Diamond Tiara Tournament: Emma’s Diamond vs Habsburg Fringe

Will it be the sparkler from the Netherlands or the fringe from Liechtenstein?

This diamond tiara, which features a trio of harp designs with large diamond rosette-style clusters in their centers, was made for Queen Emma of the Netherlands in 1890. She often topped the piece with diamond star ornaments. Today, the tiara is part of the Dutch royal jewelry foundation, and it’s worn often by members of the family, including Princess Beatrix, Queen Maxima, and Princess Laurentien.

This dazzling diamond fringe was made in 1890 by Köchert for Archduchess Maria Theresa of Austria, sister-in-law of Emperor Franz Josef. It was later inherited by her daughter, Archduchess Elisabeth Amalie, who married Prince Alois of Liechtenstein. Since then, it’s been the grandest tiara in the princely vaults, worn for portraits and postage stamps as well as weddings. Today, you’ll often see Hereditary Princess Sophie wearing it for grand gala functions.