Being a part of the royal family means that you are subject to a lot of rules and regulations that the rest of us aren't. Sure, there's an incredible level of privilege that comes with it, but the responsibility and care that the royal family takes in their personal presentation is very particular.
Every article of clothing they wear, hairstyle they sport, and event they attend has specific standards. As it turns out, even the jewelry that the royal family chooses to wear have to follow certain rules.
Both Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle are relatively new to the royal family. While Kate has been around for a few extra years, the new addition of Meghan has caused people to pay even more attention to the two Duchesses.
Each of them has married a prince, granting them their own titles, but with those titles comes a vast array of regulations that they are required to follow.
When it comes to their jewelry, the two Duchesses are said to follow the same rules that the crown have been thought to be true for years: No diamonds in the daytime, unless it's a "special occasion."
Etiquette teacher Myka Meier revealed that the reason that they have this established "no diamonds" rule is because the crown doesn't want to come across as too "flashy."
It's one thing to be known as one of the most wealthy and influential families in the world, but it's quite another to be showing off with glamorous and extravagant jewels for every occasion.
"Other jewels are worn pre-6 p.m.," Meier said. "Before 6 p.m., you'll see metallics, gemstones, pearls, [and] sapphires."
But there are always exceptions in the case of special occasions.
For example, Meghan and Harry recently attended the WellChild Awards, which was in the daytime, but Meghan can be seen wearing very small diamond studs.
And on Christmas, Meghan wore some beautiful diamond earrings to the service at St. Mary Magdalene Church.
But here's the thing, just because they have access to some of the best diamonds in the world, doesn't always mean they want to wear them. For the christening of her child Prince Louis, Kate wore some extremely stunning pearl earrings instead of diamonds, but it's understandable that she chose those instead, look at them!
It may all come down to what they feel comfortable wearing in the moment. At Wimbleton in July, Kate was seen wearing pearl earrings, which obviously fits with the "no diamonds during the day" rule, but Meghan opted to not wear earrings at all.
The royal family dress protocols have long been debated. It has long been suspected that the Queen enforces it strongly, but people have been noticing that the new royal women seem to be allowed to get away with more.
It's possible that the rules that are in place are more of gentle guidelines, but chances are the royal family isn't going to reveal the truth.
HT - GoodHousekeeping / News.com.au