Q&A with Karen from Karianne's Secret

I have been following Karen's social media Karianne's Secret since 2023 when i spotted her replica of Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee brooch on Etsy. I have been in awe of seeing her various creations progress. Unlike many replica jewellery companies, Karen ensures that even the stones are the correct cut to reflect the original pieces she has recreated. Not only are the replicas accurate but they are affordable letting you feel like royalty without breaking the bank!

I wanted to find out about Karen, her inspiration and how she sources such intricate creations.

Karen began this journey as a hobby which then progressed into a sole trader company in 2009. Karen started her business Karianne’s Secret Limited in 2015, before selling jewellery she sold 100% silk scarves which were specially produced for her business, bridal accessories and handmade soft furnishings.

Most recently Karen worked with William and his small team of 6 people in Yiwu to create a true to size, shape and allure replica of Queen Victoria's Oriental Circlet.

Karen has worked with her team of true craftsmanship to create replicas of Queen Victoria's Sapphire brooch, The Poltimore tiara, Queen Victoria's collet suite (also known as the coronation suite) The Queen Mothers Diamond Quartrefoil Bracelet and so much more. You could spend hours scrolling through these magnificent creations.

Karen's replica of Queen Victoria's oriental circlet. © Karianne's Secret 2026

How did you begin creating/sourcing such gorgeous replicas?

Originally i sourced them, but I realised I can do this better so I went in search of a production partner to help me, it took about a year to find him. His name is Will and he’s in Yiwu, it’s just him and a small team of 6 people and they make my ideas come to life.

The Poltimore making process in the workshop of William © Karianne's Secret 2026

What kind of resources do you use to help with your research of the designs?

Google is my best friend and now AI is even better. My friend Gary in Hollywood is an Art Director and he helps me alot and finds information from history books when I can’t find on Google. What has been your favourite piece to recreate? It has to be the Titanic Necklace, simply because it’s my best seller. (You can read my Q&A with Gary here)

Have there been any construction challenges along the way?

Yes, several. Have had to remake a few things and start again creating a financial loss. Plating factories don’t always get the two tone plating right so sometimes it’s involves many times of sending back to re -plate them. The Australian wattle brooch was a challenge as the yellow stones lost all their colour in the wax to copper process, meaning they can only be set after its cast which is very time consuming and more difficult, the first batch of 50 we made had to be thrown out.

Karen's replica of Queen Elizabeth’s Australian Wattle Brooch © Karianne's Secret 2026

Are you currently working on any replica pieces?

Yes the George IV state diadem, the hope diamond necklace and Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Chandelier Earrings (with the large teardrop pendant)

Would you ever venture into recreating regalia?

Probably not. I’m all maxed out with what I’m currently doing.

Which piece has been the hardest to construct?

The daffodil brooch, The Courtauld-Thompson Scallop Shell Brooch The flame Lily brooch, Princess Diana’s Borrowed Attallah Cross Necklace and The Australian wattle.

What inspired your love for jewellery?

My mother in law, she was a Qajar Dynasty Persian Princess, she was obsessed with this sort of thing, she died in 2005 and she would have loved to have been involved with this.

Karen's mother in law

Do you wear any of your replicas?

I have worn some of the necklaces on special occasions.

You can purchase a wide range of royal replicas, film and TV replicas, Red carpet replicas and more over on Karen's website here - https://kariannessecret.co.uk/