Tiara-Pedia
The Oriental Circlet Tiara, made for Queen Victoria in 1853
Mad Hattery's Tiara-Pedia
Want more information on your favorite royal tiaras? Want to see which royals have recently sported some major bling? Here's your guide, organized by country! (Please note that tiaras are added here as they appear on the blog, so this is not to be considered a comprehensive list of tiaras owned by each royal family.)
I make every effort to insure that the information presented here is correct and up-to-date; if you have corrections or questions, please feel free to e-mail me at ellakayblogs@gmail.com.
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Austria | Belgium | Brunei | Bulgaria | Denmark | Germany | Great Britain | Greece
Italy | Japan | Jordan | Liechtenstein | Luxembourg | Monaco | The Netherlands
Norway | Portugal | Romania | Russia | Serbia | Spain | Sweden | Thailand
Austria
Emerald and Diamond Wreath Tiara: (1)
Sources suggest that this piece, which is worn both as a tiara and a necklace by Archduchess Francesca von Habsburg, the wife of Archduke Karl (the current head of the House of Habsburg), was originally owned by the Hanoverian royal family but sold at auction. The piece is composed of diamond wreath elements interspersed with large emeralds.
Habsburg Diamond and Pearl Bandeau: (1)
This tiara was worn by Archduchess Francesca on her wedding day in 1993. It is an antique bandeau made of diamond floral motifs with pearls at their centers; according to some sources, the tiara was once owned by Empress Elisabeth "Sissi" of Austria.
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Belgium
Diamond Laurel Wreath Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4)
Given to Princess Mathilde as a wedding gift by a group of Belgian aristocrats, this traditional diamond tiara, with its laurel wreath design, is the only tiara that Mathilde currently owns.
Princess Claire's Diamond and Pearl Tiara: (1, 2)
This diamond tiara, made up of scroll elements topped by pearls, is of unknown provenance; although some initially speculated that it might have been loaned to Princess Claire, it seems to have been bought for her.
Princess Claire's Wedding Tiara: (1)
This small diamond tiara, worn by Princess Claire on her wedding day in 2003. It was a gift to Claire from King Albert and Queen Paola.
Queen Elisabeth's Diamond Bandeau Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4)
One of the two tiaras that the Belgian queen wears on a regular basis, this diamond art deco tiara was made in the early twentieth century for Queen Elisabeth of the Belgians. It was loaned to Princess Mathilde for her wedding in 1999.
Although it is most frequently worn today by Princess Astrid, this diamond floral tiara belongs to her mother-in-law, Archduchess Margherita, who was born a princess of Savoy-Aosta. Margherita often loans the tiara to her sons' wives.
Spanish Wedding Gift Tiara: (1)
Queen Fabiola, who was born a Spanish aristocrat, was given this tiara by Francisco Franco as a wedding present in 1960. The diamond floral piece is convertible in two ways. Each large flower has a central stone that can be switched out; Fabiola has worn it with diamonds, rubies, and aquamarines. In addition, the flowers themselves can also be rearranged and set on a base with small spikes so that the tiara looks more like a crown diadem.
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Brunei
Queen Saleha's Diamond and Ruby Tiara: (1)
The history of this impressive diamond and ruby tiara is unknown; the intricate piece, inset with large rubies, is currently worn by Saleha, the wife of the Sultan of Brunei.
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Bulgaria
Diamond Art Deco Tiara: (1)
The provenance of this small diamond tiara, made in the art deco style, is not known. The tiara was worn by the Princess of Turnovo in 2004.
Princess Miriam's Diamond Tiara: (1)
Worn by the Princess of Turnovo in 2004, the history of this small diamond tiara is unknown.
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Denmark
Alexandrine Diamond Drop Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4)
This small diamond tiara, worn by Princess Alexandra on her wedding day in 1995, features tiny teardrop-shaped diamonds suspended en tremblant from its arches. It was made in the early 1900s for Queen Alexandrine of Denmark, who passed the piece on to her son, King Frederik IX, after her death. It was the first tiara worn by Queen Margrethe, who received it as a birthday gift when she turned 18; Margrethe then gave the tiara to her daughter-in-law as a wedding present. Alexandra retained the tiara after her divorce from Prince Joachim.
Baden Palmette Tiara: (1, 2, 3)
Made by Koch, this diamond tiara was a wedding gift to Princess Luise of Prussia in 1856 from her father, Kaiser Wilhelm I. The romantic piece, whose palmette motifs join to resemble hearts, was given by Luise to her daughter, Queen Victoria of Sweden, and then passed along to Victoria's granddaughter, Queen Ingrid. Queen Margrethe inherited the tiara on her mother's death in 2000.
Crown Princess Mary's Wedding Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
Crown Princess Mary wore this diamond tiara, a gift from Queen Margrethe and Prince Henrik, on her wedding day in 2004. The piece can also be worn as a necklace, and an extra row of pearls can be affixed to its base.
Diamond Floral Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
Worn today by Princess Marie, this diamond floral tiara is the property of Queen Margrethe, who received it from her parents, King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid. The piece dates to the early twentieth century; its first owner was Princess Dagmar. Princess Marie wore the tiara on her wedding day in 2008.
Diamond and Turquoise Bandeau Tiara: (1, 2, 3)
Queen Margrethe inherited this diamond and turquoise floral bandeau from her late mother, Queen Ingrid. The flowers in the tiara are daisies -- appropriate, as Queen Margrethe's name means daisy.
