As the summer event season gets under way, I always find myself reaching for jewellery that works a little harder. The best pieces are the ones you can throw on with a simple T-shirt, a blazer, or a floaty dress and instantly elevate your outfit – which perhaps explains why Princess Catherine keeps returning to one particular necklace time and time again.
The Princess of Wales is rarely seen without her beloved Daniella Draper Gold Keeper’s Heart Trace Necklace. The sentimental piece has become one of Catherine’s, 44, most recognisable everyday accessories over recent years. She often wears the piece to honour her three children.
The design itself is beautifully understated, but the only downside? The royal favourite comes with a hefty price tag. Depending on personalisation options, prices start from around £2,750, putting it firmly into investment-piece territory.
Thankfully, I have found a high-street alternative that delivers a remarkably similar feel for a fraction of the cost.
Estella Bartlett’s Gold Heart T-Bar Necklace is currently available for just £50 and taps into the same elevated everyday aesthetic that makes Catherine’s necklace so appealing. Like the royal-loved original, it combines a chunky gold-tone chain with a statement heart pendant, creating that effortless layered look that feels both modern and classic.
There are a few key differences. Unlike Catherine’s Daniella Draper version, the Estella Bartlett necklace cannot be personalised, meaning it lacks the sentimental family connection that makes the royal’s piece so special. That said, for thousands cheaper, it still captures the same overall look beautifully.
Finished in waterproof PVD gold plating, the necklace is designed to withstand everyday wear and comes backed by a one-year guarantee. The oversized paperclip-style chain feels contemporary without being trend-led, while the hammered heart pendant adds texture and interest without overwhelming an outfit.
Shoppers were left thrilled, with one customer sharing: “This necklace is very beautiful. The heart is large and is really unusual. I love it. The quality is top class. Beautiful chain. Made really to a high standard, it’s simply amazing. I would give it a million stars.” While another added, “It looks great, exactly as per the displayed image.”