Monica Vinader birthstone necklace is like Princess Kate’s – for less | Royal | News

The Princess of Wales was spotted in a chic ensemble during her visit to the RHS Wellbeing Garden at Colchester Hospital in Essex on Wednesday. For the outing, the 43-year-old looked poised as ever as she completed her look with a sleek gold birthstone necklace from Auree London.

Retailing at £425, the piece is from the jeweller’s Bali Birthstone range. Kate wore the January version – the Princess of Wales’s birthday is the 9th of the month – featuring a deep garnet charm layered over a reversible 9ct gold disc. 

If the Auree necklace is out of your price range, we have found a similar piece from Monica Vinader that’s more than £300 cheaper, and we’ve picked some other affordable alternatives. 

The Monica Vinader birthstone necklace collection features the stone set in a round 18ct-gold vermeil pendant. It’s polished gold and the stone is just on one side – you can get the back engraved for free – and very slightly smaller than the Auree version, but it gives a similar aesthetic. This one also comes in shiny sterling silver. 

This elegant necklace is made from 9-carat gold and features the garnet set against a reversible gold disc—polished on one side and brushed on the other, and can be worn either way round. The disc can be engraved with a name or special date.

Mejuri, another brand worn by Princess Kate and Meghan Markle also has a birthstone necklace collection. These pendants are about half the diameter of the Auree version, with the stone filling more of the 18ct-gold vermeil setting. We would say they are ideal for anyone who prefers something sparkly but understated or likes to layer their jewellery. 

While not part of a specific birthstone collection, this necklace by Aspinal of London – a brand regularly worn by the royals – comes in a number of different stones. This garnet version is made from 18ct gold vermeil with the gemstone set in a textured pendant.  

Astrology fans will love this necklace range from Abbott Lyon. It features a star sign-inspired medallion, studded with a birthstone –you choose both separately so it can be fully customised. The pendant is made from 18ct gold-plated metal (with a silver option also available) and you can choose the chain style (some with a £10 additional charge). There is also the option to add an initial to feature on the front and include a personal engraved message up to 40 characters on the reverse.