Emerald Parure Tiara: (1, 2, 3)
The intricate diamond and emerald parure tiara is a part of the Danish crown jewels. Most of the time it can be found on display at Rosenborg Palace. Queen Margrethe wears the piece, but it is not allowed to leave Denmark. The tiara was apparently made in 1840 for Queen Caroline Amalie, wife of King Christian VIII, but some of the emeralds used have supposedly been in the royal family's possession since the early 1700s.
Floral Aigrette Tiara: (1, 2, 3)
Made in the nineteenth century, this flexible diamond floral tiara was bequeathed to Queen Ingrid in the 1960s by an unknown Danish-American. The tiara can be worn in many different configurations on the head; it can also be split into separate brooches.
Midnight Tiara: (1)
Crown Princess Mary is the current (and, I believe, exclusive) wearer of this modern tiara. Designed by Charlotte Lynggaard for the Danish tiara exhibition in 2009, it's made of silver, pink gold, diamonds, and moonstones.
Pearl Poiré Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
This nineteenth-century diamond and pearl tiara was made for the wedding of Princess Louise of Prussia; her daughter, Queen Lovisa of Sweden, later passed the tiara on to her own daughter, Queen Louise of Denmark. The tiara takes its name from the pear-shaped (poiré) pearls that are suspended en tremblant from the piece's diamond arches.
Princess Ingeborg's Star Tiara: (1)
Given to Princess Ingeborg of Denmark by Tsar Nicholas II on her wedding day in 1897, this diamond and turquoise star tiara was left by Ingeborg to her daughter, Princess Margaretha of Sweden. The current owner is Countess Jutta of Rosenborg, Margaretha's granddaughter-in-law.
Princess Thyra's Sapphire Tiara: (1, 2)
Currently owned by Princess Elisabeth, this sapphire and diamond tiara was originally owned by Princess Thyra, who left the piece to her niece, Princess Caroline-Mathilde. Elisabeth, Caroline-Mathilde's daughter, later inherited the tiara, which features large diamond elements with sapphire center stones.
Ruby Parure Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
The ruby parure itself was by the future Queen Désirée of Sweden at the coronation of Napoleon in 1804, but this diamond and ruby floral tiara is a newer creation. The piece has become more associated in recent years with Queen Ingrid, who received it as a wedding present. She left the tiara to her grandson, Crown Prince Frederik, whose wife, Crown Princess Mary, now wears it. The tiara has been altered several times during its existence, most recently by Mary. She now wears a slightly smaller version, with detachable pieces that can be worn as hair ornaments or brooches.
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Germany
Baden Laurel Wreath Tiara: (1)
Now worn by Valerie, the Margravine of Baden, this traditional diamond laurel wreath tiara was once owned by Valerie's mother-in-law, Princess Theodora of Greece and Denmark (an elder sister of the Duke of Edinburgh).
Baden Sunburst Tiara: (1)
This diamond tiara, with its sunburst motif, can either be worn as a complete diadem or as a series of small sunburst brooches; it was most recently worn in 2011 by Hereditary Princess Stephanie of Baden.
Brunswick Diamond Tiara: (1)
Apparently originally belonging to Empress Joséphine of France, this tiara made its way through Saxony and Brunswick before Princess Viktoria Luise of Prussia, daughter of the German emperor, received it as a gift on her wedding to Prince Ernst August of Hanover in 1913. The piece, with laurel wreath and scroll motifs, has been in the Hanoverian collection ever since.
Floral Birthday Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
Princess Benedikte received this tiara a gift on her eighteenth birthday from her parents, King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid of Denmark. The diamond floral tiara was created partially from a brooch that was originally owned by Benedikte's grandmother, Queen Alexandrine.
Hanoverian Floral Tiara: (1)
The provenance of this diamond floral tiara is unknown, but it has been worn by both of the wives of Prince Ernst August of Hanover: Chantal Hochuli and Princess Caroline of Monaco.
Isenburg Floral Tiara: (1)
This diamond floral tiara is an Isenburg family heirloom. It was worn by Princess Sophie of Prussia on her wedding day in 2011, and by her sister, Archduchess of Katherina of Austria-Este, to her wedding in 2004.
Marie Therese's Diamond Tiara: (1, 2)
This diamond sunburst tiara is currently owned by Princess Ursula of Bavaria, who also loans the piece to her daughter-in-law, Princess Anna. It was previously owned by Bavaria's last queen, Marie Therese of Austria.
Queen Ingrid's Star and Pearl Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
An unusual piece, featuring alternating pearls and diamond stars set on spikes, came from Sweden to Denmark with Queen Ingrid, who left the tiara to Princess Benedikte.
Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg Diamond Spike Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
The provenance of this tiara, worn by Carina Axelsson, partner of Prince Gustav of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, is unknown. The piece features large diamonds set on tall spikes.
Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg Fringe Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
This traditional diamond fringe tiara, today worn by Princess Benedikte, was once owned by her grandmother-in-law, Madeleine of Löwenstein-Wertheim-Freudenberg.
