Two of Queen Margrethe’s favorite tiaras are matched up in this contest…

The Baden Palmette Tiara vs. The Danish Floral Aigrette

The Baden Palmette Tiara

This diamond sparkler features a palmette design that resembles romantic hearts. It was made in Germany in the middle of the nineteenth century and given by King Wilhelm of Prussia to his daughter, Grand Duchess Louise of Baden. When her daughter, Victoria, married the future King Gustaf V of Sweden, the tiara came to Scandinavia. Queen Ingrid brought the jewel to Denmark, where it’s worn by Queen Margrethe II today.

The Danish Floral Aigrette

Some believe that this incredible, flexible floral ornament originally belonged to Grand Duchess Anastasia Mikhailovna of Russia, grandmother of King Frederik IX. We know for sure, though, that in the 1960s it belonged to a famous Danish-American tenor, Lauritz Melchior. He sold it to King Frederik in 1963, and it’s been sparkling on the heads of Queen Ingrid and Queen Margrethe II ever since. Queen Margrethe is especially inventive in the ways she wears the three-sectioned tiara.

Another Danish showdown is coming up next!

Will it be the diamond flowers or the heirloom emeralds?

Princess Dagmar’s Floral Tiara vs. The Danish Emerald Parure Tiara

Princess Dagmar’s Floral Tiara

This detailed diamond floral tiara originally belonged to Princess Dagmar of Denmark, a sister of King Christian X (and King Haakon VII of Norway). The tiara was later passed on to Queen Margrethe II, who offered it as a long-term loan to her daughter-in-law, Princess Marie, in 2008. Since then, it has been Marie’s primary tiara, worn for all sorts of gala occasions.

The Danish Emerald Parure Tiara

One of the grandest tiaras in the Danish crown jewel collection, this diamond and emerald sparkler was made in 1840 by C.M. Weisshaupt. The emeralds are even older: they belonged to Queen Sophie Magdalene and Princess Charlotte. The emeralds are reserved for the use of Denmark’s queen, so Queen Margrethe II is their current wearer. When they’re not in use, though, you can visit them on display at Rosenborg Castle.

Look for a sparkling necklace next, then more tiara voting!

Time for the first contest of round two of the Scandinavian tiara tournament!

The Danish Ruby Parure Tiara vs. The Alexandrine Diamond Drop Tiara

The Danish Ruby Parure Tiara

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.

The Alexandrine Diamond Drop Tiara

This delicate diamond drop tiara originally belonged to Queen Alexandrine of Denmark. It was later given to Queen Margrethe II, her granddaughter, as an eighteenth-birthday present. She wore the tiara for years before passing it along to her daughter-in-law, Alexandra. Although Countess Alexandra is no longer a royal princess, she still retains the tiara — and will likely earmark it for the use of her own daughters-in-law one day in the future.

More tiaras coming up next!