August 1, 2024 | Laidley Bates

Photos Of The Most Stunning British Royal Tiaras


Fit For Royalty

Tiaras, a broad term for various styles of headdresses, are exquisite jewelry pieces with cultural, historical, and personal significance. Here are some gorgeous ones owned by the British Royal family.

Tiara31 Cover

Queen Adelaide's Fringe Necklace

Queen Victoria wore this diamond fringe early in her reign after she became queen. The piece originally belonged to her aunt, Queen Adelaide, who married King William IV. But wait! This is a necklace, not a tiara. Right?

Grayscale Portrait Photo of Queen Victoria seated, Crown jubileeW. & D. Downey, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Queen Adelaide's Fringe Necklace

Where Did It Come From?

In 1831, the year of William and Adelaide's coronation, William IV commissioned the fringe from Rundell and Bridge. William's father, King George III, initially owned the diamonds in the fringe. Still, a fringe is a necklace, not a tiara. Confused? Read on.

Painting of Adelaide Of Saxe-Meiningen - 1832John Simpson, Wikimedia Commons

Queen Adelaide's Fringe Necklace

Now a Tiara

Originally designed as a necklace, Queen Victoria later had the fringe mounted on a tiara frame. She first wore this tiara in November 1837 during her early public appearances. Necklaces can become tiaras. Neat!

The First of May - Painting of Franz Xaver Winterhalter - 1851Franz Xaver Winterhalter, Wikimedia Commons

Queen Victoria's Oriental Circlet Tiara

Victorian Craftsmanship

Queen Victoria's Oriental Circlet Tiara is a significant and historic piece of royal jewelry and a beautiful example of Victorian jewelry craftsmanship. But wait a minute. Is it a circlet or a tiara, and what the heck is a circlet?

Queen Elizabeth at the Parliament Building in Ottawa - 1939Law Society of Upper Canada Archives (National Film Board),Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Queen Victoria's Oriental Circlet Tiara

Reflective Of The Queen

A tiara that encircles the head's entire circumference, or nearly so, is called a circlet. Queen Victoria's Oriental Circlet Tiara reflects her taste and the cultural interests of her reign. Its intricate design and historical provenance make it a valued part of the British monarchy's jewelry collection.

Queen Elizabeth II wearing Queen Victoria's Oriental Circlet Tiara - 2005Mark Cuthbert, Getty Images

Queen Mary's Fringe Tiara

From One Queen To Another

Originally a gift from Queen Victoria to Queen Mary, this tiara was created using diamonds from a dismantled necklace. It is known for its striking appearance.

Coronation portraits of Queen Elizabeth - 1939Sam Hood, Wikimedia Commons

Queen Mary's Fringe

A New Era

Historically significant, Queen Elizabeth II wore it during her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947, and it was said to mark the beginning of a new era for the monarchy after World War II.

Queen Elizabeth II wedding - 1947Anefo, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Queen Mary's Fringe

The Practical Tiara

This Queen Mary tiara, which Queen Elizabeth II wore on numerous official occasions, is often mentioned for its practicality. It can be adjusted to fit different head sizes, allowing for a comfortable and secure fit. Such a lovely feature!

Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of New Zealand, in the Blue Room of Buckingham Palace - 2011.Julian Calder for Governor-General of New Zealand, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Queen Elizabeth II's Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara

Perhaps the most recognized tiara in the British Royal Collection is the Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara—one of Queen Elizabeth II's most consistently worn tiaras.

Elizabeth II, Queen of Australia, wearing the Sovereign Badge of the Order of Australia - 1996Department of Immigration and Border Protection, CC BY 3.0 AU, Wikimedia Commons

Queen Elizabeth II's Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara

A Crown Favorite

The Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara was first given to Queen Mary in 1893 as a wedding gift. This tiara became one of Queen Mary's most frequently worn jewelry pieces. 