Victoria Adelheid's Button Tiara: (1)
This turquoise and diamond button tiara takes its name from one of its previous owners, Duchess Victoria Adelheid of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
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Great Britain
Argyll Diamond Daisies: (1)
These daisy brooches, worn as a tiara by Princess Michael of Kent, were worn by Princess Louise, one of Victoria and Albert's daughters, when she married the future Duke of Argyll in 1871. Louise was given the diamond daisies, which had been made by Garrard, by three of her siblings, Arthur, Leopold, and Beatrice. On her wedding day, the daisies were worn in her hair to help hold her lace veil in place. After Louise's death, the brooches were inherited by Princess Marina, who left them to Princess Michael.
Boucheron Honeycomb Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4)
Made by Boucheron in for The Hon. Mrs. Greville, this diamond honeycomb tiara was bequeathed to the Queen Mother in 1942. In 1953, the Queen Mum commissioned Cartier to add an additional set of diamonds to the top of the piece. Since her death, the piece has frequently been worn by the Duchess of Cornwall.
Brazilian Aquamarine Tiara: (1, 2)
Easily recognizable by its large rectangular center stone, this tiara was first made by Garrard in 1957 to incorporate aquamarines presented to the Queen as a coronation gift in 1953. In 1971, the piece was adapted to accommodate additional jewels and scroll elements given to the Queen by the Governor of São Paulo.
This floral ruby and diamond tiara was commissioned by the Queen from Garrard in 1973. The rubies were a wedding gift to the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh from the people of Burma in 1947.
Cartier Halo (Scroll) Tiara: (1)
This diamond tiara was commissioned in 1936 for the then-Duchess of York (later the Queen Mum) by the Duke of York from Cartier. It was then given to the current Queen by her parents as an eighteenth-birthday present. It was later worn by Princess Anne and the late Princess Margaret. The Duchess of Cambridge wore the tiara on her wedding day in 2011.
Diamond Button Tiara: (1)
A rare button tiara in the British collection, this piece is composed of diamond floral elements taken from a tiara once owned by Prince Philip's mother, Princess Andrew of Greece and Denmark.
This diamond tiara was a wedding gift to Princess Anne in 1973 from the World Wide Shipping Group. The tiara was worn by Anne's daughter-in-law, Autumn Phillips, on her wedding day in 2008.
Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
The current queen wears this tiara frequently, reportedly because it is one of the lightest and most comfortable pieces in the British collection. Sometimes called "Granny's Tiara," it was made in 1893 by Garrard as a wedding present to Queen Mary from the girls of Great Britain and Ireland. Mary gave the tiara to Elizabeth as a wedding present in 1947.
Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara: (1, 2)
Bought by Queen Mary in the 1920s from Grand Duchess Elena Vladimirovna of Russia, this tiara features interchangeable drop pearls and emeralds suspended from its diamond circle elements. Queen Mary gave this tiara to the current queen, who wears it frequently.
Iveagh Tiara: (1)
Also called the Gloucester Leafage Tiara, this piece was given to Queen Mary as a wedding present by the Earl and Countess of Iveagh in 1893. Mary then gave the tiara as a wedding gift to her new daughter-in-law, the Duchess of Gloucester (Princess Alice). The piece, which is composed of leafage motifs in diamonds, is worn by the current duchess, Birgitte, and was worn by her daughter, Lady Rose, at her 2008 wedding.
Kent City of London Fringe Tiara: (1)
This diamond fringe tiara was given to Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark by the City of London when she married Prince George, Duke of Kent in 1934. Since then, almost all of the Kent women have worn it at their weddings; it's now owned by Prince and Princess Michael of Kent. The tiara can also be worn with a diamond necklace affixed to its top.
Princess Marie Louise’s Cartier Indian Tiara: (1)
This sapphire, diamond, and pearl tiara, made by Cartier, is constructed to mimic the style of Indian jewels. It originally belonged to Princess Marie Louise of Schleswig-Holstein, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria; she wore the tiara to the current queen's coronation in 1953. Marie Louise was godmother to the current Duke of Gloucester, which is presumably how the tiara came to its current wearer, the Duchess of Gloucester.
Poltimore Tiara: (1)
This substantial tiara was made by Garrards in 1870 for Florence, Lady Poltimore, the wife of the 2nd Baron Poltimore. Lady Stucley, the daughter of the 4th Baron Poltimore, was the member of the family who sold the tiara to Princess Margaret. Margaret wore the piece on her wedding day and throughout her life. The piece can be converted and worn in other configurations -- as a massive diamond necklace, as well as a set of brooches. After Margaret's death, the tiara was sold at auction, apparently purchased by a Chinese collector.
Queen Alexandra's Kokoshnik Tiara: (1, 2)
This platinum and diamond kokoshnik tiara was given to Queen Alexandra as a 25th wedding anniversary present by Lady Salisbury on behalf of a group of 365 of the wives of the peers of the realm in 1888. The tiara was made by Garrard; Alexandra requested the kokoshnik style after admiring a tiara belonging to her sister, Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia. The tiara is worn today by Queen Elizabeth.
Queen Mary's Fringe Tiara: (1, 2, 3)
Often misidentified as the George III Fringe Tiara worn by Queen Victoria, this diamond fringe tiara was made in 1919 for Queen Mary. The tiara repurposes diamonds from a Collingwood necklace given to Mary by Queen Victoria as a wedding gift in 1893. Mary loaned the tiara to the current queen for her wedding in 1947; it famously broke and had to be hastily repaired before she arrived at the Abbey. It was also worn by Princess Anne for her wedding to Mark Phillips in 1973.
