Mother and Child" necklace is more than just a piece of jewelry; it is a tangible link to the Princess of Wales's life before she became a senior working royal. It shows her early professional acumen and her innate understanding of what resonates with the public.

The Power of the Pink Pearl

The inclusion of the pink pearl is particularly significant. While the Princess of Wales is most often associated with classic white pearls—a staple of royal jewelry—the pink pearl in this design adds a touch of modern femininity and warmth. It serves as a gentle nod to the piece’s theme of love and connection, making it a popular gift for new mothers and daughters.

The collaboration is a perfect example of a successful, early-career partnership that has stood the test of time. It cemented Claudia Bradby as a brand with royal connections and offered Kate Middleton a unique experience that fed her passion for accessories, a passion she continues to express through her carefully curated public wardrobe today. The necklace's enduring popularity proves that the Princess of Wales’s touch for style is not just about wearing clothes, but about designing pieces that carry a timeless, emotional weight.

The story of the "Mother and Child Pendant Necklace" is a fresh reminder that long before she was the Princess of Wales, Catherine was a talented accessories buyer and a budding designer whose vision continues to influence the jewelry market.