The Untold Story Of Kate Middleton's First Design Collaboration: The Claudia Bradby 'Mother And Child' Necklace

The "Kate Middleton Claudia Bradby necklace collaboration" is not a recent royal fashion statement but a fascinating piece of history from the Princess of Wales’s pre-royal life, dating back to 2007. This enduring piece of pearl jewelry, officially known as the 'Mother and Child Pendant Necklace,' represents Catherine’s first-ever design partnership and remains one of the most significant—yet often overlooked—chapters of her early career in the fashion industry. As of today, December 10, 2025, the necklace continues to be a bestseller for the Claudia Bradby brand, a testament to its timeless design and the powerful story behind its creation.

The collaboration offers a rare glimpse into the creative mind of the future Queen before her marriage to Prince William, highlighting her passion for accessories and her brief but impactful stint as a fashion buyer. Far from being just another celebrity endorsement, this partnership was an authentic meeting of two creative forces, resulting in a piece that perfectly captures the essence of enduring love and classic British elegance, two themes that define Catherine's public persona today.

Catherine Middleton’s Pre-Royal Career: The Jigsaw Connection

Before becoming the Duchess of Cambridge and, subsequently, the Princess of Wales, Catherine Middleton maintained a professional life that included a notable period in the fashion industry. This background provides the crucial context for her collaboration with renowned British jewelry designer, Claudia Bradby.

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The Role of an Accessories Buyer

In 2006, after graduating from the University of St Andrews, Catherine took a position at the popular British high-street retailer, Jigsaw. Her role was as an assistant accessories buyer for the main Jigsaw line and, critically, for the children’s line, Junior Jigsaw. This was a hands-on role that required a keen eye for emerging trends, quality materials, and commercial viability—skills that would later define her influential fashion choices as a royal.

It was during this time that Claudia Bradby, a designer known for her contemporary use of pearls and commitment to ethical sourcing, reached out to Catherine. Bradby was reportedly looking to collaborate on a piece for the Junior Jigsaw line. The partnership was a natural fit, leveraging Catherine's burgeoning professional experience and her personal affinity for classic, understated jewelry.

The collaboration took place in 2007, just as Catherine was beginning to manage the intense public scrutiny surrounding her relationship with Prince William. This period marked a pivotal moment in her life, transitioning from a private citizen to a figure of global interest, and the necklace stands as a beautiful, tangible relic of her working girl days.

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The 'Mother and Child' Necklace: Design, Materials, and Meaning

The resulting piece from the 2007 collaboration is a sterling silver pendant necklace that has since become a signature item for the Claudia Bradby brand. The design is a masterclass in elegant simplicity, reflecting the timeless aesthetic that Catherine has championed throughout her public life.

An Enduring Symbol of Love and Family

The official name of the piece, the 'Mother and Child Pendant Necklace,' immediately speaks to its profound emotional inspiration. The design was explicitly created to symbolise the deep and unbreakable bond between a mother and her child. This choice of theme is particularly resonant, given Catherine's eventual role as a mother to three future monarchs: Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

The necklace features a delicate 16-inch sterling silver chain. The pendant itself is comprised of three distinct, movable charms:

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• The Solid Silver Nugget: A small, organic-shaped sterling silver charm that was the element originally designed in collaboration with Catherine. This nugget represents the solid, grounding presence of a mother.
• The Pearl: A single, lustrous freshwater pearl, a material that has become synonymous with royal jewelry and Catherine’s personal style. The pearl symbolises the child.
• An Additional Charm: The original design sometimes included a third charm, creating a cluster effect that is both personal and sophisticated.

The use of pearls is significant. Pearls are a staple in the British royal family's jewelry collection, often worn for their classic beauty and traditional meaning of purity and wisdom. By integrating a pearl into her first design, Catherine subtly foreshadowed her future role and her commitment to traditional elegance. The design is a perfect example of minimalist jewelry with maximum emotional impact, making it an ideal gift for new mothers and a constant bestseller.

The Legacy and Enduring Popularity of the 'Kate Necklace'

The 'Mother and Child Pendant Necklace' has enjoyed multiple resurgences in popularity, proving its status as a timeless piece of fine jewelry. Its continued relevance is directly tied to key moments in Catherine’s royal life, cementing its legacy as the 'Kate Necklace.'

A Royal Baby Bestseller

Whenever a new royal baby arrives, the necklace experiences a significant spike in sales. The brand, Claudia Bradby, has strategically re-promoted the piece around the births of Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis. This marketing move connects the necklace's original theme—the mother-child bond—with the real-life journey of its co-designer, transforming it into a cherished commemorative item for royal fans globally.

The necklace's enduring appeal lies in its accessibility. Unlike the priceless tiaras and heirloom pieces of the royal collection, the Claudia Bradby necklace is an affordable luxury, allowing royal enthusiasts to own a piece of jewelry directly linked to the Princess of Wales's personal history and design sensibilities. This accessibility is a key factor in its status as a bestselling jewelry piece for over a decade.

Topical Authority and Key Entities

The 'Mother and Child' necklace is a crucial entity in the narrative of Catherine’s style evolution. It links her early professional life as an accessories buyer at Jigsaw with her later status as a global style icon. Other key entities and LSI keywords that contribute to the topical authority of this story include Junior Jigsaw, the 2007 collaboration, the use of freshwater pearls, sterling silver, British designer Claudia Bradby, the concept of timeless design, and its connection to royal motherhood and the enduring pearl jewellery trend.

In addition to the 'Mother and Child' piece, a separate item, the 'Kate Rose Quartz Necklace,' was also designed in collaboration with Catherine, featuring a pink pearl—traditionally a symbol of love. These collaborations highlight a brief but significant period where Catherine actively engaged in the creative process, showcasing a natural talent for design that has been largely overshadowed by her royal duties.

Ultimately, the Claudia Bradby 'Mother and Child Pendant Necklace' is more than just jewelry; it is a historical artifact. It captures the moment a young woman, on the cusp of royal life, left her mark on the commercial fashion world. It’s a beautifully designed, emotionally resonant piece that perfectly encapsulates the themes of family, elegance, and enduring style that define the Princess of Wales today.