Princess Andrew's Meander Tiara: (1, 2, 3)
Now belonging to Princess Anne, this tiara was first owned by Princess Andrew of Greece and Denmark, the mother of the Duke of Edinburgh. It was given to the current queen in 1947 by her mother-in-law as a wedding gift, and then passed on to Anne in 1972. Anne often wears the tiara, with its Greek key motifs, low profile, and large diamonds; it was also worn by her daughter, Zara Phillips, at her wedding in 2011.
Russian Palmette Tiara: (1, 2, 3)
This tiara, with its honeysuckle and palmette motifs, was reportedly purchased from the estate of Empress Maria Feodorovna of Russia by Queen Mary in 1929. Mary gave the tiara to her daughter-in-law, the Duchess of Gloucester, who in turn gave it to her own daughter-in-law, the current duchess. One of the most unusual features of this tiara is the interchangeable center stone, which can be switched out to either an emerald, a diamond, or a pink kunzite.
Wessex Wedding Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4)
The diamond tiara worn by the Countess of Wessex on her wedding day in 1999 was composed of four anthemions that were once a part of Queen Victoria's Regal Circlet diadem.
York Wedding Tiara: (1)
The diamond tiara worn by the former Duchess of York on her wedding day in 1986 was purchased for her by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh from Garrard. Sarah kept the tiara after her divorce, and she wears it occasionally; it seems likely that one day it will be worn by her daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie.
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Greece
Antique Corsage Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4)
This tiara comes to Greece by way of Sweden and Denmark. The diamond-and-pearl floral piece that makes up the main part of the tiara was originally a set of brooches (which could also be worn as a stomacher) owned by Queen Victoria of Sweden, wife of King Gustaf V. Queen Ingrid of Denmark, who inherited the piece, later reworked the brooches into a tiara, which she gave to her youngest daughter, Queen Anne-Marie of Greece. The tiara is now often worn by Anne-Marie's younger daughter, Princess Theodora. It was also worn by her daughters-in-law, Princess Marie-Chantal and Princess Tatiana, on their wedding days.
Art Deco Floral Tiara: (1)
This diamond floral tiara, worn by Princess Marie-Chantal to the wedding of Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, was loaned to her by the British jewelers William & Son. The tiara, made in the art deco style, was later sold at auction.
This diamond fringe is, by all accounts, the only tiara that Princess Marie-Chantal owns personally. The provenance of the piece is unclear, but many sources suggest that her father, Robert Warren Miller, the millionaire founder of the Duty-Free Shops, purchased the tiara for his daughter.
Emerald Parure Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4)
One of the most substantial pieces remaining with the Greek royal family is this emerald and diamond tiara. The tiara was first worn by Queen Elisabeth of Greece. It went through several incarnations early on; the current setting, a kokoshnik-style tiara, features interlocking Es for "Elisabeth." Queen Anne-Marie continues to wear the emeralds today.
Khedive of Egypt Cartier Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Queen Anne-Marie is the current owner of this tiara, which was left to her by her mother, Queen Ingrid of Denmark, but the tiara is also something of an unofficial wedding tiara for the extended Danish royal family. The diamond and platinum tiara, made by Cartier, was given to Princess Margaret of Connaught in 1905 as a wedding present from the Khedive of Egypt. Princess Margaret's daughter, Queen Ingrid, inherited the tiara, and all three of her daughters wore it at their weddings. So far, all of Ingrid's granddaughters who have married have also worn the tiara.
Queen Anne-Marie's Diamond Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Princess Alexia wears this small diamond floral tiara almost exclusively. The provenance on this is a bit unclear; some sources have suggested that the tiara is on loan to Alexia from her mother, Queen Anne-Marie, while others say that Alexia received the tiara as an eighteenth birthday gift from her parents.
Queen Sophia's Diamond Tiara: (1, 2)
This diamond tiara was brought to Greece by Queen Friedrike's mother-in-law, who was born Princess Sophie of Prussia. When Sophie married the future King Constantine I of Greece in 1889, she was given this tiara by her mother, Empress Frederick of Prussia. For many years, some sources believed that Friedrike sold the piece at auction in the 1970s; however, it was recently worn again by Princess Marie-Chantal for the first time in decades.
Ruby Olive Wreath Tiara: (1, 2)
This nineteenth-century tiara, made with pigeon's blood rubies and olive branch motifs, dates to the reign of George I of Greece; the tiara was worn by his wife, Grand Duchess Olga Constantinovna of Russia. The tiara passed through the Greek royal family and was given to the last Greek queen, Anne-Marie, by her mother-in-law, Queen Friederike. Anne-Marie retains the tiara and wears it frequently today.
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Italy
Ancona Tiara: (1)
This diamond and pearl tiara has a complex Italian history. It was made in 1817 for the wedding of Princess Maria Anna of Saxony to Grand Duke Leopold II of Tuscany; the piece eventually made its way into the Bourbon-Two Sicilies family and to the Duchess of Ancona. Her descendents sold the tiara at auction, but it unexpectedly reappeared on Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies at the wedding of Crown Prince Frederick of Denmark in 2004.
Aosta Knots and Stars Tiara: (1)
Princess Claude of France wore this diamond star tiara for her wedding to Amadeo, the Duke of Aosta, in 1964; the pair later divorced, and the tiara has since been worn by his second wife, Silvia.
This diamond and ruby tiara, made in the early twentieth century, features dragonflies mounted en tremblant so that they move when the wearer moves. It is now worn by Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies, likely purchased for her at auction by her wealthy family, the Crocianis.
