Diamond Tiara Tournament: Brabant Laurel vs Japanese Crown Princely

Our first match of the week is a sparkling one!

This antique diamond laurel wreath tiara, made in England in 1912, was given to Queen Mathilde of the Belgians by a group of aristocrats as a wedding present in 1999. She has worn the lovely convertible jewel often over the last two decades, both as a tiara and a necklace.

Two Japanese crown princesses — Empress Michiko and Empress Masako — have worn this tiara on their wedding days. The impressive diamond scroll and ribbon tiara is part of a mirrored parure that includes a coordinating necklace. Today, the tiara is worn by Crown Princess Kiko.