This contest features a pair of petite tiaras!

The Vifte Tiara vs. King Olav’s Gift Tiara

The Vifte Tiara

This tiny diamond tiara takes its name from the Norwegian word for “fan.” It was one of Queen Maud’s wedding presents, very likely from several members of the Rothschild family. Queen Sonja has worn it as a small tiara in the past, but today it’s worn by Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who has worn it both as a tiara and as a necklace.

King Olav’s Gift Tiara

This delicate pearl and diamond tiara has a sentimental story: it was Princess Martha Louise of Norway’s eighteenth-birthday gift from her beloved grandfather, King Olav V. The little sparkler features a natural design — blades of grass or sheaves of wheat — and has remained Martha Louise’s primary tiara for more than three decades. 

Our last contest of the week is coming up next!

Will it be the royal heirloom or the modern sparkler?

Queen Alexandra’s Turquoise Tiara vs. The Modern Gold Parure Tiara

Queen Alexandra’s Turquoise Tiara

This delicate diamond and turquoise tiara is part of a parure inspired by traditional design elements from India. It originally belonged to Queen Alexandra of the United Kingdom, who bequeathed it to her daughter, Queen Maud of Norway, in 1925. Today, it belongs to Maud’s granddaughter, Princess Astrid, who wears it often and intends to will it back to the main collection of the family one day.

The Modern Gold Parure Tiara

This versatile modern tiara is part of a parure that was reportedly given to Queen Sonja as a sixtieth birthday present by King Harald V in the 1990s. It can be worn in three different settings, with diamond, tourmaline, and topaz center elements. So far, Sonja is the only member of the Norwegian royal family to be photographed in pieces of the rather space-age suite.

A stunning necklace is up next, followed by more tiaras tomorrow!

This contest pairs up two tiaras full of symbolism…

The Vasa Tiara vs. The Maltese Cross Circlet

The Vasa Tiara

This small but dazzling diamond tiara was a wedding gift from the city of Stockholm to Princess Martha of Sweden on her marriage to the future King Olav V of Norway in 1929. The tiara’s name comes from Martha’s royal heritage from the old Vasa dynasty of Sweden. The tiara was subsequently worn by both of the current king’s sisters. It belongs to Princess Astrid, who has indicated that it will remain with the royal family after her eventual death — hopefully a very long time from now!

The Maltese Cross Circlet

This rather unusual royal tiara began its life in Britain, where it was made for Queen Alexandra as a lighter alternative to the George IV State Diadem. She bequeathed the circlet (which originally also had a set of fleur-de-lis ornaments) to her daughter, Queen Maud of Norway, who wore it regularly. Today, it’s worn by Queen Sonja of Norway, though it is rare to see her wear it with the Maltese crosses — she more frequently wears just the bandeau base.

More tiaras coming your way next!