Queen Margherita's Musy Tiara: (1, 2)
Made in 1904 by Musy for Queen Margherita of Italy, this versatile diamond and pearl tiara was commissioned in celebration of the birth of the future King Umberto III, Margherita's grandson. Margherita's daughter-in-law, Queen Marie José, received the tiara after her death; today it is worn by Princess Marina of Savoy.
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Japan
Imperial Chrysanthemum Tiara: (1, 2, 3)
The chrysanthemum petals that compose this diamond tiara reflect the chrysanthemum symbol of the imperial house.
Japanese Sunburst Tiara: (1, 2)
This tiara, a modern fringe piece with a sunburst motif, is now worn by Crown Princess Masako; it was previously used by Empress Michiko. The piece has a matching necklace that echoes the design of the tiara.
Pearl and Diamond Fringe Tiara: (1, 2, 3)
This diamond fringe tiara, with pearls topping some of its spikes, is worn by Hanako, the Princess Hitachi.
Princess Kiko's Wedding Tiara: (1, 2, 3)
Kiko, the Princess Akishino, wore this traditional diamond tiara on her wedding day in 1990.
Princess Mako's Diamond Tiara: (1, 2)
This diamond tiara, which resembles a lover's knot design, was first worn by Princess Mako at the celebrations to mark her twentieth birthday.
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Jordan
Boucheron Bracelet Tiara: (1)
This small diamond tiara with scroll elements was designed by Boucheron in 2008; it converts to both a tiara and a bracelet.
Princess Basma's Diamond Tiara: (1)
This diamond tiara, composed of circle and feather elements, is worn by Princess Basma of Jordan.
Princess Rym Ali's Tiara: (1)
Although its provenance is unknown, this tiara certainly appears to be an antique piece. It features intricate diamond floral designs set in rose gold.
Princess Sarvath's Tiara: (1)
This small diamond tiara, worn by Princess Sarvath, features elements that resemble fleur-de-lys. The tiara is was also worn by Sarvath's daughter, Princess Badiya, on her wedding day in 2005.
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Liechtenstein
Habsburg Fringe Tiara: (1)
Once owned by the Austrian imperial family, today this gorgeous diamond fringe tiara belongs to the princely family of Liechtenstein. It is currently worn by Hereditary Princess Sophie, and was also worn in the past by her grandmother-in-law, Princess Gina.
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Luxembourg
Aquamarine Bandeau Tiara: (1)
This deco piece, composed of large, interspersed diamonds and aquamarines in a bandeau settings, was made for the late Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte; today it is worn by her daughter-in-law, Grand Duchess Maria Teresa.
This very modern tiara, made by Chaumet, features a single large central emerald surrounded by diamonds. The piece was brought into the family when Grand Duchess Charlotte married Prince Felix of Bourbon-Parma in 1919.
Diamond Art Deco Tiara: (1)
This lovely diamond deco tiara belongs to Princess Sibilla; it was given to her by her parents as a wedding gift. The piece can be worn in two settings, a larger, fuller setting, and a smaller one that features diamonds set on spikes.
Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte’s Diamond Scroll Tiara: (1, 2)
Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte, who was born a princess of Belgium, wore this tiara at her wedding to Grand Duke Jean in 1953. The tiara was a gift from the Société Générale bank; it can be worn as a tiara or broken into smaller pieces, including a brooch and a large diamond ring. Today, the tiara is worn by Grand Duchess Maria Teresa.
Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte's Emerald and Diamond Tiara: (1)
Made by Van Cleef & Arpels, this tiara was given to Grand Duchess Joséphine-Charlotte by Grand Duke Jean as a wedding present in 1953. The small tiara features a central peacock-like motif in emeralds surrounded by diamonds.
Grand Duchess Marie-Adélaïde's Tiara: (1)
This versatile tiara belonged to the very first reigning grand duchess of Luxembourg, Marie-Adélaïde. It's a diamond tiara with floral and leaf motifs, and its center stone can be swapped out to include either a diamond or a sapphire.
Large Diamond Floral Tiara: (1)
The more substantial of two diamond floral tiaras in the Luxembourg collection, this piece is worn by Grand Duchess Maria Teresa
Luxembourg Empire Tiara: (1)
The most massive tiara in the Luxembourg vaults, this piece was likely made in the early nineteenth century. Grand Duchess Charlotte wore it on her wedding day in 1919; however, most think the piece is significantly older, possibly arriving in the grand duchy with either Grand Duchess Elizaveta Mikhailovna of Russia or Grand Duchess Hilda of Baden. The tiara is extremely tall and composed of various floral elements in diamonds.
Pearl and Diamond Choker Tiara: (1, 2, 3)
Made by Chaumet, this tiara features a lattice-work base in diamonds topped with removable pearl spikes. The base of the tiara can also be worn as a choker necklace.
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Monaco
Baumer Aigrette Tiara: (1)
Made by Lorenz Baumer, this brand-new tiara was worn by Princess Charlene at her wedding reception in 2011. The tiara sits behind the wearer's ear and features a spray of diamonds.
Sapphire Necklace Tiara: (1)
A convertible piece more frequently worn as a necklace, this was worn by Princess Caroline at her brother's wedding reception in 2011.
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The Netherlands
This tiara was made for Queen Wilhelmina around the turn of the twentieth century, but the large pearls which sit on the tiara's spikes actually date from the 1600s. The tiara can be worn either in its full setting or in a smaller setting without the pearls.
