Our first Wednesday match-up is a diamond bonanza!

Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik vs Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau

Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik

This classic diamond tiara was inspired by a kokoshnik owned by Queen Alexandra’s beloved sister, Empress Marie Feodorovna of Russia. Later worn by Queen Mary, it’s graced the Queen’s head since 1953.

Queen Mary’s Diamond Bandeau

Queen Mary commissioned this tiara in the 1930s to showcase one of her wedding gifts, the County of Lincoln Brooch. Hidden away for years, it skyrocketed back in the spotlight when the Duchess of Sussex chose it as her bridal tiara.

We’ve got another diamond head-to-head contest coming up this afternoon…

Two intricate diamond and pearl sparklers face off in this match-up…

The Cartier Indian Tiara vs. Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara

The Cartier Indian Tiara

This rather incredible tiara was originally owned by one of Queen Victoria’s granddaughters, the fascinating Princess Marie Louise. It was made by Cartier in the first quarter of the twentieth century, and its name comes from the Indian-inspired design elements incorporated into the piece. Marie Louise left the diamond, sapphire, and pearl jewel to her godson, the present Duke of Gloucester, and it’s still being worn today by his wife, Birgitte.

Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara

This diamond and pearl sparkler, a replica of another famous lover’s knot tiara, was commissioned by Queen Mary in 1913. It’s since been worn by three more royal women: the present Queen, Diana, Princess of Wales, and the Duchess of Cambridge. It’s a royal tiara that has reached icon status.

Stay tuned tomorrow morning for our next tiara tournament post!

Two classic Queen Mary tiaras face off it this morning’s match-up…

The Vladimir Tiara vs. Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara

The Vladimir Tiara

Classic design? Check! Multiple settings? Check! Incredible backstory? Definitely check! The Vlad’s a top seed in this tournament for a reason — it checks all the boxes! The Queen’s been wearing it since 1953, and it’s rightfully become one of her signature pieces.

Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara

In 1919, Queen Mary commissioned this classic diamond fringe tiara as a more modern, wearable alternative to the one worn by Queen Victoria. Since then, it’s been worn by two subsequent queens and used twice as a royal wedding tiara. The Queen doesn’t wear it often these days, but it remains one of the most identifiable tiaras in her collection.

Check back this afternoon for our second tip-off of the day!