Sophie, Countess of Wessex, 55, will usually often dress up her looks with timeless pieces of jewellery. The royal – who married Prince Edward in 1999 – has been spotted wearing a modest necklace which could have a special meaning.
“There is something undeniably feminine and empowering about a handbag,” Claire commented.
“That symbolism on a pendant seemed very appropriate for the gathering Sophie, Countess of Wessex hosted at Buckingham Palace for the top 100 women in finance, an event designed to increase the visibility of female role models.”
Although the necklace was subtle, the mother-of-two could have been trying to make a statement.
The expert continued: “Handbag pendants aren’t as common as one might think although there are a fair number of lovely vintage examples online.
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“Sophie’s one looks like it is gold with pave diamonds.
“Interestingly, handbags have a long history of being linked to jewellery through the minaudière – a bejewelled evening handbag and a jewel all rolled into one – like those by Van Cleef & Arpels, the Parisian jewellery house worn by Kate Middleton to the Baftas.”
The pendant appeared to make a nod to minaudière bags that have been carried by members of the Royal Family over the years.
“They are made with precious materials, like gold, enamel and precious gemstones, and appear really compact,” Claire said.
“But then with a click or two, secret compartments unfurl for lipstick, powder compact and even clocks.
“Always useful for keeping the true extent of your vanity and organisational skills under wraps until the situation requires them.”
Sophie is no stranger to wearing interesting and lavish pieces of jewellery.
When she married Prince Edward, the Countess wore a tiara thought to be made up of four pieces of Queen Victoria’s Regal Circlet.
It was given to Sophie by the Queen and composed of four anthemion elements, Eddie LeVian, CEO of jeweller Le Vian, explained.
He said: “Buckingham Palace has never confirmed the provenance of the tiara, other than noting that it came from the Queen’s private jewellery collection.
“However if you look closely, the tiara is composed of four anthemion elements – these are sections composed of twisting diamond floral motifs, set on a gold frame.
“Queen Victoria’s Regal Circlet was made with a set of detachable fleur-de-lis, Maltese cross, and anthemion elements that could be swapped out and rearranged.”