Meghan Markle's Cartier Nail Necklace Sparks Lookalike Trend

The Duchess of Sussex's £15,000 Juste un Clou choker has become a must-have accessory, inspiring affordable alternatives.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Meghan Markle's Cartier Juste un Clou nail choker necklace, which she has worn on multiple occasions, has become a coveted piece of jewelry. The £15,000 designer accessory features a simple nail motif that was originally created by Cartier in 1971. While the original is out of reach for many, the market is now filled with high-quality lookalike options that capture the same sculptural, torque-style design at a fraction of the cost.

Why it matters

Meghan Markle's fashion choices often spark trends, and her affinity for the Cartier Juste un Clou necklace is no exception. The piece's minimalist yet architectural design has resonated with many, leading jewelry brands to offer more affordable alternatives that allow fans to recreate the Duchess' signature look.

The details

The Juste un Clou, which translates from French as "just a nail," was designed by Cartier's Aldo Cipullo in 1971. The concept was to take a humble, everyday object and transform it into a work of art. Meghan Markle added the 18K yellow gold version, featuring 57 pavé diamonds, to her Cartier collection in 2024. The necklace ranges in price from £15,000 to over £30,000, depending on the diamond weight.

  • Meghan Markle was photographed wearing the Cartier necklace at the NBA All-Star game in February 2026.
  • Meghan first added the Juste un Clou necklace to her jewelry collection in 2024.

The players

Meghan Markle

The Duchess of Sussex, who has been spotted wearing the Cartier Juste un Clou necklace on multiple occasions.

Aldo Cipullo

The legendary Cartier designer who created the Juste un Clou necklace in 1971.

Cartier

The high-end jewelry brand that produces the original Juste un Clou necklace.

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What they’re saying

“Cartier is a well-known and coveted high-end brand, and the pieces have strong resell value. While the value is dependent on multiple factors, typically you can expect to receive anywhere between 40%-50% of its retail price.”

— Hollie Brotherton, Digital Luxe Editor (Hello Magazine)

The takeaway

Meghan Markle's affinity for the Cartier Juste un Clou necklace has sparked a trend for similar sculptural, torque-style chokers. While the original £15,000 piece may be out of reach for many, the market now offers high-quality, affordable alternatives that allow fans to recreate the Duchess' signature look.