Aquamarine Parure Tiara: (1)
Made in 1927 by Kempen, Begeer & Vos, this art deco style tiara features a diamond bandeau base topped by large aquamarines mounted on spikes. It was an eighteenth-birthday gift for Queen Juliana from her parents, Queen Wilhelmina and Henry of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.
Dutch Diamond Bandeau Tiara: (1, 2, 3)
This bandeau, composed of a collection of large diamonds which were given by the nation to Queen Emma in 1879, was made in the 1930s.
Dutch Laurel Wreath Tiara: (1)
The oldest tiara in the Dutch collection, this diamond tiara with a laurel-wreath motif dates from the early nineteenth century. It has been worn by two Dutch royal brides: Princess Laurentien and Princess Carolina of Bourbon Parma.
Ears of Wheat Tiara: (1)
First worn by Grand Duchess Catherine Pavlovna of Russia, later Queen of Württemberg, this tiara is composed of eight individual elements that can be worn together or separately. The tiara came to The Netherlands through Catherine's daughter, Queen Sophie, and today is worn by various members of the family. Princess Margriet is the most frequent wearer, and all four of her daughters-in-law wore the tiara at their weddings.
This late nineteenth-century piece has two settings -- one that features large emeralds set in and atop diamond scroll motifs, and one that replaces the emeralds with diamonds and places large pearl spikes atop the tiara. Frequently altered and worn in inventive ways, this tiara was originally a gift from Queen Emma to Queen Wilhelmina. In 2010, it was worn by the new Duchess of Parma on her wedding day.
This ruby tiara was made in 1889 by Mellerio for Queen Emma; the ruby stones were apparently originally supposed to be sapphires.
Princess Máxima's Diamond Star Wedding Tiara: (1, 2)
Máxima's wedding tiara is an altered version of the Dutch Pearl Button Tiara -- the pearl buttons have been removed from the base and replaced with five of Queen Emma's diamond star brooches, which she received as a wedding gift in 1879.
Queen Emma's Diamond Tiara: (1, 2)
This diamond tiara with floral elements was made in the nineteenth century for Queen Emma. Its central diamond stone can be swapped out with a ruby stone for an alternate look.
Made in 1897 for Queen Wilhelmina, this tiara was frequently associated in the twentieth century with Princess Irene; today, it is worn by both Queen Beatrix and Princess Máxima. The tiara features a spray of rubies and diamonds, as well as several circular ruby and diamond elements.
Sapphire Parure Tiara: (1)
The sapphire setting of this tiara features several rows of diamond spikes atop a row of sapphires; the central large sapphire can be removed and worn as a brooch. The tiara was originally made in 1881 by Mellerio for Queen Emma, but it has gone through several alterations since then. A second, all-diamond setting of the tiara was worn by Princess Mabel on her wedding day in 2004.
Sapphire Parure Necklace Tiara: (1)
This tiara is a combination of elements from two different parures. The base is made from the sapphire and diamond choker necklace from the Sapphire Parure, while the diamond and sapphire spikes that sit atop the base are taken from Queen Wilhelmina’s Wedding Gift Parure.
Stuart Diamond Tiara: (1)
This tiara incorporates the famous Stuart diamond, a pear-shaped stone that was originally bought for Mary II of the UK by her husband, William III (who was born the Prince of Orange in the Netherlands). It takes its name from the royal House of Stuart, of which Mary was a member. The current setting dates to the early twentieth century, during the reign of Queen Wilhelmina; the Dutch royals retain the tiara, but it has apparently not been worn in public since the reign of Queen Juliana.
Württemberg Ornate Pearl Tiara: (1, 2, 3)
The provenance for this tiara is a bit uncertain; it was either made for Queen Sophie (born a princess of Württemberg) in the 1830s and then reworked for Queen Wilhelmina in 1897, or made new in 1897 from a collection of pearls owned by the family. An extra set of pearl spikes can also be affixed to the top of the tiara. Queen Beatrix wore this tiara for her wedding in 1966.
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Norway
Amethyst Necklace Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
This convertible tiara features tall diamond floral elements with amethyst center stones. The tiara was a gift to Queen Sonja from King Harald.
Crown Princess Märtha's Diamond Bandeau Tiara: (1)
Now the property of Princess Astrid, this tiara was given to Crown Princess Märtha by her aunt and uncle, King Gustav V and Queen Victoria of Sweden, as a wedding present in 1929. The deco bandeau tiara is designed to be worn low over the forehead, as Astrid did when she wore it in public for the first time in decades in 2011.
Diamond Daisy Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
Made in 1910, this diamond bandeau tiara was a gift to Crown Princess Mette-Marit from King Harald and Queen Sonja; she wore the tiara on her wedding day. It takes its name from the floral elements that make up the piece.
Empress Joséphine's Emerald Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Often said to have been originally owned by Empress Joséphine, first wife of Napoleon, this tiara, with its distinctive rectangular center stone, made its way to Norway by way of Sweden. It was given to Crown Princess Märtha by her mother, Princess Ingeborg of Sweden, to mark the birth of Märtha's son, the current king.
King Olav's Gift Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
This modern diamond tiara was given to Princess Märtha Louise by her grandfather, King Olav, on her eighteenth birthday.
