The Court Jeweller

Sparkling Royal Jewels From Around the World

Diamond Tiara Tournament: Imperial Chrysanthemum vs Connaught Diamond

by // Leave a Comment

Will it be the Japanese floral sparkler or the delicate Swedish tiara?

MAP/AFP via Getty Images, JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images

The Imperial Chrysanthemum Tiara vs. The Connaught Diamond Tiara
MAP/AFP via Getty Images

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.
JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images

This floral diamond tiara was Crown Princess Margareta of Sweden’s wedding gift from her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Connaught. The piece is endlessly convertible, able to be worn as a tiara or in two different necklace settings. After her death, the tiara was inherited by her eldest son, Prince Gustaf Adolf. It became the favorite tiara of his wife, Princess Sibylla, and the family still sentimentally associates the tiara with Sibylla. Today, it remains in the royal vaults, and you’ll often see it worn by Queen Silvia, Crown Princess Victoria, Princess Madeleine, and Princess Christina.

Diamond Tiara Tournament: Brabant Laurel vs Japanese Crown Princely

by // Leave a Comment

Our first match of the week is a sparkling one!

Sean Gallup/Getty Images, AFP via Getty Images

The Brabant Laurel Wreath Tiara vs. The Japanese Crown Princely Tiara
Sean Gallup/Getty Images

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.
AFP via Getty Images

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.

Diamond Tiara Tournament: Week Seven Results!

by // Leave a Comment

We’ve got all the results from our recent tiara votes—including one big upset!

ARTHUR EDWARDS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images, Patrick van Katwijk/Getty Images

The Wall of Diamonds does it again! Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik won our first contest of the week with 69.51% of the vote, while the Belgian Scroll Tiara was chosen by 30.49% of voters.
JONATHAN BRADY/AFP via Getty Images, Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

Our Cinderella’s Big Dance has finally come to a close. Though 45.41% of you selected Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau, the Danish Floral Aigrette won the day with 54.59% of the vote.
KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP via Getty Images, Dean Treml/Getty Images

This one was a major upset! Even in its widowed form, the Vladimir Tiara triumphed with 51.65% of the vote, while the number-one-seeded Meiji Tiara brought in 48.35%.
Chris Jackson/Getty Images, PETER NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images

This one was a battle of two imposing sparklers! Voters selected the Stuart Tiara as the winner, with 61.39% of the tally, while 38.61% of you preferred the Greville Tiara.
We’ve got more round three contests coming your way on Monday!