Our second match-up of the day features a pair of fabulous, intricate tiaras…

The Cartier Indian Tiara vs. The Persian Turquoise 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.

The Persian Turquoise Tiara

In 1923, King George V gave this diamond and turquoise tiara and its accompanying parure to his new daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (better known to us as the Queen Mum). She passed the set (which gets its name from the Persian turquoises used in the parure) along to her daughter, Princess Margaret, who became its most frequent wearer. We don’t know absolutely for sure, but it’s most likely back in the Buckingham Palace vaults today.

Check back soon for Wednesday’s third tiara showdown of the day…

Our first game of the day features a meeting between classic and modern tiaras…

Queen Mary’s Lover’s Knot Tiara vs. The Wessex Aquamarine Necklace Tiara

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.

The Wessex Aquamarine Necklace Tiara

Sophie debuted this dazzling diamond and aquamarine jewel in November 2005 during the enthronement festivities for Prince Albert II of Monaco. The versatile modern piece can be worn as either a tiara or a necklace, and its sea green aquamarine coordinates beautifully with several other jewels from Sophie’s collection. Could a new kid on the block defeat an established winner?

Our next tiara showdown will tip off in a few hours…

This contest pits two of Queen Mary’s beloved sparklers against each other…

Queen Mary’s Fringe Tiara vs. The Delhi Durbar Tiara

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.

The Delhi Durbar Tiara

Queen Mary also commissioned this massive tiara (and accompanying diamond and emerald jewels) for the Delhi Durbar in 1911. King George V thought it was her “best” tiara, but it’s only been worn twice since her era: once by the Queen Mother, and once by the Duchess of Cornwall. Is it a classic or a relic?

Our next tiara tip-off will be at midnight CDT!