Veronica Beard, an upscale fashion label favoured by the Duchess of Sussex, has apologised after being accused of copying designs created by an independent jewellery brand.
The American label, also worn by the Princess of Wales and Poppy Delevingne, has taken several pieces off its website following public allegations from Sara Beltrán, founder of the jewellery company Dezso.
Born in El Paso, Texas, Ms Beltrán creates jewellery inspired by her ‘travels and love of the ocean’. Her distinctive shell pendants and bracelets typically sell for between £700 and £4,000.
Last week, the 48-year-old designer criticised Veronica Beard, claiming the fashion company had appropriated designs she had spent 20 years developing.
‘Shame on you Veronica Beard, twenty years of my work and now this,’ she wrote on social media.
The dispute has become even more uncomfortable because Ms Beltrán previously disclosed that she rejected an approach from Veronica Beard about a possible collaboration in 2024.
According to the designer, Gabriela Sorrentino, Veronica Beard’s director of buying, contacted her to say the company was a ‘huge fan’ of her work. She proposed a collaboration at the brand’s locations in the Hamptons and Nantucket, fashionable summer destinations for America’s East Coast elite.
Ms Beltrán said she declined the offer because she felt the aesthetics of the two brands were not compatible.
Veronica Beard, an upscale fashion label favoured by the Duchess of Sussex, has apologised after allegations that it copied designs from an independent jewellery brand
Veronica Beard, whose clothes have also been worn by the Princess of Wales and Poppy Delevingne, has removed several pieces from its website
Born in El Paso, Texas, Ms Beltrán is known for jewellery inspired by her ‘travels and love of the ocean’, including shell pendants and bracelets priced between £700 and £4,000
She later suggested that the similarities between her designs and Veronica Beard’s pieces could be connected to her decision not to collaborate with the label. Ms Beltrán accused the company of having ‘no ethics’ and copying her creations.
In her social media post, she displayed three examples of silver shell necklaces that she said she launched in 2021 alongside pieces later sold by Veronica Beard in 2026.
Dezso operates at the luxury end of the jewellery market. A similar necklace in Ms Beltrán’s current collection is priced at £3,029, while an emerald-cut citrine shell necklace costs £2,272.
The comparable Veronica Beard pieces, by contrast, were priced in the hundreds rather than the thousands, making them far more affordable for shoppers.
The issue highlights the risks faced by independent designers when larger companies release products that closely resemble their work, potentially competing at lower prices without providing credit or compensation.
Ms Beltrán wrote: ‘Shame on you, Veronica Beard. Small designers deserve respect. Artisans deserve recognition. Originality matters.’
She said copying designs diminished the authenticity, craftsmanship and artistic effort that went into producing them.
The Duchess of Sussex wore Veronica Beard during her time on the hit US television drama Suits and has continued to be seen in the label’s tailored suits and coats
Veronica Swanson Beard (left) and Veronica Miele Beard (right) at the Veronica Beard presentation for Spring 2016
‘Building something authentic takes time. It takes vision, commitment and respect for the people who bring that vision to life. It is not something that can easily be replicated.
‘I have always believed in originality, integrity and the human hands behind what we create, and I refuse to stay silent when those values feel disregarded.’
Founded in 2010 by sisters-in-law Veronica Swanson Beard and Veronica Miele Beard, the label has become synonymous with polished American smart-casual style, attracting a wealthy and high-profile following.
The Duchess of Sussex wore the brand during her time on the hit US television drama Suits and has continued to be seen in its tailored suits and coats since joining the Royal Family.
But in an extraordinary twist, Veronica Beard issued a public response to the allegations over the weekend, acknowledging the similarities and announcing that the pieces had been withdrawn.
‘We are aware that certain pieces from our recent jewelry collection closely resemble Dezso designs,’ the brand said in a statement on Instagram, according to Women’s Wear Daily.
‘We deeply respect Sara Beltrán, her craft and her business. We have removed the relevant pieces from our stores and website. We are reviewing our design process to prevent mistakes in the future. We sincerely apologize to Sara. Veronica & Veronica.’
The items in question have since been removed from the brand’s website.
The Daily Mail has contacted Veronica Beard for comment.