Photograph of Queen Mary - circa 1912Grove & Boulton, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Queen Elizabeth II's Girls of Great Britain and Ireland Tiara

A Re-Gifted Wedding Present?

Queen Mary subsequently passed it down to her granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II, who received it as a wedding gift in 1947. The tiara, adorned with festoon and fleur-de-lis patterns, consisted of diamonds arranged in a setting of silver and gold. Now that is a re-gifting most ladies won't mind!

Hm Queen Elizabeth II - 1962Welcome Images, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Queen Alexandra's Kokoshnik Tiara

Queen Alexandra's Kokoshnik Tiara is a splendid and significant piece of royal jewelry. The tiara, made by the Russian court jeweler Bolin in 1888, was a wedding gift from the Ladies of Society to Princess Alexandra of Denmark upon her marriage to the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII of the United Kingdom.

The Queen Alexandra's Kokoshnik Tiara on display at Kensington Palace - 2019Rachelle Haun, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Queen Alexandra's Kokoshnik Tiara

Perfect For Any Occasion

The Kokoshnik Tiara remains in the British royal collection. Subsequent queens and consorts have worn it, including Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) and Queen Elizabeth II. It is a versatile piece often seen at state banquets and other formal occasions.

Queen Elizabeth II hosting a state banquet for the president of Mexico - 2015Presidencia de la República Mexicana, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara

The Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara is a striking and iconic piece of jewelry.

It features a distinctive Russian kokoshnik design, with a high base and a row of interlaced diamond circles or motifs resembling the traditional Russian headdress.

Portrait of Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna of Russia - circa 1870-1880Anonymous photographer from Russian Empire, Wikimedia Commons

Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara

A Fascinating Connection

This tiara is even more fascinating because of its original owner, Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna of Russia. Maria was the first cousin to Czar Nicholas II, the last Emperor of Russia, whose murder and the murder of his wife and children are well known.

Grand Duchess Maria Pavlovna the Elder of Russia - 1908Aniklot Pazetti, Wikimedia Commons

Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara

A Tiara In Exile

Maria was the last Romanov grand duchess to escape from Russia and sneak this tiara out with her. In 1921, Maria Pavlovna's daughter sold the tiara to Queen Mary, consort of King George V of the United Kingdom.

Mary of Teck (1867 – 1953), queen consort to George V. Photo taken in 1934.Hay Wrightson, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara

A Prominent Piece

The Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara is a brilliant piece of jewelry. It was made by Boucheron, the prestigious French jeweler, in 1919 for Margaret Greville. Greville was a prominent British society hostess, philanthropist and close friend of the royal family.

Princess Eugenie leaves St George's Chapel following her and Jack Brooksbank's wedding ceremony on October 12, 2018 in Windsor, England.Pool , Getty Images

Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara

Russian In Design

Dame Greville's tiara features a Russian kokoshnik design similar to that of the Grand Duchess Vladimir Tiara. Both have a characteristic high base and a symmetrical pattern of diamonds and gemstones.

Princess Eugenie arrives at St George's Chapel - 2018Pool, Getty Images

Greville Honeycomb Tiara

A Family Friend

The Greville Honeycomb Tiara, also known as the Greville Chandelier Tiara, is another beautiful piece of royal jewelry. It was made in 1921 by Boucheron and belonged to Dame Greville, who had an affinity for the Duke and Duchess of York, Bertie and Elizabeth.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attends the annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace - 2017Max Mumby/Indigo, Getty Images

Advertisement

Greville Honeycomb Tiara

A Curious Bequest

Dame Greville bequeathed her extensive jewelry collection, including the Greville Tiara, to the Duchess of York, who had become Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) by 1942. This tiara consists of stunning diamonds set in a sensational platinum frame.

Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attends the CHOGM Dinner at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel - 2013Chris Jackson, Getty Images

The Queen Mary's Lover's Knot Tiara

The Queen Mary's Lover's Knot tiara, made by Garrard & Co., was commissioned in 1913 by Queen Mary's grandmother. It is a replica of an earlier tiara that was a favorite of Queen Mary's.

Diana, Princess of Wales, attending a dinner at the British Embassy wearing Queen Mary's diamond and pearl tiara - 1985Tim Graham, Getty Images

The Queen Mary's Lover's Knot Tiara

An Impressive Replica

Although a replica, Queen Mary's collection provided the pearls and diamonds for this piece. How many ladies would snub a royal replica? No one ever, that's who!

Princess Diana At A Banquet Wearing The Cambridge Knot Diamond And Pearl Tiara - 1983Tim Graham, Getty Images

Advertisement

The Queen Mary's Lover's Knot Tiara

Princesses of Wales

Princess Diana loved this tiara, featuring large pearls and diamond arches. Kate Middleton, the current Princess of Wales, has worn it, as it holds sentimental value for her.

Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge departs Kensington Palace to attend a State Banquet - 2018Max Mumby/Indigo, Getty Images

The Strathmore Rose Tiara

Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother, received this tiara as a wedding gift from her father, the Earl of Strathmore, on her marriage to the Duke of York (later King George VI) in 1923. It features diamond roses and has sentimental significance within the royal family.

Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon, in 1927.Vandyk photographic studio, Wikimedia Commons

The Cartier Halo Tiara

Happy Anniversary!

Made by Cartier in 1932, this tiara was a gift from King George VI to Queen Elizabeth (the Queen Mother) on their wedding anniversary.

It is a dazzlingly delicate tiara adorned with diamond scrolls and was given to Elizabeth just a year before they acceded to the throne.

The Halo Tiara lent by Her Magesty Queen Elizabeth II on show at the Cartier - 2018Cole Bennetts , Getty Images

Advertisement

The Cartier Halo Tiara

A Family Heirloom

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth later gave it to their daughter, the then-future Queen Elizabeth II, as an 18th birthday present. 

Princess Margaret - 1956PA Images, Getty Images

The Cartier Halo

A Princess' Wedding

Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, wore this tiara for her wedding to Captain Mark Phillips in 1973. Its striking design lends a classic and elegant appearance, perfect for a royal wedding.

Kate Middleton ride in a carriage on her way to Buckingham Palace - 2011Mr Pics, Shutterstock

The Lotus Flower Tiara

A Cherished Gift

Another beautiful gift, this tiara, was a wedding present from King George VI to Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) in 1923. The Lotus Flower Tiara features diamond lotus flowers and has a delicate, floral-inspired design.

The Duchess Of York, 1925Archives New Zealand, CC BY-SA 2.0,Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Meander Tiara

The Meander Tiara, also known as the Greek Key Tiara, is a notable piece of royal jewelry with a personal connection to Queen Elizabeth II. It's not just a tiara but a part of her story.

Helen of Greece and Denmark, wearing the Romanian 'Greek Key' tiara - 1964Keystone-France, Getty Images

Meander Tiara

Welcome To The Family

In 1947, Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) received this diamond-crafted tiara as a wedding gift from her mother-in-law, Princess Alice of Greece and Denmark. The tiara showcases a Greek design highlighted by a central laurel wreath motif and two honeysuckle elements.

Queen Elizabeth II records her Christmas message to the CommonwealthWPA Pool, Getty Images

Burmese Ruby Tiara

The tiara was made by Garrard & Co., the renowned British jeweler, in 1973. It was commissioned by Queen Elizabeth II using rubies gifted to her by the people of Burma (now Myanmar) to commemorate her Silver Jubilee. Rubies are traditionally associated with love, passion, and power, adding symbolic depth to the tiara.

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II Monday, June 3, 2019 wearing  - Burmese Ruby TiaraThe White House from Washington, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Belgian Sapphire Tiara

Queen Elizabeth II acquired this tiara, once again expanding her jewelry collection. Its impressive square sapphire, framed by an intricate design of diamonds and sapphires, catches everyone's eye with its beauty.