Princess Astrid's Feather Tiara: (1, 2)
This diamond tiara, which features two prominent central diamond feathers, resembling a pair of wings, is worn by Princess Astrid. It's also sometimes called the Butterfly Tiara.
Queen Josephine's Diamond Tiara: (1, 2, 3)
This impressive nineteenth-century diamond floral piece was first owned by Queen Josephine of Sweden, granddaughter of Empress Joséphine of France. It made its way through the interrelated Swedish and Danish royal families and was given to Crown Princess Märtha by her aunt, Princess Dagmar of Denmark.
Queen Maud's Malteser Tiara: (1, 2)
This Norwegian tiara was originally a British royal piece; it was owned by Queen Alexandra, whose daughter, Maud, became the first queen of the newly-independent Norway a century ago. The diamond tiara, called "Malteser" because of the large Maltese crosses that can be attached to the base. The piece can also be worn with fleur-de-lys elements, and occasionally Queen Sonja wears just the base of the tiara as a bandeau.
Queen Maud's Pearl Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
It may not be the original, but Queen Maud's Pearl Tiara is still an important piece for the Norwegians. Given in 1896 to Queen Maud as a wedding gift by her parents, King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra of the UK, the diamond and pearl tiara was stolen in 1995 from Garrard, where it had been sent for cleaning. The jeweler made a replica tiara, which is what the queen now wears. The piece has two settings -- a large complete setting and a smaller setting that features a row of pearls set on spikes. Princess Märtha Louise wore the smaller setting on her wedding day.
Queen Maud's Turquoise Tiara: (1)
Princess Astrid now personally owns this piece, a turquoise and diamond circlet that was given to Queen Maud as a wedding gift in 1896. The tiara will reportedly be returned to the main line of the royal family on Astrid's death.
This diamond tiara, currently owned by Princess Astrid, takes its name from the symbol of the Vasa family, which makes up the center element of the tiara. The tiara was given to Astrid's mother, Crown Princess Märtha, as a wedding present in 1929. Made by Carlman, the tiara features hundreds of diamonds set in platinum. It will return to the monarch after Astrid's death.
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Portugal
Maria Francisca’s Diamond Bandeau Tiara: (1, 2)
This small diamond bandeau tiara, with interspersed floral elements, was worn by the previous Duchess of Bragança, Maria Francisca, and today is worn by Isabel, wife of the current duke.
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Romania
Romanian Greek Key Tiara: (1, 2)
This diamond meander tiara began as a Russian piece; it was given to Princess Victoria Melita by her second husband, Grand Duke Kyril of Russia. Victoria was forced to sell her jewelry after the collapse of the Russian empire, and this tiara was purchased by her sister, Queen Marie of Romania. Marie gave the tiara to her daughter-in-law, Princess Helen, who is the grandmother of the current wearer, Crown Princess Margarita. It was also worn by Margarita's mother, Queen Anne, on her wedding day.
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Russia
Maria Vladmirovna's Kokoshnik Tiara: (1)
The provenance of this tiara, worn to a wedding in 2011, is unknown; sources even disagree about whether it's real or paste. Either way, it's designed in the classic Russian kokoshnik style, either with diamonds or simulated stones.
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Serbia
Crown Princess Katherine's Tiara: (1)
This small diamond tiara is of unknown provenance. Most, if not all, of the major jewels belonging to the former Yugoslavian royal family seem to have been sold in the years after King Peter II was deposed.
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Spain
Cartier Diamond and Pearl Tiara: (1, 2)
Made by Cartier for Queen Ena, the large pearls in the center of the scroll elements of this tiara can be swapped out for emeralds. The tiara fell out of the main line of the Spanish royal family; in the 1990s, King Juan Carlos bought back the tiara from his aunt, Infanta Cristina, for Queen Sofia.
Marichalar Meander Tiara: (1, 2)
Infanta Elena was given this diamond tiara by her former mother-in-law, with its laurel and Greek key motifs. Elena has continued to wear the tiara even after her divorce.
Mellerio Floral Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
This diamond floral tiara, made by Mellerio, was commissioned in 1962 by then-head of state Francisco Franco. He gave it to Queen Sofia as a wedding gift on behalf of the Spanish people.
Mellerio Shell Tiara: (1)
This diamond and pearl tiara, designed to look like a cresting wave or a series of open oyster shells, was made in by Mellerio for the 1867 Paris Exhibition. After the exhibition, it was given as a wedding present to Infanta Isabella by her mother, Queen Isabella II. The tiara made its way through the various branches of the Spanish royal family and was given to Queen Sofia by her new father-in-law, the Count of Barcelona, on her wedding day in 1962.
Prussian Diamond Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4)
A diamond piece in the art deco style, featuring laurel and greek key motifs, this tiara was given in 1913 to Princess Viktoria Luise of Prussia by her father, Kaiser Wilhelm II, on her wedding day to Prince Ernst August of Hanover. Viktoria later gave it to her only daughter, Princess Frederike, who married King Paul I of Greece in 1938. Frederike then gave it to her daughter, Princess Sophia of Greece, on her wedding day to Prince Juan Carlos of Spain in 1962. And then, in 2004, Sophia (by then, Queen Sofia of Spain) lent the tiara to her daughter-in-law, Letizia, to wear on her wedding day. The central teardrop-shaped diamond in the tiara is mounted en tremblant.
