The Court Jeweller

Sparkling Royal Jewels From Around the World

Floral Tiara Tournament: Brabant Laurel vs Dutch Laurel

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Which victory wreath will triumph in this contest?

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The Brabant Laurel Wreath Tiara vs. The Dutch Laurel Wreath Tiara
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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.
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The Dutch royal vault is the home of this classic diamond laurel wreath tiara, which is inspired by the wreaths worn to represent victory and power in the ancient world. The small profile of the tiara has made it an excellent “starter” tiara for Dutch princesses, especially Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands. It’s also become a popular wedding tiara for members of the family, having been worn by both Princess Laurentien and Princess Maria Carolina at their weddings.

Floral Tiara Tournament: Ruby Olive vs Bonaparte Olive

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Which Greek royal olive wreath is your favorite?

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The Ruby Olive Wreath Tiara vs. The Bonaparte Olive Wreath Tiara
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This ruby and diamond tiara, designed to resemble an olive wreath, first belonged to Queen Olga of the Hellenes. They were later bequeathed to her son, Prince Nicholas, and worn by his daughters, Princesses Olga and Marina. After being bought back by King Paul, the tiara has stayed with the main line of the family, and is now worn by Queen Anne-Marie.
Photo generously shared by Javier. DO NOT REPRODUCE

This diamond tiara was designed around 1907 by Cartier for Princess Marie Bonaparte, who married a Greek prince. The wreath of pave-set diamond olive leaves is studded with eleven cushion-shaped diamond “olives,” which can be swapped for other stones. The wreath design, popular during the reign of Napoleon, and the olive motif, so connected to the Greeks, united Marie’s French imperial heritage with her new Greek royal status. Today, the tiara belongs to the Albion Art Institute.

Floral Tiara Tournament: Danish Ruby vs Vine Leaves

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It’s time for our first floral wreath tiara match-up!

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The Danish Ruby Parure Tiara vs. The Diamond Vine Leaves Tiara
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This tiara began its life as a series of hair combs, purchased by Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte for his wife, Desiree, to wear at Napoleon’s coronation in 1804. When Bernadotte was elected King of Sweden, the rubies became royal jewels. The combs were made into a bandeau by Queen Alexandrine of Denmark, who had received them from her mother-in-law, Lovisa of Sweden. Queen Ingrid turned the bandeau into a grand wreath tiara, which is now worn by Crown Princess Mary of Denmark.
ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images

This lovely diamond tiara includes natural elements, like leaf and berry motifs, in its design. Made in the second half of the nineteenth century, it is now worn by the women of Luxembourg’s grand ducal family. Five Nassau brides, including Princess Claire, have also chosen the romantic tiara as a bridal diadem.