Queen Elizabeth II, wearing the Queen Burmese Ruby Tiara, attends a banquet on June 09, 1992 in Paris, France.Anwar Hussein, Getty Images

Delhi Durbar Tiara

In 1911, King George V had the Delhi Durbar Tiara crafted for his wife, Queen Mary. It is set with diamonds in the form of festoons and scrolls, with a distinctive central detachable Delhi Durbar emerald.

Queen Mary standing, wearing the Delhi Durbar Tiara - circa 1912John Thomson, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons

Brazilian Aquamarine Parure Tiara

The Brazilian Aquamarine Parure Tiara is elegant and classically designed. The aquamarines are a significant gift from Brazil, reflecting diplomacy and goodwill between the countries.

Queen Elizabeth II, wearing the Brazilian Aquamarine Parure Tiara - 1994Anwar Hussein, Getty Images

Advertisement

Queen Mary's Diamond Bandeau Tiara

Made in 1932 by Garrard & Co., the renowned British royal jeweler, Queen Mary specifically commissioned a lightweight, versatile tiara that accommodates various hairstyles. The practicality of this tiara wins the day.

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex wave from the Ascot Landau Carriage - 2018AARON CHOWN, Getty Images

Queen Mary's Diamond Bandeau Tiara

The American Connection

The Diamond Bandeau Tiara gained significant public attention when it was worn by Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, on her wedding day to Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, in May 2018.

Portrait Photo of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry at their weddingHsnews Us, Flickr

Queen Mother's Cartier Bandeau

The Queen Mum received this tiara from her husband, King George VI. It features a scroll-like design with sparkling diamonds. 

Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother PortraitRichard Stone, Wikimedia Commons

Advertisement

Queen Mother's Cartier Bandeau

Five In One

The pieces that make up this tiara were gifts given over several years. Elizabeth the Queen Consort received five sensational bracelets from her husband. Those five bracelets combined create this fabulous bandeau.

Wedding Of George Vi And Elizabeth Bowes-LyonBassano Ltd, Wikimedia Commons


READ MORE

The Sad Story Behind The Little Dancer

The Sad Story Behind The Little Dancer

"Little Dancer of Fourteen Years" is one of Edgar Degas's most famous works—but few know the model behind it or her dark backstory.
August 2, 2023 Sarah Ng
Space Shuttle Challenger Blasting off into Sky

The 13 Dumbest Mistakes In History

We all make silly mistakes in our everyday lives—but luckily, they rarely have any sort of impact beyond an embarrassing memory. Unfortunately, other people throughout the years haven’t been so fortunate—and their dumb mistakes end up in the history books for all to laugh at.
April 18, 2024 Samantha Henman
Shakespeare Internal

Did Shakespeare Have A Ghost Writer? Exploring The Marlovian Theory

William Shakespeare is widely regarded as the greatest writer to have ever lived—but what if he didn't write all of the works that he is so famous for?
May 7, 2024 Sam T. Weltman
Hermes Internal

Thierry Hermès: The Man Behind The World's Oldest Luxury Brand

In the world of fashion, one name stands out among the rest as a symbol of enduring quality and sophistication: Thierry Hermès.
May 16, 2024 Kaddy Gibson
Eternalflame Internal

The World's Eternal Flames That Keep On Burning

Did you know that some fires around the world have been burning for centuries? The following eternal flames have been burning for years on end, and they're all in different places on Earth.
May 21, 2024 Dancy Mason
Aristotle Internal

Aristotle, History's Greatest Philosopher, Was Also The First Marine Biologist

While Aristotle's philosophical works like "Metaphysics" and "Nicomachean Ethics" are widely recognized, his revolutionary findings in marine biology are often overlooked.
May 23, 2024 Sam T. Weltman