Floral Tiara Tournament: Imperial Chrysanthemum vs Teck Crescent

Large floral blossoms take center stage with these tiaras!

This all-diamond tiara features one of the most important symbols of the Japanese imperial family: the chrysanthemum flower. The piece was a favorite of Michiko’s mother-in-law, Empress Nagako, who wore it on Akihito and Michiko’s wedding day in 1959. Michiko has often chosen this piece for banquets. She also wore the tiara on the wedding day of her younger son, Crown Prince Fumihito, in 1990.

It’s been almost a century since we’ve seen a British royal wear this tiara, but we know it’s currently on loan to the Duchess of Cornwall. Made in the nineteenth century, the diamond sparkler combines rose and crescent elements that belonged to Princess Mary, Duchess of Gloucester (a daughter of King George III).