The Duchess of Cambridge was always going to nod to Danish designers during her trip to Copenhagen, but few could predict that she would clip Maria Black’s directional hoops in her ears. On day one of her first solo tour since 2017, which saw her learn about the Copenhagen Infant Mental Health Project, Kate accessorised her sunny Zara blazer with Black’s Cha Cha hoops, which the jeweller promises are “just as vibrant as a real-life cha cha!”.
Sold as individual earrings to facilitate the mix and match nature of ear parties – where the wearer creates their own diamond-studded combinations – Kate plumped for a pair in line with her classic style inclinations. The drop pearls marry the chunky elegance of Black’s world with the Duchess’s particular brand of royal polish and, when teamed with her Monica Vinader vintage chain pearl necklace, the look read: smart, but fashion conscious.
Maria Black’s hoops are sold as singles so their wearers can experiment with different pairings.
Maria Black has been an industry favourite since the contemporary jewellery market shifted towards individualism, rather than buying into a prescribed way to wear a maker’s pieces. “A piercing is an extension of your personal style,” says Black, who founded her brand in 2010 with the simple marketing strategy to facilitate her customers’ creative licence. People bought in. Her huggie hoops, which fit snugly to the earlobe, have become everyday jewellery favourites and she has since expanded to include all manner of charms to accessorise with. While we might not see the Duchess wear Black’s , there’s plenty of plain gold to slide neatly into her jewellery box.
Kate’s next appointment will see her enjoy an audience with Queen Margrethe II and Crown Princess Mary of Denmark, and we’d love to see her swap out her Cha Chas for more delicate pieces by Sophie Bille Brahe, who combines Scandi cool with exquisite diamonds. The Danish fine jeweller’s modern tokens would be the perfect parting gift for the Duchess to take home with her.
