Now it can be told: Kate Middleton’s beautiful tiara was lent to her by her new mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II from the royal family’s heirloom jewelry collection. The earrings, on the other hand, was designed to complement the tiara and was given to the blushing bride as a gift from her doting parents, Michael and Carole Middleton.

The tiara, which sat above the soft, ivory silk tulle veil of the new Duchess of Cambridge, has a fascinating history. According to the Royal Wedding website, it is a halo tiara ” made by Cartier in 1936 and was purchased by The Duke of York (later King George VI) for his Duchess (later Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother) three weeks before he succeeded his brother as King. The tiara was presented to Princess Elizabeth (now The Queen) by her mother on the occasion of her 18th birthday.”

The bride’s earrings, on the other hand, are described as “diamond-set stylised oak leaves with a pear shaped diamond set drop and a pavé set diamond acorn suspended in the centre.” They were made by London-based Robinson Pelham who often work on private commissions from their rich clientele.

It is true that the right jewelry can accentuate a wedding gown and set one’s wedding day look. One basic principle is to avoid ostentation. By choosing simple, understated jewelry, the fashionable princess Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, once again made the right choice.

Aranaz bags are distinctive and proudly Philippine-made. The line, created by Ms. Amina Aranaz who graduated from a design school in MIlan, supplies to international labels like Rafe (also a Filipino), Kate Spade and Nine West.

I admire their line-up, season after season. Just one look from afar and you know it’s an Aranaz bag. The look is classy, the embellishments are feminine and the use of indigenous materials makes it stand out from the rest. Most notable are the intricate beadwork and the inclusion of delicate materials like mother-of-pearl shells. If you’re after Swarovski crystals, they have it too.

At the just-concluded Martha Stewart Bridal fair, I saw samples of their wedding line called Aranaz White. They have a wedding package which you can fully customize for a minimum of P45,000. This would include bags for the bride, the mothers of the bride and groom, and the other members of the entourage like the bridesmaids.

In their estimate, the P45K package can accommodate 19 members of the wedding party. Minimum cost of each bag is P1,500.

If you factor in the fact that bridal pouches often come free with the gown, this designer bag doesn’t come cheap. But I guess you can’t argue with quality. They do add an elegant, highly personalized touch to your wedding, something the rest of the female entourage will thank you for.

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