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Sweden
Aquamarine Bandeau Tiara: (1)
This tiara, which features a single large aquamarine stone, was given to Madeleine as an eighteenth-birthday present by her parents, King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. The tiara was once worn by Queen Louise, and it reportedly dates from the 1920s.
Aquamarine Kokoshnik Tiara: (1)
For many years, it was thought that this aquamarine and diamond tiara, made in the kokoshnik style, had been sold; however, Princess Margaretha brought it out again in 2010. She received the tiara from her mother, Princess Sibylla, as a wedding present. The tiara was originally worn by Crown Princess Margaret (born Princess Margaret of Connaught).
Baden Fringe Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Worn today by Crown Princess Victoria, this lovely diamond fringe tiara was originally owned by another Victoria: Princess Viktoria of Baden, who married the future Gustav V of Sweden in 1881. Like many fringe tiaras, this piece can also be converted into a necklace. The tiara is also sometimes called the "sunray" tiara.
Bragança (Brazilian) Tiara: (1)
Created in eighteenth-century France, this tiara once belonged to Empress Amelie of Brazil, who bequeathed the tiara to her sister, Queen Josephine of Sweden. The massive diamond floral tiara has been with the Swedish royals ever since. The tiara is a great favorite of the current queen, Silvia, who spent much of her childhood in Brazil.
Cameo Tiara: (1)
This antique gold and pearl tiara was made by Nitot, and was likely a gift from Napoleon to Joséphine in 1809; she gave the tiara to her granddaughter, Queen Josephine of Sweden. The large cameos, which depict scenes from Greek mythology, were not originally made for the tiara. The piece has become something of an unofficial wedding tiara for the Swedish royal women. Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria, and two of the king's sisters, Princess Birgitta and Princess Désirée.
Connaught Diamond Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
This tiara is one of the many Swedish pieces acquired by Crown Princess Margaret, born a princess of Connaught, on her wedding day in 1905. This particular piece was given to Margaret by her parents, Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught (a son of Queen Victoria) and Princess Luise Margarete of Prussia. The delicate tiara features diamond loops from which diamond drops are suspended. Because it was the favorite tiara of the king's mother, this piece is often called "Princess Sibylla's Tiara" in Sweden. Her daughter, Princess Christina, wore the tiara on her wedding day.
Diamond Bandeau Tiara: (1)
Likely a necklace used as a hair ornament, this diamond bandeau tiara has been worn by both Crown Princess Victoria and Princess Madeleine.
Diamond Four Button Tiara: (1, 2, 3)
One of two diamond button tiaras in the Swedish collection, this tiara is frequently worn by the younger women of the family. This tiara, the Four Button, is the smaller of the two, with fewer buttons and a far less substantial base. The buttons on both tiaras are reportedly from the crown used at the coronation of King Carl XIV Johan in 1818.
Diamond Six Button Tiara: (1, 2, 3)
The Six Button is the larger of the Swedish button tiaras, and in recent years, it has been altered to include three rows of diamonds on its base. The buttons on this tiara are also reportedly from the crown used at the coronation of King Carl XIV Johan in 1818.
King Edward VII Ruby Tiara: (1)
This tiara is another wedding gift to Margaret of Connaught -- this time from her uncle, King Edward VII of the UK. The piece, which most sources attribute to Wolff, is composed of large diamond scroll elements that resemble hearts, each with a ruby at the center.
Leuchtenberg Sapphire Parure Tiara: (1, 2, 3)
Like many others in the Swedish vaults, this substantial diamond and sapphire tiara has a Napoleonic connection. He gave the tiara as a wedding present to the Duke and Duchess of Leuchtenberg, who in turn gave it to their daughter, Queen Josephine of Sweden. Frequently worn by Queen Louise and Queen Silvia, the tiara is a veritable wall of diamonds, topped by large sapphires.
Modern (Carl XVI Gustaf) Fringe Tiara: (1, 2, 3)
A newer piece, this diamond fringe tiara was given to Queen Silvia by King Carl XVI Gustaf in 1986 to mark their tenth anniversary. The tiara can also be worn as a necklace.
Napoleonic Amethyst Tiara: (1, 2, 3)
Worn for many years as a substantial necklace -- hence its rather flat appearance -- Queen Silvia had this tiara mounted on its frame. The large amethysts that make up the piece once belonged to Empress Joséphine and came to Sweden through the Leuchtenbergs.
Napoleonic Cut-Steel Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
Until Queen Silvia rediscovered this unusual tiara in a palace cupboard, the piece was unseen for decades. Rather than gems, this tiara is composed of highly-polished cut steel in floral, feather, and leaf designs, set in gold. It's another piece that came to Sweden with Queen Josephine, granddaughter of Empress Joséphine of France.
Queen Sophie’s (Nine-Prong) Diamond Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
This diamond tiara was made in Berlin for Queen Sophie, the wife of King Oscar II, who reigned in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The tiara features a series of arches topped by large cross-shaped diamond "prongs."
Queen Sophie's Diamond and Pearl Tiara: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
This small tiara, featuring a diamond base topped by small pearls, is currently owned by Princess Christina. It was given to her in 1974 by her godmother, Elsa Cedergren, a granddaughter of Queen Sophie; some sources suggest that the tiara was a legacy from Sophie, hence the name.
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Thailand
Queen Sirikit's Diamond Tiara: (1)
Worn at the Greek royal wedding in 1964 by Queen Sirikit of Thailand, wife of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the provenance of this tiara is unknown.
