EXCLUSIVE'I turned on the TV and my heart was warmed by Princess Catherine's significant gesture on Holocaust Memorial Day. I just had all these beautiful emotions and it was so meaningful for us', writes REBECCA ENGLISH
Having the Princess of Wales wearing a piece of her fabulous vintage jewellery would have been a honour on any day of the week for Susan Caplan.
But the fact that she chose to wear a piece from a Jewish-owned brand to an event on Monday marking Holocaust Memorial Day, when the world was commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Berkenau, left her in tears.
Susan, who set up her eponymous brand in 2008 and is one of the world’s leading curators of vintage jewellery, told the Mail that it had been a ‘monumental’ occasion.
‘It was so significant for her to wear my brand on such an important day. My heart was warmed,’ she said, speaking from her London headquarters.
‘I am Jewish and it was just so meaningful for us from that point of view. My emotions yesterday were so high.’
While her husband had long been due to attend the event at London’s Guildhall, organised by the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust, the princess’ appearance was only announced at the last minute.
It is understood that she was keen to pay her respects and to be reunited with Holocaust Survivors Steven Frank and Yvonne Bernstein, whom she previously photographed as part of a project to mark 75 years since the end of the Nazi genocide.
Deeply emotional images of her hugging them went round the world, with Steven later describing her as a ‘such a darling’.
The Princess of Wales wearing Susan Caplan's £275 vintage pearl necklace as she lights a candle during a ceremony commemorating Holocaust Memorial Day
Catherine was also seen wearing the Bahrain Pearl Drop earrings which the Royals increasingly wear to the more solemn occasions
Susan Caplan set up her eponymous brand in 2008 and is one of the world’s leading curators of vintage jewellery
Princess Diana attended the wedding of Lady Sarah Armstrong Jones to Daniel Chatto wearing a similar four-string pearl choker which became one of her favourites
Many also focused on the princess’ impeccably elegant and low-key black outfit, which was artfully completed with an eye-catching five-string pearl necklace.
While some instantly assumed it was a priceless piece from the Royal Collection, a fair guess given how popular pearls are amongst royal women, it was actually sourced from the Susan Caplan website.
Pearls have been a firm royal favourite over the ages, from Queen Elizabeth I, whose portraits frequently show her in the gems, to more modern day royals such as Queen Mary, wife of King George V, who would drape herself from head to toe in them.
The late Queen Elizabeth II, the Queen Mother and Princess Diana were also huge fans and their favourite pieces have now been handed down to a new generation.
However Catherine’s necklace was, notably, not some priceless heirloom.
Instead it was a vintage faux pearl necklace, which although unbranded, was, Susan says, produced in the 1980s with materials of impeccable quality compared to those used today.
It was listed for £275 and is a ‘rhodium-plated five row pearl strand necklace’ featuring ‘luminous faux pearls in graduating sizes’ with a Swarovski crystal clasp.
Susan has worked in the industry for 45 years, starting out at car boot and table top sales before being stocked in major leading department stores.
Imelda Staunton who played the late Queen wearing a three-string pearl necklace in Netflix's award winning show, The Crown
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother often wore a three-strand pearl necklace (pictured in 1986)
A five-strand pearl necklace was given as a birthday present to Princess Margaret by her grandmother Queen Mary on the occasion of her 18th birthday in 1948
Queen Elizabeth II always loved pearls. She owned many different pearl necklaces that ranged from one single strand, up to six strands
She founded her own brand almost 20 years ago, focusing on pieces from the 1950s right up to the 1990s, capitalising on the booming fashion trend for ‘pre-loved’.
Her pieces, which she sources from around the world, have graced the likes of everyone from Kate Moss to Adele and Beyoncé, and also featured in the latter episodes of The Crown on the characters of Princess Diana, The Queen and The Queen Mother.
Susan, who says she ‘adores’ the Royal Family and praises the King in particular for his life-long championing of inter-faith dialogue, praises the way Catherine mixes priceless royal antique and charming vintage pieces with modern day, inexpensive high street finds.
‘She does it so effortlessly and carries them all so well,’ she says.
Susan had been babysitting her grandchildren and didn’t realise that Catherine was wearing the necklace until she turned on the television on Monday evening to catch up on the King’s appearance at the Auschwitz commemorations in Poland.
‘I turned the TV on and on came Princess Catherine…with the necklace. I just had all these beautiful emotions that she had worn that piece, on this day. It was so incredibly touching,’ she said.
‘I really don’t think I can over-emphasise the significance of her wearing that necklace on such a poignant day. It’s just so monumental, not just for me but for the whole of the Jewish community and other minorities that lost their lives during that time.‘
Queen Mary, the wife of King George V, would frequently drape herself from head to toe in pearls
Catherine's necklace was listed for £275 and is a ‘rhodium-plated five row pearl strand necklace’ featuring ‘luminous faux pearls in graduating sizes’ with a Swarovski crystal clasp
Queen Elizabeth II and Princess Margaret attend a charity concert at St James's Palace wearing beautiful pearl necklaces
Although she is admirably discreet about her royal links, the necklace was sourced by Catherine stylists.
‘I did expect her to wear it at some point but seeing it at that particular event meant so much,’ she says, still clearly touched.
‘I felt so emotional that day listening to the headlines, seeing the coverage in the papers when stopped get some petrol…this year, of all years, the Holocaust commemorations have felt more poignant than ever before.
‘The way Catherine was with all the survivors, hugging them with such tenderness and warmth and empathy, was just beautiful.’
Of the necklace, which is currently out of stock but is expected to return to the website soon, Susan said the interest has been ‘overwhelming’.
‘It was a 1980s faux pearl graduated necklace, unbranded and never worn. We have sold many over the years, they are always very popular. But overnight demand has spiked,’ she said.
‘Customers have been in touch asking for them, or anything with pearls in them as a result. This particular necklace is out of stock at the moment but we are expecting more in.’
Similar vintage faux pearl necklaces can cost anything from £55 up to £300 depending on the era, quality and condition.
‘We have always sold pearls,’ says Susan.
‘I always laugh when the fashionistas say pearls are back on trend because they always have been, with us!’
‘People have been so positive and we have received so many wonderful comments.
‘The Princess’ outfit was a perfect example of pared down dressing to suit the occasion and set off her necklace beautifully. I really do feel so proud.’
